Cordillera de la Sal, Norte Grande Travel Guide

The Cordillera de la Sal is a captivating mountain range located close to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile's Atacama Desert. This extraordinary landscape was formed millions of years ago from an ancient lake whose bottom was uplifted by the same terrestrial movements that created the Andes Mountains. Over time, the elements of the Atacama Desert—rain, wind, and sun—have sculpted the range into a collection of natural sculptures, showcasing diverse stratifications and a spectrum of colors resulting from the area's mineral diversity.The name “Cordillera de la Sal” comes from the high quantity of calcium sulfate in its rocks, giving them a salt-like appearance. The area's geological origin as an emerged lake is evident in the vertical orientation of its once-horizontal layers. This folding of the surface has created strange and wonderful formations that evoke images of dinosaurs and other surreal shapes. The play of light on the minerals creates a unique brightness, especially during sunset when the desert hues shift from red to purple and black. The Licancabur volcano can be seen from the Cordillera de la Sal.Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Cordillera de la Sal holds geological and archaeological significance. Vestiges of ancient cultures, including the Quechua and Atacameño peoples, have been found in the area, adding historical and cultural depth to the natural landscape.