As it is so accessible, Chaxa Lagoon often serves as an introduction to the Chilean salt flat. The salt-encrusted ground is fascinating but the wild flamingos are the main draw. A variety of other birds can be seen here as well, including the Andean avocet, the puna plover, and a type of sandpiper, a small bird with a long beak that feeds on small organisms in the mineral-rich water.
Multiple tour operators run excursions here from San Pedro de Atacama; ideal for those without vehicles or unwilling to tackle the drive. These tours typically include stops at such other nearby attractions as the village of Toconao and the valley of Quebrada de Jerez. This is an excellent way to check off several spots in one day
Chaxa Lagoon is just under a 2-hour drive from San Pedro de Atacama. While part of the road is gravel, most vehicles can handle the drive. If you’d rather skip the driving, take a tour from San Pedro de Atacama instead.
You can visit Chaxa Lagoon year-round. Summer, from December through February, promises pleasant day temperatures and warmer nights, but it is also the busiest time of year: fall and spring shoulder seasons are a quieter alternative. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for watching the birds.
Halfway between Chaxa Lagoon and San Pedro de Atacama, the small village of Toconao is worth a stop. Its name means “place of stones” in the indigenous Kunza (Atacameño) language and its buildings are made of a volcanic rock called liparita (pumice). The best-known piece of architecture is the 18th-century San Lucas Bell Tower and its also a great spot to shop for alpaca textiles and fruit.