Experience – Atacama, Chile: Laguna Chaxa at Los Flamencos National Reserve

• Address: Laguna Chaxa, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. (Google Maps)
• Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 6pm
• Recommended Time: 2 – 4 hours
• How to Arrive: By car
• Distance from Atacama: 128 km / 80 miles
• Ideal Month(s): All Year

Located at the center of the Salar de Atacama in Los Flamencos National Reserve, Laguna Chaxa is the best place in Chile to see flamingos. At 2300 meters, the Lagoon is divided into several lakes, all filled with white salt crusts and diverse communities of flamingos. Three of the five known species (Chilean, Andean, and James) can be spotted at Laguna Chaxa, as well as coots, plovers and ducks.

Sunrise is feeding time for the flamingos, however it’s best to visit Laguna Chaxa at sunset given the park doesn’t open until 8am. The sunsets at Laguna Chaxa are absolutely stunning, with pastel skies reflecting off the various lakes and flocks of flamingos flying throughout the reserve.