Morro Moreno National Park

Morro Moreno National Park was established in 2018 to protect the dramatic coastal headland and peninsula just north of Antofagasta. The park's centrepiece is the Morro Moreno massif — a 1,230-metre-high block of Jurassic andesite that forms the northern promontory of the Antofagasta Bay. The park covers 7,300 hectares of coastal desert, sea cliffs, rocky coves, and the only significant breeding colony of Humboldt penguins on the Chilean mainland north of Chañaral.

The park is an important biodiversity hotspot in the Atacama Desert. The coastal fog (camanchaca) supports a unique loma flora — patches of cacti, bromeliads, and ephemeral wildflowers that appear in the winter months. The waters offshore are part of the Humboldt Current system, rich in anchovy and sardine that sustain penguins, sea lions, cormorants, and dolphins.

By Plane

Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF) in Antofagasta is 15 km south of the park. A taxi from the airport to the park entrance costs CLP 12,000–18,000.

By Car / Road

The park entrance is 4 km north of the Antofagasta city limits on Route 1, then 6 km east on a gravel road signed to the administration office. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended for the gravel section. From the Antofagasta bus terminal, a taxi to the park costs about CLP 15,000–20,000.

The park has a single gravel road leading to the ranger station and trailheads. Beyond that, all exploration is on foot via marked trails. There is no public transport inside the park.

• Humboldt Penguin Colony: the park hosts the largest mainland colony of Humboldt penguins in northern Chile, on the rocky islets and sea cliffs of the Morro Moreno headland. Visible from the designated viewing platform (bring binoculars).

• La Portada Natural Arch: accessible from the park's southern boundary — a 50-metre-high sea arch carved from volcanic tuff, one of northern Chile's most photographed landmarks.

• Mirador del Morro: the summit viewpoint at 1,230 m offering a 360-degree panorama of Antofagasta Bay, the Mejillones Peninsula, and the Andes in the distance. A strenuous 4-hour return hike.

• Playa La Rinconada: a sheltered cove within the park with calm waters suitable for swimming, accessible via a short trail.

• Hiking: the park has three marked trails — the Sendero del Cóndor (2 km, easy), the Sendero del Penacho (4 km, moderate), and the ascent to the Morro summit (8 km return, strenuous).

• Wildlife watching: focus on the penguin viewing platform (best at 16:00–18:00 when the penguins return from feeding), the sea lion colony on the eastern rocks, and the guanaco herds on the plateau.

• Photography: sunrise over the Morro massif and sunset over the Pacific from the western trail are exceptional.

• Snorkelling: the clear waters of Playa La Rinconada hold abundant fish and the occasional sea turtle in summer.

No food is sold inside the park. Pack a picnic for the day. Return to Antofagasta for meals — the Mercado Central (CLP 5,000–12,000 per dish) is a good option for seafood.

There is no drinking water in the park. Bring at least 2 litres per person for a day hike — more in summer. Tap water in Antofagasta is safe.

There is no accommodation inside Morro Moreno National Park. The nearest accommodation is in Antofagasta:

• Budget: Hostal La Casa en el Desierto (dorm from CLP 12,000).
• Mid-range: Hotel Antofagasta (CLP 55,000–80,000, beachfront).
• Upscale: Enjoy Hotel Antofagasta (CLP 90,000–150,000, best in the city).

The park has no shop of any kind — bring all water, food, and supplies from Antofagasta before entering. Sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable.

• Antofagasta (15 km south, 20 min): La Portada, Huanchaca Ruins, Museum of Natural History, and the coastal boardwalk.
• Mejillones (60 km north, 50 min): calm swimming bay, historic iron pier, and the Salar de Mejillones flamingo site.
• Reserva Nacional La Chimba (25 km south): coastal desert reserve with walking trails and endemic flora.
• Taltal (170 km north, 2 hr): nitrate-era town and gateway to Pan de Azúcar National Park.
• San Pedro de Atacama (350 km southeast, 4 hr): the Atacama Desert's main tourist hub — salt flats, geysers, and the Valley of the Moon.