Morro Moreno National Park

Morro Moreno Overview

Morro Moreno National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Morro Moreno, is a protected area in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. Covering approximately 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), the park is situated along the Pacific coast near the city of Antofagasta.

It is characterized by its arid yet striking coastal landscapes, with the Morro Moreno massif being the park’s most prominent feature. This rugged mountainous formation rises sharply from the sea, offering dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops that contrast with the surrounding desert terrain.

The region is part of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, yet it supports a surprising diversity of life thanks to coastal fog, known as camanchaca, which sustains various plant and animal species. The terrain consists of rocky slopes, coastal plains, and deep ravines that provide a stunning visual contrast against the Pacific Ocean.

Despite its dry climate, Morro Moreno National Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna uniquely adapted to arid conditions. The park shelters endemic plant species such as cacti, desert shrubs, and Tillandsia, a type of air plant that thrives by absorbing moisture from the fog.

The wildlife is equally fascinating, with mammals like guanacos, a wild relative of the llama, and the culpeo fox, a medium-sized Andean fox often spotted in the park. The rugged cliffs provide sanctuary to diverse bird species, making the park a haven for birdwatchers.

Visitors may catch sight of the Peruvian booby, the guanay cormorant, and the striking Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world with its impressive wingspan. The coastal setting also attracts Humboldt penguins, a species adapted to the cold currents of the Pacific Ocean, as well as sea lions that bask along the rocky shores.

One of the park’s most popular features is its dramatic coastline, where towering cliffs meet the ocean, offering breathtaking views and incredible opportunities for photography. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the park, with trails leading to panoramic viewpoints atop the Morro Moreno massif.

These trails offer sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding desert landscape, making for an unforgettable experience. Given the park’s arid conditions, hiking requires preparation, but the reward is the opportunity to see a truly unique ecosystem.

Another popular activity is wildlife observation, with birdwatchers particularly drawn to the cliffs and coastal areas where seabirds and raptors are abundant. Some visitors also explore the rocky tide pools and coastal formations, which support small marine species.

Morro Moreno National Park faces conservation challenges due to its fragile desert ecosystem. Illegal mining, unregulated tourism, and habitat degradation threaten the delicate balance of life in the park. However, conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and environmental education programs, have helped improve the protection of key species.

The park is managed as part of Chile’s National System of Protected Wild Areas (SNASPE), ensuring that regulations are in place to safeguard its biodiversity. Strict visitor guidelines aim to minimize human impact, and research projects continue to monitor the effects of climate change and human activity on the region. The park’s location within one of the driest and most extreme environments in the world makes it a fascinating example of resilience and adaptation in nature.

Park Map

Morro Moreno National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Morro Moreno National Park, located in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, is a unique coastal desert ecosystem where the Atacama Desert meets the Pacific Ocean. The park is known for its dramatic cliffs, rolling dunes, and rocky hills, providing a crucial refuge for desert-adapted wildlife. The influence of the Humboldt Current helps sustain a surprising diversity of species, including both terrestrial and marine animals that thrive in this extreme environment.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
One of the few large herbivores in the region, the guanaco is well-adapted to the dry conditions of the Atacama Desert. It grazes on desert shrubs and uses its keen eyesight to detect predators.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, this predator hunts rodents, birds, and insects in the arid landscape. It is commonly spotted in rocky areas and near the coast.

South American Gray Fox (Lycalopex griseus)
A smaller and highly adaptable fox species, it scavenges along the coastal areas, feeding on small mammals, reptiles, and insects.

Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)
A secretive and nocturnal wild cat, Geoffroy’s cat preys on rodents and birds. It uses the park’s rocky terrain for cover while hunting.

Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga)
This nocturnal forager digs for insects and small vertebrates in the desert. It has a powerful defensive spray to deter predators.

Darwin’s Leaf-eared Mouse (Phyllotis darwini)
A small but vital species in the park’s food chain, this rodent feeds on seeds and desert plants, playing an essential role in seed dispersal.

Andean Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus nationi)
Well adapted to dry environments, this burrowing mammal feeds on insects, roots, and small invertebrates. Its tough armor provides protection from predators.

Atacama Toad (Rhinella atacamensis)
One of the few amphibians found in the arid Atacama region, the Atacama toad depends on fog-fed water sources for survival.

Chilean Slender Snake (Philodryas chamissonis)
A non-venomous reptile, the Chilean slender snake hunts lizards and small rodents, using its speed and agility to catch prey.

Atacama Lava Lizard (Microlophus atacamensis)
Often seen basking on rocks, this desert lizard feeds on insects and small plants. It is well adapted to the extreme temperatures of the region.

Birds

Morro Moreno National Park is also home to a variety of bird species, many of which rely on the coastal cliffs, desert vegetation, and nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current for survival.

Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata)
One of the most common seabirds in the region, the Peruvian booby nests on the park’s cliffs and feeds on fish in the cold waters of the Humboldt Current.

Guanay Cormorant (Leucocarbo bougainvillii)
This seabird is a key species in the coastal ecosystem, forming large colonies along rocky shores where it hunts for fish.

Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus)
A large coastal bird, the Peruvian pelican glides over the ocean and plunges into the water to catch fish. It is commonly seen near the park’s cliffs.

Chilean Seaside Cinclodes (Cinclodes nigrofumosus)
A bird endemic to Chile’s coast, the Chilean seaside cinclodes is often found near rocky shorelines, searching for small invertebrates.

Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus bloxami)
This noisy and social parrot nests in cliffs and forages in the park’s desert scrublands, feeding on seeds and fruits.

Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
A powerful bird of prey, the variable hawk soars over the park’s rocky hills, hunting rodents and small reptiles.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor occasionally glides over the park’s coastal cliffs, scanning for carrion.

Oasis Hummingbird (Rhodopis vesper)
A desert-adapted hummingbird, the oasis hummingbird feeds on nectar from cacti and other desert flowers.

Chilean Mockingbird (Mimus thenca)
A highly vocal and curious bird, the Chilean mockingbird is commonly found in the park, feeding on insects and fruits.

Elegant Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans)
A ground-dwelling bird well adapted to the dry scrublands, the elegant crested tinamou forages for seeds and insects.

Morro Moreno National Park is a remarkable blend of desert landscapes and coastal ecosystems, offering visitors the chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the Atacama Desert alongside the thriving marine life of the Pacific Ocean.

Whether hiking through its rugged hills, watching seabird colonies along the cliffs, or spotting rare desert wildlife, the park showcases the incredible resilience of life in this extreme environment.