Flamingo Lagoons

Lagunas Altiplánicas

A series of high-altitude salt lagoons teeming with pink flamingos, James flamingos, and other Andean wildlife set against snow-capped volcanoes. These ethereal landscapes offer some of the most pristine wildlife viewing opportunities in the Atacama Desert.

Things to do

• Laguna Cejar swim — Float in the mineral-rich waters of this warm lagoon, where high salt content keeps you naturally buoyant.
• Flamingo photography at Laguna Tebinquinche — Capture James flamingos and Andean flamingos against backlit snow-capped volcanoes during golden hour.
• Sunrise at Laguna Miscanti — Witness thousands of pink flamingos awakening as the sun illuminates the Miscanti volcano's peak.
• Ojos del Salar geothermal springs — Soak in naturally heated mineral pools surrounded by flamingo colonies and desert vistas.
• Laguna Miñiques wildlife observation — Spot Andean foxes, vicuñas, and three flamingo species in their natural habitat at 4,200 meters elevation.
• High-altitude desert hiking — Trek between lagoons on trails that pass through salt flats and volcanic terrain with dramatic panoramic views.

Food to try

• Cazuela de ave — A slow-cooked chicken stew with corn, potatoes, and pumpkin served in clay bowls, warming and filling for high-altitude visitors.
• Pastel de choclo — Savory meat pie topped with fresh corn paste, a traditional Andean dish reflecting Chile's culinary heritage.
• Quinoa and llama empanadas — Hand-held pastries filled with locally-sourced quinoa and tender llama meat, perfect for trail snacking.
• Fresh trout from mountain streams — Local restaurants serve freshly caught trout from the region's cold alpine waters, often simply grilled with lemon.
• Completo atacameño — A regional take on the Chilean hot dog featuring local ingredients, topped with avocado and local cheese.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect indigenous heritage — These lands hold sacred significance for the Atacameño people; ask permission before photographing locals or entering private lands.
• Altitude acclimatization is essential — Lagoons sit between 3,600 and 4,400 meters elevation; spend your first day at lower elevations and drink mate de coca (coca leaf tea) to manage altitude sickness.
• Extreme sun protection required — The high altitude and reflective salt surfaces intensify UV radiation significantly; sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
• Early starts are non-negotiable — Tours depart before dawn to catch flamingo activity and sunrise light, and afternoon winds make afternoon visits unpleasant.