Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve

Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve protects 130,000 hectares of tamarugo forest in the Pampa del Tamarugal, a vast plain in the Tarapacá Region between Iquique and the Andes. The tamarugo (Prosopis tamarugo) is a unique tree that survives in one of the driest deserts on earth by tapping deep groundwater with roots up to 80 m long. The reserve protects the largest remaining stand of this endemic species.

By Plane

Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) in Iquique is 60 km west. Buses from Iquique to Pozo Almonte pass near the reserve.

By Car / Road

From Iquique, take Route 16 east for 50 km to the reserve entrance near Pozo Almonte (40 min). Paved road.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Local taxis and colectivos cover the residential areas.

• Tamarugo forest: the reserve's main attraction — groves of tamarugo trees in the middle of the absolute desert.

• Canchones: the ranger station with interpretive trails through the forest.

• Nitrate office ruins: several abandoned nitrate works from the 19th century are within the reserve.

• Wildlife watching: tamarugo forests support birds, including the tamarugo conebill and various seedeaters.

• Hiking: the Sendero de los Tamarugos (2 km, easy) through the forest.

• Stargazing: the Pampa del Tamarugal has exceptionally clear night skies.

No food inside the reserve. Pozo Almonte has restaurants.

Tap water is safe to drink. There are a few simple bars and cafés on the main square.

No accommodation inside the reserve. Stay in Pozo Almonte or Iquique.

• Mercado local: a small market selling fresh produce and basic goods.
• Almacenes de la plaza: grocery stores for daily needs.

• Pozo Almonte (5 km south, 5 min): provincial capital.
• Iquique (60 km west, 40 min): regional capital.
• Humberstone (15 km north, 15 min): UNESCO nitrate ghost town.
• Pica (50 km southeast, 1 hr): oasis town.