The natural scenario for Flamingos observation .
If you want to meet Flamingos, consider the route through Laguna Chaxa; the best place in San Pedro de Atacama to be near of one of the most beautiful birds in the world, standing in a dream landscape.
On this route you will be at 2,300 meters above sea level, similar to the town of San Pedro de Atacama, so you should not have complications with altitude.
Consider 1 hour and a half of travel, prepare your vehicle to weather conditions and do not forget to check that everything is in order.
CAMPERS ROUTE
The Chaxa lagoon is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve; but it belongs to the Salar de Atacama. It is located 128 kilometers from the town of San Pedro de Atacama and is within the CONAF wilderness protection system.
Its shallow depth makes it a privileged place to observe this elegant bird in its natural habitat. In addition, this reserve allows the proliferation of microscopic and microinvertebrate species, the feeding of Flamingos and other birds that live there.
To get to this destination you can take a half-day tour or your own vehicle. A Masai Camper is perfect for this expedition.
The road has had considerable improvements lately, leaving it accessible for all tourists who want to travel this area by private vehicles. To get from San Pedro de Atacama you must take the CH-23 route in the direction of the town of Toconao, a half-hour journey. From this town you must continue for 3 kilometers until you see the sign that indicates access to the sector of the Chaxa lagoon (Salar de Atacama). You will enter a detour of in good condition, good for all types of vehicles. Continue on the same route for 25 kilometers until you reach the park entrance.
Get on a Masai Camper! Ideal to take you through this incredible route.
As many attractions of the area, meeting the typical fauna ends up being an unique and indescribable spectacle, this reserve stands out for the protection of species such as the tuco tuco de la puna, the friendly culpeo fox, vicuñas, guanacos, among others. The lagoon does not contain great flora because of the heat existing due to temperature fluctuations and the salt of the place, only some have been able to flourish on the banks of the salt flat, such as short grass.
The elegant Flamingos that stands in the reserve along with the silence of the salt flat and the wonderful surroundings make this destination one of the necessary stops in San Pedro de Atacama.
Enjoy this tour without provoking any interventions in the landscape, save the garbage you generate. The reserve maintains a unique model of participatory management, where Atacameño indigenous communities have established associativity for more than 10 years to generate ecotourism projects with CONAF. Respect for nature is very important.
Visit Laguna Chaxa any time of the year, Los Flamencos National Reserve is open every day and has a general entrance value of $ 2,500, students pay $ 1,500 and children under 12 years old do not pay admission. The area has enabled parking and camping sector with tables and chairs available to the public. Take some things to eat and examine the idea of having lunch with your partner, family or friends in the living nature of Laguna Chaxa.
Don´t forget the recommendations and enjoy one of the most beautiful and attractive postcards of San Pedro de Atacama.
DATA
| Destination Name: Laguna Chaxa |
| Distance from town: 50 kilómetros from San Pedro de Atacama |
| Type of road: Normal |
| Type of vehicle: Todo tipo de vehículo |
| Fueling: Pueblo de San Pedro |
| Entrance price: $2.500 general.
$1.500 students. Children under 12 do not pay. |
| Web: http://www.sanpedrodeatacama.com/salar-de-atacama-laguna-chaxa.php |
ESP