Chaxa Lagoon (Laguna Chaxa) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Chaxa Lagoon (Laguna Chaxa). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

Full-Day Tour to Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons and ChaxaPiedras Rojas + Altiplanic Lagoons and Salar de AtacamaPiedras Rojas - Altiplanicas - ChaxaAltiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de AtacamaFull-Day Tour Piedras Rojas Altiplanic Lagoons Chaxa Lagoon

There's no admission fee to visit Chaxa Lagoon, but joining a tour does incur a fee. Most start at around US$80 per person and include round-trip transportation from San Pedro de Atacama. Tours typically visit other area attractions, such as the Piedras Rojas and the Altiplanic Lagoons.

You’re likely to see flamingos on a tour of Chaxa Lagoon—and lots of them. The lagoon is part of Los Flamencos National Reserve and is home to three different species of flamingo. Other avian species found here include puna plovers and Andean avocets.

The easiest way to get to the Chaxa Lagoon from San Pedro de Atacama is by joining a tour that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or from the town, as well as the services of a guide. If you have a rental car, you can drive yourself—the journey is about a 2–hour drive—but be prepared for a bumpy ride.

If birdwatching is your main goal, it's best to visit Chaxa Lagoon first thing in the morning, just before sunrise, or in the evening around sunset. Just wear layers and be prepared for cooler temperatures if you come during the winter months of June to August.

Yes, visiting the Chaxa Lagoon is worth it, particularly if you’re fond of birdwatching or photography. It’s also fairly easy to get to from San Pedro de Atacama, making it a great day trip destination. There are plenty of things to see (and photograph) in the surrounding area, too.