Los Flamencos National Reserve

Hornopirén

National Reserve

Los flamencos

Come and Explore the Chilean Parks

In our Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos travel guide, located in the heart of the Atacama Desert, you will find up-to-date information about the different sectors open to visitors, access routes and entrance fees, nearby accommodation options in San Pedro de Atacama, local tour operators, and other attractions that enhance your visit.

The reserve is renowned for its breathtaking Altiplano landscapes, lagoons where flamingos nest, vast salt flats of exceptional beauty, and trekking routes that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the unique natural environment of northern Chile. From Laguna Chaxa in the Salar de Atacama to the majestic Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, each area offers unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and adventure tourism enthusiasts.

Los Flamencos National Reserve: Travel Guide, Tours and Tickets from San Pedro de Atacama

Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos is a beautiful protected area located in the Altiplano of the Atacama Desert, in the far north of Chile.

Why visit Los Flamencos National Reserve?

Es el parque de la isla grande de Chiloé, donde comienzas a descubrir la naturaleza insular.

Asombrarse con los bosques, valles y cautivantes lagunas que bordean el océano pacífico.

Podrás sentir en profundidad la fauna silvestre de esta área protegida.

Exploring Los Flamencos National Reserve is one of the best ways to experience the Atacama Desert. From the salt flats of Salar de Atacama to the high-altitude lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, this protected area brings together flamingos, volcanoes, desert trails and some of the most iconic landscapes near San Pedro de Atacama.

The reserve is divided into different sectors, so planning your visit is important. Some places are easy to include in a half-day trip, while others require more time, altitude preparation or a guided tour. Valle de la Luna, Laguna Chaxa, Salar de Pujsa, Salar de Tara and the Altiplanic Lagoons are among the highlights for travelers interested in nature, photography and desert scenery.

If you are visiting without a car, or if you want to avoid dealing with routes, tickets and high-altitude roads, booking a guided tour from San Pedro de Atacama is usually the easiest way to explore the area.

What Visitors Say About Los Flamencos National Reserve

Excelente,bien cuidado.

Katiuska Mejias

I cannot even begin to recommend Chris enough. He was thorough, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. I felt like I could walk around inspecting our would-be home with him all day!... Ver más...

Jasleen Kaur
Good

THT

Solo en dos palabras.....maravillosa naturaleza

Pedro Rubina
Maravilhosa natureza!

Marilia CS

Impresionante lugar si te gusta la naturaleza para ver flamencos 🦩 en libertad! El día estuvo bien de temperatura y pudimos ver cómo estaban comiendo en la laguna y algunos... Ver más...

Jesús
Un poco complejo caminarlo con lluvia. Vale la pena el entorno

José Díaz

Na een tijdje gewandeld te hebben kwamen we op een plek waar men onmogelijk door kon vanwege heel veel water.

JAN VAN BAEL
Excelente lugar , para compartir con la familia. Espero volver nuevamente a visitarlo.

erickclaudio rolando

Muy bonito, no es un trekking de gran dificultad. Nosotros llegamos aprox a las 12:00 y pudimos llegar solo hasta la cascada. Recomiendo llegar más temprano para poder recorrerlo completo... Ver más... hasta la laguna.

Francisca Javiera Peña Uribe
Excelente lugar para despejar la mente, ideal llevar botas o bototos porque en el trayecto hay harto barro y en esta época nieve, vale la pena la caminata

Luis Quintana

Un parque super lindo, no se lo pierdan

Joaquín Contreras
Hermoso lugar , la naturaleza viva 😍

paula campos astudillo

Excelente panorama familiar en verano e invierno

Daniel Paredes Ulloa

Discover Los Flamencos National Reserve in Depth

Name and Maps

“The High Andean Sanctuary of Atacama”… this is how Los Flamencos National Reserve is also known—a unique place nestled in the Atacama Desert, in the Antofagasta Region. Its name pays tribute to the three flamingo species that inhabit its high-altitude lagoons: the Chilean flamingo, James’s flamingo, and the Andean flamingo.

Within the reserve, visitors can explore trails maintained by CONAF that cross salt flats, lagoons, and ravines, making them ideal for gentle high-altitude walks. It is also a privileged setting for birdwatching, with species such as flamingos, rheas, and parinas, as well as for observing the native flora of the Altiplano, where plants adapted to extreme aridity—such as tola and llareta—stand out.

Dentro de la reserva, los visitantes pueden recorrer senderos habilitados por CONAF que atraviesan salares, lagunas y quebradas, ideales para caminatas suaves en altura. También es un espacio privilegiado para el avistamiento de aves como flamencos, ñandúes y parinas, además de la observación de la flora nativa del altiplano, donde destacan especies adaptadas a la aridez extrema como la tola y el llareta.

Location

A paradise located in the Antofagasta Region, in the very heart of the Atacama Desert, near San Pedro de Atacama and facing the majesty of the Andes Mountains.
It has been a protected area since 1990 and covers approximately 73,986 hectares, spread across different sectors that safeguard wetlands, salt flats, and desert landscapes of great ecological and cultural value.

What to Visit in Los Flamencos National Reserve

First of all, in Los Flamencos National Reserve you can marvel at its trails and routes that cross unique high-altitude landscapes, featuring salt flats, lagoons, and volcanic rock formations. One of the must-see highlights is the Salar de Atacama, home to Andean, Chilean, and James’s flamingos, which turn the horizon into a spectacular display of color and life.

You can also enjoy viewpoints offering panoramic views of lagoons such as Miscanti and Miñiques, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, as well as the enigmatic Valley of the Moon, where dunes and salt ridges create a magical setting at sunset.

Be sure to explore the Valley of Death and visit the nearby Atacameño villages, where ancient culture blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the driest desert in the world.

Official Contact Information

The reserve administration is located in the Soncor ayllu, next to the town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Unit administration phone number: +56 9 8248 5000

You can also request information at the CONAF Antofagasta office:
Address: Av. Argentina 2510, Antofagasta
Phone: (+56) 55-2-602824
Email: antofagasta.oirs@conaf.cl

También puedes solicitar información en la oficina de CONAF Antofagasta:
Dirección: Av. Argentina 2510, Antofagasta
Teléfonos: (+56) 55-2-602824
Correo electrónico: antofagasta.oirs@conaf.cl

Let’s Protect Our Parks

We are visitors in their habitat

Reciclemos y reutilicemos prefiriendo lo orgánico

Video realizado por Animal Planet Latinoamerica

Accesorios para tu visita...

*artículos externos a Parques Nacionales Chilenos

Weather in the National Reserve

Wake up close to the Reserve

Altos De Quitor – Glamping En San Pedro De Atacama

Altos de Quitor Glamping es una alternativa de alojamiento ideal...

RESERVAR

Looking for Accommodation? Book Here

Guided Excursions In and Around the Reserve

Top Activities

If you want to make the most of your visit to Los Flamencos National Reserve, check out the “Top Activities.” Recommended itineraries, local tips, and unique experiences to fully experience the park’s exciting essence. Your adventure starts here!