Laguna Chaxa: A Flamingo Oasis in the Atacama Desert

Laguna Chaxa is a captivating destination within the vast Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile. This lagoon is part of the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, created in 1990 to protect the high-Andean biological diversity. The reserve stands out for the protection of species such as flamingos, and also vulnerable flora, including tamarugo and carob trees. Here, three of South America's flamingo species—Andean, James's, and Chilean—thrive in the mineral-rich waters. They coexist by feeding on different microscopic elements, like diatoms and brine shrimp, found in the lagoon's bottom layer. Visitors can observe these pale pink beauties throughout the year, with the southern summer (December to February) being an ideal time. Besides flamingos, keep an eye out for other wildlife, including lizards, sandpipers, puna plovers, and Andean avocets. The lagoon's landscape is equally mesmerizing, featuring a stark contrast of colors and textures. The ground is covered in a thick layer of salt, and in the background are huge snow-capped mountains and a bright blue sky. The salt crust forms geometric patterns across the water's surface as the brackish water evaporates, leaving behind crystallized salt. Managed in partnership with the Atacameño Indigenous Community of Toconao, Laguna Chaxa offers an interpretive trail where visitors can learn about the Salar de Atacama. An information exhibit at the entrance provides details about the different flamingo species and tips for spotting them.