Los Flamencos National Reserve

The reserve includes seven distinct sections with salt flats, lagoons, and volcanic formations covering 73,986 hectares in the Atacama Desert region.

The Chilean government established this protected area on October 17, 1990, to safeguard critical wetland habitats and indigenous archaeological sites.

The Tulor archaeological site within the reserve contains circular mud dwellings that demonstrate early human settlements in the Atacama region.

Visitors can access the reserve through San Pedro de Atacama, with guided tours available to Chaxa Lagoon for flamingo observation throughout the year.

Three different flamingo species inhabit the salt flats and lagoons, feeding on microscopic organisms that thrive in the mineral-rich waters.

Location: El Loa Province

Inception: October 17, 1990

GPS coordinates: -23.12000,-67.43000

Latest update: May 11, 2025 19:12