Laguna Chaxa: A Flamingo Oasis in the Atacama
Witness wild flamingos in their natural habitat at Laguna Chaxa, a stunning salt lagoon in Chile's Atacama Desert. A photographer's dream!
Laguna Chaxa, part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, is a stunning salt lagoon in the heart of the Atacama Desert, Chile. It's renowned as one of the best places in Chile to observe three species of wild flamingos in their natural habitat against a backdrop of shimmering salt flats and distant volcanoes.
A brief summary to Laguna Chaxa
- San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, CL
Local tips
- Bring a good camera with a zoom lens to capture the flamingos and the stunning landscapes.
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light and to see the flamingos most active.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven salt surfaces.
- Stay hydrated, as the Atacama Desert is a high-altitude and arid environment.
- Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Getting There
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Driving
From San Pedro de Atacama, head southeast on Route 23 towards Toconao. After passing Toconao, watch for signs for Salar de Atacama. Turn right onto Route B-355, then right again onto Route B-373. Continue until you reach the parking area at Laguna Chaxa. The drive is approximately 1 hour. Parking is available at the entrance.
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Public Transport
Take a bus from San Pedro de Atacama to Toconao. From Toconao, take a taxi to Laguna Chaxa. The bus ride is approximately 1 hour, and the taxi ride is approximately 30 minutes. The total cost is about $14-$18.
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Tour
Many tour operators in San Pedro de Atacama offer guided tours to Laguna Chaxa, often combined with visits to other nearby attractions such as Piedras Rojas and the Altiplanic Lagoons. The cost of a tour typically includes transportation and entrance fees. Prices start around US$80 per person.
Discover more about Laguna Chaxa
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Casas Valle de la Luna
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Experience tranquility near San Pedro de Atacama with comfortable, regionally-inspired houses and easy access to the Valley of the Moon.
Mirador Achaches
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Experience panoramic desert views from Mirador Achaches in San Pedro de Atacama, a photographer's dream at sunrise and sunset.
Ojo del Desierto
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Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa
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Atacama
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Chaxa
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Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
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Craft village
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Fundación de Cultura de San Pedro de Atacama
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Casa de Piedra Atacameña
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Hostal Atacama Ancestral
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Atacama Tours
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San Pedro Atacama Tours
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Unmissable attractions to see
Laguna Chaxa Park
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Salar de Atacama
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Mirador Toconao
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Plaza de Toconao
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Toconao Bell tower
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Ojos del Salar
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Toconao
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Laguna Tebinquiche
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Laguna Cejar
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Laguna Piedra
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Laguna Baltinache
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Cordillera de la Sal
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Llama Stargazing
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Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache
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Centro Astronomico Starstravel Atacama
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Essential places to dine
Restaurante Ephedra
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Volkanico SmokeHouse
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Colchana
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La Conchana
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Restaurante Puca Pukara
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Baltinache Restaurant
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La Tribu Del Indio
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Restaurante Patta Hoiri
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Pulperia Atacama
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Paachas
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Tierra Todo Natural
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La Casona
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Aura Andina
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Karaván Restobar
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Ckunza Tilar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Viña Santa Romina
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El Telar
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Atelier de Joyas Daniela León
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Las Salinas,
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Casa Solcor Boutique Bed & Breakfast
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Explora Atacama
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Almacen bambino
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Bordados y tejidos Rehegua
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NOI Casa Atacama
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Eca Supermarket
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Awasi Atacama - Relais & Chateaux
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Detalles.Vitamina
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Kunza
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La Despensa De Leyla
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Atacamena
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tres Higeras
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Restaurant Kunza
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Restobar Amigos San Pedro de Atacama
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Cervecería St. Peter
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Roots Cafe Pizza
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REDSTONS food-cocktails-pizzas italianas
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ChelaCabur
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RestoBar Nativo
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Perrock
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Botilleria Nueva Atacama
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