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TO SEE
In the sector of the salt deposit of Tara and
Aguas Calientes, the northeast zone of the latter is the most
interesting and is worth visiting. Another very interesting place
not only because of its beauty, but also because you can easily
observe the various species of birds, are the‘Miscanti’ and ‘Miñiques’
lagoons.
Of course, you can't miss the opportunity to discover
the entire area of the Atacama Salt Flat, in its two sectors:
Soncor and Quelana, especially at dawn and at dusk.
The Moon Valley, in the sector of the same name,
consists of a small depression in the ground, 500 meters (1,640
ft) in diameter. You can see some astonishing formations, result
of the erosion of the Salt Mountain Chain, that have received
fame and admiration from around the world.
Finally, it is particularly important to visit
the mesquite forest in the Tambillo sector.
TO DO
Excursions: in all
the sectors of the park.
Wildlife observation: in all the sectors of the park.
Observation and cultural tours: Sectors of Tara salt deposit,
Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, and Moon Valley.
TRAILS
‘La Duna’ Trail: it extends 900 meters
(2,952 ft), about a two hour walk. It is an informal path that
stretches from the road that crosses the Moon Valley up to the
sand covered slopes. Visitors are asked not to enter with vehicles
to the base of the dune, but use the existing path. Along the
way it is possible to observe geologic formations unique in Chile,
and the forms of erosion that give the valley its name. It is
recommended to carry a lot of liquid and sun block.
Moon Valley Trail: with a span of 8 to 12 kilometers
(5 to 7.5 mi), and taking around 4 hours to hike, the path runs
parallel to the road that crosses the Moon Valley. This gives
you a full view of the landscape's beauty and the erosion forms
derived from a more humid climate than the present one. It is
recommended to bring protection against the wind, take a lot of
liquid, and sun block.
Tara Salt Deposit Trail: this path
allows you to walk the north border of the Tara Salt Deposit up
to the surroundings of the Zapalen river outlet; it has an extension
of 8 to 10 kilometers (5 to 6 mi). It allows you to observe the
breathtaking forms of erosion, along with the wildlife (flamingoes
and vicuñas).The
walk is carried out over a plateau located 4,300 meters (14,104
ft) above sea level. Due to a lack of oxygen, the visitor should
walk slowly and take warm clothes (high mountain). In the summer,
you should hike during the first hours of the morning, because
after noon, electric storms are common.
Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoon Network Trail: it
has an extension of 8 to 12 kilometers (5 to 7.5 mi), which can
be hiked in 3 or 4 hours. It allows you to admire the banks of
the Miscandi and Miñiques lagoons as the mountain chain dominates
the background (volcanoes). A variety of bird fauna lives in the
area (mainly horny coots, Andean seagulls, caitis, blanquillos
and flamingoes).
Degree of difficulty: the lagoons are located
at 4,300 meters (14,104 ft) above sea level, and the lack of oxygen
in the environment obligates the visitor to walk slowly. You must
always carry warm clothes for the high altitudes where the temperature
tends to drop. In the summer, it is recommended to carry out the
trip in the first hours of the morning, until 12:00 or 1:00 pm,
because electric storms commonly occur after that time.
Soncor Trail: it has an extension of 4 to 5 kilometers
(2.5 to 3 mi), and it takes about 3 hours to tour. The visitor
can explore the ‘San Luis’ bridge and its surroundings, taking
in the view of the lagoons and watching the fauna. Among the animal
life that stands out are the Andean, Chilean and James flamingoes,
Baird birds, caitis, and Andean seagulls. It is very important
that the visitor use sun block to protect against UV rays and
drink a lot of liquid.
FACILITIES
Administration
Area: the Administrative Post of the ‘Los Flamencos’
National Reserve is located in San Pedro de Atacama, 104 kilometers
(65 mi) from Calama and 38 kilometers (24 mi) from Toconao.
Park Ranger Office:
There is a park ranger
office in Toconao, located 38 kilometers (24 mi) from San Pedro
de Atacama and 142 kilometers (89 mi) from Calama.
Eating and Camping Areas:
there are no suitable
areas for these services within the park.
Lodging
and food: there are no lodging and food services in
the reserve.
Services
outside the area: in the area of San Pedro de Atacama
there are 4 types of services offered on a permanent basis: tours
on horseback or in motor vehicles, guided walks, and bike trips.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Help us protect
the natural resources available here and make your visit to this
National Park more pleasant by considering the following recommendations:
SERVICES
ARTICLES
OR RELATED LINKS
 San Pedro de Atacama
Sport
Climbing in San Pedro de Atacama
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