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Altiplano - Salar de Tara
(full-day, early start recommended)
The Salar de Tara - Aguas Calientes sector of the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos is located 133 km east of San Pedro, in the middle of the Andean Mountain Chain. Made up of two salt lakes and bofedales: Tara and Aguas Calientes (hot waters), at 4,300 meters above sea level, and the Rio Zapalery, which together support a varied flora and fauna
Here the landscape is of volcanic structures and high steppe plains, part of the caldellera of an ancient super-volcano, with eroded slopes to the east of the Salar de Tara, and exposed volcanic columns to the northeast of the Salar Aguas Calientes and also the Laguna Negra (Black Lagoon).
There are archaeological sites in the north sector of the Tara salt deposit and traditional livestock and sustainable utilisation activities are practiced by local communities. Buildings are associated with pastoral farmers who seasonally graze llama on the bofedales. In the past, warmer periods of climate may have allowed for agricultural activities.
Several surrounding communities have animals grazing in the area, the most important being the Talabre community, with a herd of 700-800 domestic llamas. Various plant species are harvested for animal fodder, fuel, roof thatching and medicinal use. Although hunting has diminished to marginal levels, all larger mammals are still being used for hides and meat (vicuña also for wool). Large birds are killed for ornamental feathers and meat. Eggs are mainly taken from coots, gulls and duck species, but also from flamingos.
Activities
The footpath has a length of 4.97 - 6.21 miles, for 3 to 4 hours, and is mainly for vehicles 4WD, crossing the north edge of the Salar de Tara until the Rio Zapaleri.
Due to a lack of oxygen, the visitor should walk slowly and wear warm clothes (high mountain wear).
Salar de Pujsa
On the way to Salar de Tara there is the opportunity to visit the Salar de Pujsa, located 83km from San Pedro. The relief presents an intermountain depression between the Negro de Pujsa and Balle hills, which forms a series of small wetlands and lakes that empty into the Salar via the Vegas de Quepiaco and the Rio Quepiaco, with associated flora and fauna.
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