1. Chaxa Lagoon, also known as Laguna Chaxa, is a stunning salt lagoon located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, near the town of San Pedro de Atacama. It is one of the three lagoons that form the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos.
Chaxa Lagoon is a unique natural landscape that showcases the dramatic beauty of the desert. The lagoon is surrounded by vast salt flats and barren desert mountains, creating a striking contrast of colors and textures. It is a haven for wildlife, particularly flamingos, which can be seen wading in the shallow waters.
The lagoon is famous for its salt crust, which forms geometric patterns across the surface of the water. These patterns are created by the evaporation of the brackish water, leaving behind a layer of crystallized salt. Visitors can walk along the salt flats and observe the intricate patterns up close.
2. Chaxa Lagoon is open to visitors daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. It is recommended to visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is best for photography. The lagoon does not have a phone number available for inquiries.
3. To visit Chaxa Lagoon, visitors need to purchase an entrance ticket to Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos. The ticket costs around 5,000 Chilean pesos per person (approximately $7). The ticket allows access to all three lagoons within the reserve, including Chaxa Lagoon.
The lagoon is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of San Pedro de Atacama. The most common way to reach Chaxa Lagoon is by booking a guided tour or hiring a private vehicle. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the road conditions. It is recommended to check the road conditions before heading to the lagoon, as heavy rains can make the roads impassable.
