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Salar de Surire Natural Monument

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Animal habitat
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Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)

Weather…

The Salar de Surire Natural Monument is located in the far north of Chile in the Arica and Parinacota Region, at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters above sea level. This salt flat covers an area of 17,500 hectares and is renowned for its brilliant white surface, which contrasts sharply with the deep blue lagoons and surrounding Andean peaks. The protected area was established in 1983 to preserve the unique highland wildlife, specifically the three species of flamingos that inhabit the site: the Andean, Chilean, and James's flamingos. Besides birds, visitors can frequently spot vicuñas, llamas, and the suri (Andean rhea), from which the salt flat derives its name. Despite extreme climatic conditions with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, the area is a vital ecosystem for the Altiplano. The Polloquere thermal baths on the edge of the salt flat offer natural hot springs highly valued by travelers. The region is also known for borax mining, though the conservation of the monument's core zone is strictly regulated.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C998743245789
Rain mm43372383334891031

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The best time to visit this high-altitude salt flat is typically during the warmer summer months from December to March, when flamingo breeding activity peaks and the harsh Andean climate is slightly more forgiving for travelers.
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Best time of day
Early mornings are generally the most rewarding for observing the flamingos actively feeding in the shallow waters, while the late afternoon sunlight creates spectacular, bustling reflections across the vast salt lake surface.
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Etiquette
It is strictly necessary to maintain a respectful distance from the flamingo colonies to avoid causing stress, and visitors must stay on designated paths without ever attempting to feed or disturb the natural wildlife behaviors.
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What to bring
Due to the extreme altitude, warm, layered clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential year-round, along with high-quality binoculars or a spotting scope to comfortably observe the birds from a safe, non-intrusive distance.
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Getting there
Reaching the monument usually requires a robust four-wheel-drive vehicle due to the rugged, unpaved Andean mountain roads, and travelers should be fully prepared for remote driving conditions with extra fuel and spare tires.
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What to expect
Wildlife observation at such high altitudes requires patience as weather conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably; take time to adjust to the elevation and simply enjoy the profound silence of this remote alpine ecosystem.

Geography

Coordinates
-18.85000, -69.05000

Facts

  • Located at an extreme altitude of 4,200 meters.
  • Established in 1983 to protect flamingo habitats.
  • Spans a total area of approximately 17,500 hectares.
  • Home to three of the world's six flamingo species.
  • The name is derived from 'suri', the Andean rhea.
  • Features Polloquere hot springs with waters up to 66°C.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

AcotangoAcotango19 km · EExplore →
Parinacota VolcanoParinacota Volcano29 km · EExplore →
Pomerape VolcanoPomerape Volcano30 km · EExplore →
Nevado SajamaNevado Sajama35 km · NEExplore →
Lauca National ParkLauca National Park38 km · SEExplore →
MamiñaMamiña52 km · WExplore →
Tata Sabaya VolcanoTata Sabaya Volcano59 km · NExplore →
Cordillera OccidentalCordillera Occidental61 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Salar de Surire Natural Monument (1)

Sitio Ramsar Salar de Surire

15,858 protected hectares of wetlands, salt flats, lagoons and Andean scrub. Only nesting site for all three Chilean flamingo species.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Salar de Surire located?
In the extreme north of Chile, in the highlands at about 4,200 meters altitude.
Which animals can you see there?
Mainly vicuñas, rheas, and all three of Chile's flamingo species.
Are there hot springs there?
Yes, the Polloquere hot springs at the edge of the salt flat invite you to bathe in a memorable setting.
How is the journey?
Difficult; a 4x4 vehicle is absolutely necessary as the tracks are stony and remote.
Should you consider the altitude?
Yes, altitude sickness (puna) is a risk. Drink plenty of water and move slowly.
Salar de Surire Natural Monument: where is it located?
Salar de Surire Natural Monument is located in Chile.
Salar de Surire Natural Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Salar de Surire Natural Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Salar de Surire Natural Monument is located in the far north of Chile in the Arica and Parinacota Region, at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.
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Nearby cities

Mamiña — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Mamiña
A historic Andean village perched at 2,700 meters, renowned for its therapeutic volcanic hot springs and mud baths.
Putre — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Putre
The Andean village at 3500 meters altitude is a center of ancient Aymara culture and an ideal acclimatization base for exploring Lauca Na…
Pica — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Pica
An oasis town in the Atacama Desert, Pica is famous for its natural hot springs and the cultivation of unique citrus fruits.

History & landmarks

Lauca National Park — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Lauca National Park
A spectacular national park in the high Andes with the Chungará Lake and volcanic peaks.
Iglesia de Curahuara de Carangas — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Iglesia de Curahuara de Carangas
A colonial church on the Altiplano, called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes due to its well-preserved frescoes.

More places

Port of Arica — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Port of Arica
A vital port in the extreme north, handling a large portion of Bolivia's international trade.
Morro de Arica — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Morro de Arica
A prominent coastal hill known as the site of a decisive battle during the War of the Pacific.
Acotango — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Acotango
Acotango is a prominent volcano in the Quimsachata Cordillera, known for old sulfur mines on its slopes.
Parinacota Volcano — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Parinacota Volcano
Parinacota is a massive, snow-capped stratovolcano on the border between Bolivia and Chile.
Pomerape Volcano — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Pomerape Volcano
Pomerape, together with the neighboring Parinacota, forms the distinctive Payachata volcanic system.
Nevado Sajama — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Nevado Sajama
An extinct stratovolcano and the highest peak in Bolivia, located in the remote Western Andes.
Tata Sabaya Volcano — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Tata Sabaya Volcano
Tata Sabaya is a volcano in the central Andes, known for massive prehistoric sector collapses.
Cordillera Occidental — Salar de Surire Natural Monument (Chile)
Cordillera Occidental
The western spine of the Bolivian Andes, forming a high volcanic border with Chile.