Salar de Surire National Park

Salar de Surire Overview

Salar de Surire Natural Monument, known locally as Monumento Natural Salar de Surire, is a breathtaking protected area in the Arica y Parinacota Region of northern Chile. Covering approximately 69 square miles (178 square kilometers), it is situated at an altitude of over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in the Andean highlands.

The park is centered around the stunning Salar de Surire, a vast salt flat that shimmers under the sun, creating an otherworldly landscape. Surrounding the salt flat are rugged mountains, including Cerro Surire, and volcanic peaks that add to the dramatic scenery.

The terrain is a mix of arid plains, high-altitude wetlands, and geothermal hot springs, with scattered bofedales, which are nutrient-rich peat bogs that sustain local wildlife. The vegetation consists mainly of resilient high-altitude plants such as cushion plants, tola shrubs, and various grasses adapted to the extreme conditions.

This remote and pristine environment supports a diverse range of wildlife, with the most iconic species being the Andean flamingo, Chilean flamingo, and James’s flamingo, which gather in large numbers to feed in the salty waters. Other bird species include Andean geese, puna ibis, and the giant coot.

Mammals found in the park include the graceful vicuña, a wild relative of the llama, as well as the Andean fox and viscacha, a rabbit-like rodent that thrives among the rocky outcrops. The presence of pumas is rare but not unheard of, as they roam the highlands in search of prey.

A key attraction within the park is the Polloquere Hot Springs, where visitors can soak in naturally heated thermal pools while enjoying panoramic views of the salt flat and distant peaks. The surreal landscapes of the salt flat itself are a major draw, offering opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and hiking.

The area is also culturally significant, as it is part of the ancestral territory of the Aymara people, whose traditions and herding practices continue in the region.

Visitors can explore the park by driving along rugged dirt roads that provide access to different viewpoints and natural features. Due to the park’s high elevation, acclimatization is necessary, and travelers should be prepared for extreme temperature variations.

Most people visit Salar de Surire as part of an overland tour that includes nearby attractions such as Lauca National Park and the Suriplaza Mountains. The isolation of the park means that facilities are limited, and visitors must bring their own supplies, including water, food, and fuel.

Conservation efforts in the park focus on protecting its fragile ecosystem from human impact, particularly from mining activity, which has historically posed a threat to the salt flat. While mining operations have been reduced, vigilance remains crucial to preserving the delicate balance of the landscape and its wildlife.

Sustainable tourism initiatives and local conservation programs aim to maintain the park’s natural beauty while supporting the traditional lifestyles of the Aymara communities. The successful conservation of flamingo populations and the protection of vicuña herds highlight the park’s role in safeguarding Chile’s high-altitude biodiversity.

Park Map

Salar de Surire National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Salar de Surire National Park is also a critical refuge for migratory birds, particularly in its high-altitude salt flats and lagoons, which provide essential feeding and nesting grounds.

Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
One of the rarest flamingo species in the world, the Andean flamingo migrates through the park’s high-altitude wetlands, feeding on microscopic organisms in the mineral-rich waters.

James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)
Also known as the Puna flamingo, this high-altitude specialist is commonly found in the shallow saltwater lagoons, where it filters algae and plankton.

Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
Distinguished by its pale pink plumage and gray legs with red joints, the Chilean flamingo is a frequent visitor to the park’s salt flats, feeding on algae and small crustaceans.

Puna Teal (Spatula puna)
A striking waterfowl species, the Puna teal is commonly found in the park’s lagoons, feeding on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
A large, hardy goose species, the Andean goose grazes in the park’s wetland areas and puna grasslands, where it feeds on vegetation.

Horned Coot (Fulica cornuta)
An unusual high-altitude coot species, the horned coot is recognized by its distinctive frontal shield. It builds large floating nests in Andean wetlands.

Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe (Attagis gayi)
A master of camouflage, this high-altitude bird blends into the rocky slopes of the park, where it forages for small seeds and vegetation.

Black-winged Ground Dove (Metriopelia melanoptera)
A hardy species adapted to cold desert conditions, the black-winged ground dove is commonly seen foraging for seeds near rocky outcrops.

Puna Miner (Geositta punensis)
A small ground-dwelling bird, the Puna miner is well adapted to the dry and barren landscapes of the park, where it searches for insects and seeds.

Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina)
A graceful wader with a distinctively upturned bill, the Andean avocet is often found in the park’s shallow lagoons, where it feeds on invertebrates.

Salar de Surire National Park is a high-altitude oasis in the Andean Altiplano, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a unique ecosystem where salt flats, volcanoes, and wetlands sustain a rich diversity of life.

Whether observing flamingos feeding in the shimmering lagoons, spotting guanacos wandering across the salt plains, or marveling at the stark beauty of the desert landscape, the park provides an unforgettable experience in one of Chile’s most remote and breathtaking natural areas.

Salar de Surire National Park, located in the Arica and Parinacota Region of northern Chile, is a breathtaking high-altitude salt flat nestled within the Andean Altiplano. The park is characterized by salt-crusted landscapes, thermal springs, wetlands, and towering volcanoes, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a surprising variety of wildlife. Despite the extreme conditions, Salar de Surire provides a crucial habitat for high-altitude mammals and large flocks of flamingos, making it a key conservation area in the Chilean Altiplano.

Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)
A relative of the llama, the vicuña is well adapted to the park’s high-altitude conditions. It has a thick wool coat that protects it from freezing temperatures and grazes on the sparse vegetation of the Altiplano.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
Thriving in the dry and rugged terrain, the guanaco is an essential herbivore that plays a key role in the ecosystem as a primary prey species for pumas.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The top predator of the park, the puma is an elusive and powerful hunter that preys on guanacos, vicuñas, and smaller mammals. It is rarely seen due to its solitary nature.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, this intelligent carnivore hunts rodents, birds, and insects. It is frequently spotted in the park’s open salt flats and rocky outcrops.

Andean Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus nationi)
A burrowing mammal well adapted to the dry high-altitude environment, this armadillo feeds on insects, roots, and small invertebrates and is often found near rocky formations.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small but aggressive mustelid, the lesser grison preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles in the desert-like landscapes of the park.

Mountain Viscacha (Lagidium viscacia)
Resembling a large rabbit, the mountain viscacha is commonly found among rocky slopes, where it feeds on shrubs, mosses, and lichens.

Darwin’s Leaf-eared Mouse (Phyllotis darwini)
A nocturnal rodent that has adapted to high-altitude conditions, this species plays an important role in seed dispersal and serves as prey for raptors and foxes.

Puna Mouse (Auliscomys sublimis)
A small rodent that thrives in the cold desert conditions of the park, the Puna mouse is a vital food source for many predators.

Andean Toad (Rhinella spinulosa)
One of the few amphibians found in high-altitude environments, the Andean toad depends on the park’s seasonal wetlands for breeding and survival.