Los Flamencos National Reserve

Los Flamencos National Reserve is a 74,000-hectare protected area in the Antofagasta Region comprising seven separate sectors scattered across the Salar de Atacama basin. It is the most visited protected area in the Atacama Desert, famous for its high-altitude salt lagoons, vast salt flats, rock formations, and the flamingo populations that give the reserve its name.

The reserve was created in 1990 to protect the fragile altiplano ecosystem and its endemic flora and fauna. The seven sectors — Chaxa, Miscanti, Miñiques, Tambillo, Yerbas Buenas, Pujsa, and the Valley of the Moon — each offer a dramatically different landscape, from turquoise lagoon systems to petrified lava flows to cactus forests. Elevations range from 2,500 m to 4,300 m above sea level.

By Plane

El Loa Airport (CJC, IATA: CJC) in Calama is 100 km north of San Pedro de Atacama, the gateway town. From Calama, take a bus (CLP 5,000) or taxi (CLP 60,000) to San Pedro de Atacama (1.5 hr).

By Car / Road

From San Pedro de Atacama, the reserve's Chaxa sector is 25 km west on Route 23, then 10 km on a gravel road. The Miscanti and Miñiques sectors are 70 km south via Route 23 to the town of Socaire. The Valley of the Moon is 10 km west of San Pedro. All sectors require a vehicle — 4x4 is recommended for Miscanti/Miñiques. Tour operators in San Pedro run daily trips to the reserve's sectors (CLP 20,000–50,000 per person).

Each sector is accessed by vehicle then explored on foot via short, well-marked trails. The Chaxa lagoon has a boardwalk and viewing platforms accessible to wheelchairs. A guided tour is strongly recommended for the first visit, as phone signal is absent and roads are poorly signed.

• Salar de Atacama (Chaxa sector): the brine lagoon at the heart of the salt flat, where Andean, Chilean, and James's flamingos feed. Best visited at sunrise (06:30–08:00) when the birds are most active. Entry CLP 3,000.

• Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques: two deep-blue altiplano lakes at 4,200 m, ringed by steep volcanic escarpments. An iconic photo spot. Entry CLP 3,000, access via the town of Socaire.

• Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon): a landscape of jagged clay and salt formations carved by wind and water, resembling a lunar surface. The Duna Mayor sand dune offers sunset views. Entry CLP 3,000.

• Tambillo sector: a dense forest of giant cacti (Echinopsis atacamensis) that grow up to 7 m tall, with marked walking trails.

• Laguna Cejar: a hypersaline turquoise lagoon where you can float effortlessly (not officially within the reserve but adjacent, CLP 10,000 entry).

• Flamingo watching at Chaxa: the reserve's signature activity — visit at sunrise for the best light and the most active birds.

• Photography: Miscanti and Miñiques are among the most photographed locations in Chile — arrive before 11:00 for the calmest water reflections.

• Sunset at Valle de la Luna: the most popular tour in San Pedro — watch the setting sun paint the Cordillera de la Sal in shades of red and orange.

• Yerbas Buenas sector petroglyphs: view pre-Columbian rock art in a small canyon near San Pedro.

• Stargazing: all sectors are in the Atacama's pristine dark-sky zone. The nearby ALMA observatory offers public tours by prior booking.

No food or drink is sold inside the reserve. Pack water and snacks for day trips. Most tours include a box lunch. Return to San Pedro de Atacama for meals — try Adobe (CLP 10,000–18,000 per main) for upscale Chilean cuisine or the Mercado de San Pedro for empanadas and fresh juice.

All water in the reserve must be brought from San Pedro. High altitude (2,500–4,500 m) requires hydration — drink 3–4 litres per day. Coca tea is widely available in San Pedro and helps with altitude acclimatisation.

There is no accommodation inside the reserve. Stay in San Pedro de Atacama:

• Budget: Hostal Casa de la Sal (dorm CLP 12,000–15,000).
• Mid-range: Cabañas Quinchamalí (private cabins with kitchen, CLP 55,000–75,000).
• Upscale: Hotel Tierra Atacama (all-inclusive luxury, CLP 360,000+ per night).

There are no shops inside any sector of the reserve. San Pedro de Atacama is the place to buy supplies, souvenirs, and equipment. The town market sells alpaca wool goods, lapis lazuli jewellery, and local art.

• San Pedro de Atacama (10–70 km from various sectors): the desert's tourism capital — Pukará de Quitor, Iglesia de San Pedro, and the Meteorite Museum.
• Tatio Geysers (80 km north, 1.5 hr, departure at 05:00): the third-highest geyser field in the world at 4,320 m, most active at sunrise.
• Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche (25–50 km west): floating lagoons and the cascading salt crust at Ojos del Salado.
• Termas de Puritama (30 km north): thermal springs set in a canyon with developed pools — a relaxing afternoon trip.
• Volcán Licancabur (50 km east): a 5,916 m symmetrical cone visible from San Pedro; require a guided ascent with permits.