Attractions and Places To See in Antofagasta - Top 20

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

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.

The Temple of San Pedro was built in 1557, possibly dependent on the Bishopric of Cuzco, but the building that remains today is the result of an extension of the previous temple from the mid-18th century, which in turn underwent partial reconstructions after earthquakes and fires. The Church of San Pedro is the largest of the Atacama churches. It was built on a stone foundation and for its construction mortar, clay plaster with straw and carob, chañar and cactus wood bound with leather strips were used. Built in the shape of a Latin cross with a single nave 41 meters long and 7.5 meters wide, it has two side chapels that give it the shape of a cruise, in addition to a baptistery near the entrance, a sacristy in the rear, a choir and a bell tower made of adobe from 1965, when it was built to replace an older one made of wood. It has all the characteristics of the Andean mestizo style: a compact volume, adobe walls almost a meter wide and a gable roof that ends in continuous eaves. Inside, the main altar has an altarpiece with stucco and painted motifs on the wood, adobe and stone structure in the Baroque style. The Church of San Pedro de Atacama was declared a Historic Monument in 1951. Due to the damage it suffered from the earthquakes that struck the region, important restoration work began in 2014, which included the installation of two ancient paintings of unknown angels. Source: https://www.monumentos.gob.cl/monumentos/monumentos-historicos/iglesia-san-pedro-atacama

All information about San Pedro de Atacama (in English, Spanish, Portuguese) at https://sanpedroatacama.com/

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 Reserva nacional Los Flamencos is a group of nature reserves in the municipality of San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile. It consists of seven independent and spatially separated zones with a total area of 709 km2, representing 3% of the municipal area of San Pedro de Atacama. These are important landscapes and biotopes in the Atacama Desert that are developed for sustainable tourism and are at the same time subject to nature conservation. 112 different species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals have been counted in the reserve. Notable among these are the flamingos (Andean flamingo, James' flamingo, Chilean flamingo), after which it is named.