Chaxa Laguna

Our first stop of the day was then Chaxa Laguna. A salt lake on the edge of the Atacama Desert. Here the guide told us about the 3 different kind of flamingos that inhabit the lake - Chilean, James and Andean flamingos. He also showed us the brine shrimp that the flamingos feed on. There was also a sample depression in the salt that the flamingos use for their eggs.

Three different species often reside here: the Chilean( (red knees and feet plus a circular dance as they feed) ), Andean (more numerous; yellow legs) and James' flamingos. 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. The birds are most active at sunrise and sunset.
The Chaxa Lagoon is located about 30 miles from San Pedro de Atacama. About 4km south of Toconao a road which is unpaved leads about 20-25km to the Laguna Chaxa. Entrance is 2500 CLP and includes baños and explanations about the Flamingos and the Salar.Read more