The Salt Lakes - San Pedro The Atacama

Enough with the bicycle, and back on the motorbike! (and on this trip to the salt lakes I think it was a good idea!) The first lakes are only five km away from San Pedro, but the other lakes lie farther away and are definitely worth the visit. As the desert sun can be a little overwhelming during midday, early morning or the afternoon are recommended hours to set out on this exploration, especially with regular bicycles. 

The dogs accomanied a couple riding bicycles from town

The salt lakes are situated more toward the middle of the huge salt flats, and render a grand panoramic view of the vast barren landscape with the impressive mountain ranges at the line of the horizon. The salt has been accumulated from the time when the area was at the bottom of an ocean with a particularly high concentration of salt. The lakes now form part of a very unique ecosystem that you  find at these high altitudes (>2,400 meters above sea level), with a certain type of flora and fauna that thrives in this salty climate. 

I really enjoy taking some trips with just my bike and no luggage to fully enjoy the terrain and the landscape. - My first stop was the three first lakes, ... or ponds. I was really struck by the strong and bright colors of the grass, the water, and the sky. After some shots of the lakes and its surrounding, it was time to try the high salt level! - And sure enough, there was definitely no need for a floating device as you could lift your limbs out of the water! Incredible! The cool water also offered a needed break from the intense sun. 

I met a couple that had rented bicycles from town, and felt a bit sorry for them as I left them behind heading to the next stop. The cool breeze from riding the bike was for sure something that they could not enjoy. After a good cruise through the white barren desert, I found myself between two round basins, in the middle of nowhere. The two "Eyes" appear as though they would be unnatural, or does not seem to fit as they are about the same size, right next to each other, with no similar phenomena in sight. - It is an amazing sight! 

The two Eyes

The last stop on my day trip, and maybe the most awe-striking, was a lake with solid salt "rocks" on the surface, and a magnificent view of the mountains in the background. After having spent quite some time in the sun, I sat myself in the shade of the bike (which immediately gave a refreshing and needed break from it), to just enjoy the breathtaking view. After awhile, some snacks, and good number of photos shot, I decided to head back to San Pedro. 

When I past the eyes I encountered the couple again, who decided to turn back at this point too, but with a good stretch in front of them before arriving to San Pedro again. If I had a rope or something, I´d give them a ride part of the way for sure!

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