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Salt Flats & Wildlife: Monumento Natural Salar de Surire
Explore the vast and tranquil Monumento Natural Salar de Surire in Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region. Ideal for bird watching and photography, visitors can witness flamingos and vicuñas amidst the salt flats from May to September. Accessible by a scenic 3-hour drive from Putre.
Monumento Natural Salar de Surire
•8.7/10
•Moderate
Salt Flats & Wildlife: Monumento Natural Salar de Surire
Category
Bird Watching
Typical Duration
2-4 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Photo Gallery
Salt Flats & Wildlife: Monumento Natural Salar de Surire - Monumento Natural Salar de Surire
Salt Flats & Wildlife: Monumento Natural Salar de Surire - Monumento Natural Salar de Surire
Salt Flats & Wildlife: Monumento Natural Salar de Surire - Monumento Natural Salar de Surire
About This Landmark
Monumento Natural Salar de Surire, located in the breathtaking Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a landscape that blends the ethereal beauty of salt flats with vibrant wildlife. As a standout destination, this natural haven is renowned for its expansive saltpan—Salar de Surire—offering a vast white expanse that contrasts dramatically against the surrounding high-altitude desert mountains. Known for its incredible variety of flora and fauna, the area is home to several species of flamingos which flock to its altiplano lagoons, creating a colorful spectacle. Established as a Natural Monument, it is a sanctuary that protects not just its mesmerizing vistas but also its rich biodiversity. Visitors here are treated to sights of graceful vicuñas and other native animals that roam freely. The surreal beauty and ecological importance of Salar de Surire make it an essential stop for those journeying through northern Chile, providing a feast for the eyes and a peaceful retreat for the soul.
Adventure Guide To Monumento Natural Salar de Surire
1. Bird Watching at Salar de Surire
- Special Feature: Watch flamingos dance across the lagoons.
- Local Insights: The salt flats draw three of the world's six flamingo species.
- Visitor Tips: The best time for bird watching is between November and February, and bringing binoculars enhances the experience.
2. Hiking Around the Salt Flats
- Special Feature: Explore the surreal landscape on foot.
- Key Features: Trails offer panoramic views and are ideal for photography.
- Visitor Tips: Morning hikes provide cooler temperatures and softer light. Bring sturdy shoes and sun protection.
3. Thermal Baths at Polloquere
- Special Feature: Relax in natural hot springs.
- Local Insights: Known for mineral properties beneficial to health.
- Visitor Tips: Accessible via a short drive from the main salt flats, it’s best visited in the late afternoon to soak in the warmth.
Getting There
- From Putre: A 3-hour drive through scenic routes leads you to this remote wonder.
- Best Time to Visit: Dry season, from May to September.
Ratings
Overall
8.7/10User rating
Photography
9.0/10Scenic value
Featured Activities
Primary Activity
Bird Watching
Also Great For
Hiking
Soaking in Hot Springs
Essential Information
Nearby City
Putre, Arica y Parinacota
Protected Areas
Monumento Natural Salar de Surire
Experience Level
Moderate
Experience Needed: This natural landmark is recommended for those with some outdoor experience. Good for regular hikers.