Introduction

The lake Laguna Chaxa, the central point of the Salar de Atacama, can be found in the village Toconao, San Pedro de Atacama, in the Antofagasta region. It is located in the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos which was created on 17th October 1990 by Supreme Decree N°50 of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The reserve excels in the protection of species such as the Tuco-tuco de la puna (Ctenomys opimus), Culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus), Puma (Puma concolor), Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis), James's flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), and the Guanaco (Lama guanicoe). Furthermore it is a conservation zone for endangered species of flora including the tamarugo (Prosopis tamarugo) and algarrobo.

This reserve has also introduced a unique participation scheme in which for the last ten years indigenous communities from the Atacama region have been cooperating with Conaf Antofagasta to create ecotourism projects. In this case, the area surrounding Laguna Chaxa is run with the help of the Comunidad Indígena Atacameña de Toconao (Indigenous Community of Atacama in Toconao). An informative trail has been installed along which you can learn a variety of interesting facts about the great Salar de Atacama.

Appropriate season

This part of the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos is open all year round, so you can visit this trail all year round.

Access

This part of the reserve can be reach via private transport or as part of a tour organised in the village of San Pedro de Atacama (cost per person is approx. CLP$16.000/USD$23). If you choose to visit on a tour, each company will give you an itinerary which often includes visits to other lakes and salt flats like Miscante-Miñiques and Talar among others.

Private Transport

From the village of San Pedro de Atacama, some 98km to the southeast of Calama, follow route CH-23 heading southeast towards the village of Toconao which is 38km from San Pedro de Atacama. From Toconao, continue along CH-23 for approx. another 3km until reaching a turning to the southwest (right) where there is a sign for Laguna Chaxa – Salar de Atacama See photo 1. The dirt road from the turning is in good condition, so any type of vehicle can continue along it. Continue for approx. 22km until reaching the entrance to the reserve, where you will find a car park. It should take approx. 1h from San Pedro de Atacama.

Permits / Prices

This part of the reserve is open all year round and operated from 8:00 to 20:00. The entry fees to the reserve are as follows: Chilean adult CLP$2500 (approx. US$4), student CLP$1500 (approx. USD$2.50, children up to 12 years CLP$800 (approx. USD$1.50).

Accommodation / Facilities

The reserve has a car park beside the entrance. At the entrance there are also toilets as well as tables and chairs.

Recommendations

• Pets are not allowed in the reserve.
• Camping is prohibited within the reserve.
• You must keep to the marked routes.
• Take drinking water with you as there is no source of water nearby.
• As the route is at high altitude, we recommend that you take the necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
• If you prefer, you can hire a local guide to accompany you along the route and to explain in greater detail the important aspects of Laguna Chaxa.

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sun-glasses, sun protection.
• Trekking poles.

Schedule

1.  San Pedro de Atacama – Laguna Chaxa – San Pedro de Atacama