Top 20 Natural Monuments in Antofagasta

Laguna Chaxa is located in the middle of the Salar de Atacama in an impressive protected area that is home to numerous flamingos. The visit is particularly worthwhile for bird lovers, as the flamingos that live here (especially the "Flamenco Chileno") can often be observed up close. In addition to the flamingos, there are also other water birds and occasionally small lizards to discover. The salt lake seems almost surreal with its white, glowing surface and the reflective lagoon offers breathtaking photo opportunities. The scenery with the volcanoes towering behind it also reinforces the feeling of being immersed in another world. The entrance fee is 5,000 pesos, which is definitely worth it, especially if you are also interested in the endangered wildlife. A clear tip: don't forget sun protection!

The Laguna Miñiques, in the middle of the Atacama Desert, is a place of fascinating, almost surreal beauty. The deep blue salt lake nestles against the barren slopes of the Miñiques volcano and, together with the neighboring Laguna Miscanti, forms a harmonious natural picture. A short path connects the two lagoons, and although the route is not long, it is advisable to equip yourself well with water and sun protection - the intensity of the sun at this altitude should not be underestimated. What makes the visit special is the untouched atmosphere. The silence of the surroundings, interrupted only by the wind and the occasional chirping of birds, allows you to completely switch off. The region's wildlife is also unique. If you're lucky, you might spot an Andean fox or flamingos in the distance, who also appreciate this area. Here, nature shows its rough but at the same time sublime side, far away from the hustle and bustle, and reminds us how diverse and impressive our world is.

The geothermal field extends over 30 square kilometers. It is the third largest geyser field in the world. The world's largest collection of geysers is found in Yellowstone National Park, followed by the Dolina Geiserow in Kamchatka, Russia. El Tatio is home to an estimated 8% of all geysers on earth. It is also the highest geyser field on earth. It is located at an average altitude of 4320 m. Due to the altitude and the resulting reduced air pressure, the water here boils at around 86 degrees Celsius. Most of the geothermal phenomena are concentrated in 3 areas. 67 geysers have been discovered, of which around 30 erupt regularly. Only a few geysers produce water fountains up to 10 m high, while the pressure in the others is just enough to spew water up to 1 m high. The activity is particularly spectacular at sunrise: due to the low morning temperatures - minus 20 degrees is not uncommon at this altitude - you can see it steaming heavily. In addition, the area is home to 85 fumaroles and solfataras, 62 hot springs, 5 mud volcanoes and extensive sinter terraces. The exact number of post-volcanic phenomena not only varies depending on the author, but is also subject to the dynamic processes of the hydrothermal system. Old springs dry up, and new ones emerge elsewhere. Attempts to install geothermal energy plants failed due to the remoteness of the area and a lack of infrastructure. So far, the geysers have remained largely intact and are a tourist attraction. Anyone who wants to visit the geysers has to pay an entrance fee. Source: https://www.vulkane.net/vulkane/tatio/el-tatio.html

The Valley of the Moon area was originally named “Las Salinas” due to the great amount of salt that allowed the development of a small salt mining operation and extraction. One of the mines is the Victoria Mine whose owner was Gabino Aguilar who named the mine after his wife Victoria Vilca. Source: https://valledelaluna.com/en/el-valle-de-la-luna/

It's worth taking a closer look and looking at the salt crystals. If there aren't any loud hordes around, you can really hear the cracking and crackling.

As far as I understand, there are only two of the "Three Marys" left - a tourist hugged the third one and a piece broke off. That's why the path is regulated and you're not allowed to go close to the rock formation.

Wonderful, colorful geyser field. Although it is most impressive in the morning due to the higher temperature difference between the water and the surrounding area, it is also the busiest. The on-site swimming pool is currently closed. I found the road from San Pedro to El Tatio easy to drive with the usual caution.

The salt crystals in Moon Valley take on very different shapes. The greatest diversity can be seen around the Victoria mine.