National Reserve Los Flamencos (The Flamingoes)

It possesses a surface area of 73,986 hectares, subdivided into 7 sectors: Tara Salt Pan, Aguas Calientes Salt Pan, Pujsa Salt Pan, Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, Atacama Salt Pan (Soncor sector), Atacama Salt Pan (Aguas de Quelana Lagoon sector), Valle de la Luna ("Moon Valley") and Tambillo (Tamarugo Forest). The three first sectors are at 4,200 meters above sea level and the rest are at 2,300 meters above sea level.

Due to its size, there ar e considerable differences in the climate of the different sectors. In the first four sectors, monthly average temperatures vary between 0° and 12ºCelsius. In the remaining sectors, the maximum temperature varies between 27.5° and 29.5ºCelsius in summer, and 19° and 21°Celsius in winter. The minimum average temperature varies between 7.8° and 9.5°Celsius in summer and 2.2° and -0.5°Celsius in winter. It is important to bear in mind that rainfall takes place in the December - March period, with electrical storms.

Scenic views are legion, and each has its own special beauty: one can view mountain ranges, lakes, salt mines, archaeological sites, rock formations, beautiful sunsets, the local flora and fauna, etc.

Regarding flora, in view of its size different types can be found such as: tola de agua, tola amaia, llareta, paja brava, brea, cachiyuyo, tamarugo, etc.

Regarding the fauna, there is an abundance of vicuñas, culpeo and gray foxes, vizcachas, chinchillas, chululos, james and Chilean flamingoes, caitis, pequens, swallows, hawks, Andean seagulls, juarjual ducks, lesser rheas, and condors, among others.

Nearest city SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA: 103 Km to the SOUTH