Outings and excursions · San Pedro de Atacama
Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons: the blue of the altiplano
Photos: Godot13 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Above 4,200 metres, two deep-blue lagoons surrounded by volcanoes, in Los Flamencos National Reserve.
About 115 km from San Pedro de Atacama, near the village of Socaire, the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons are among northern Chile's most striking sights: deep-blue water, white salt shores and volcanoes all around, at more than 4,200 metres.
Los Flamencos National Reserve
The lagoons are part of the reserve, created in 1990, which protects seven sectors of the altiplano and salt flat, including the Moon Valley. Flamingos, vicuñas, guanacos and other high-altitude species live there.
How to visit
Most people go on a tour from San Pedro de Atacama, usually combined with other sights of the salt flat and the village of Socaire, with stops to acclimatise.
Tips
- You will feel the altitude: walk slowly, drink water and avoid exertion.
- Bring warm clothes, sunscreen and sunglasses: the sun is strong and the wind cold.
- Stay on the marked paths.
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