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High-altitude lagoons · San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Lagunas Altiplánicas Miscanti y Miñiques
Two lagoons above 4,100 meters, at the foot of Cerro Miscanti and the Miñiques volcano, with vicuñas and Andean birds nearby. They are in the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Lagunas Altiplánicas Miscanti y Miñiques
The Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques are on the high plateau, at about 4,130 meters of altitude, southeast of San Pedro de Atacama. Miscanti, the larger, covers more than 13 km² and reflects Cerro Miscanti; Miñiques, beside it, is separated from it by a lava flow from the volcano of the same name, which likely gave rise to both.
The area is part of the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos and is managed by the Comunidad Atacameña de Socaire in partnership with CONAF. Dozens of bird species have been recorded there, including the tagua cornuda (horned coot), which nests in the lagoon, as well as vicuñas, guanacos, viscachas and foxes.
Visits are made via trails and viewpoints; entering or touching the water is not allowed. Between July and December, the breeding season of the tagua cornuda, parts of the shores may have restricted access. In winter, snow often covers the surroundings.
The route passes through the village of Socaire, with terraced fields, and many tours combine the lagoons with the Salar de Atacama and Laguna Chaxa in the same day.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour and a half at the lagoons; the full trip from San Pedro takes the whole day.
Best time
Mornings usually have less wind and calmer water, good for seeing the mountains' reflection. Winter, from June to August, brings intense cold and sometimes snow, which can close the road. In January and February, high plateau rains can also affect access. Check before you go.
How to get there
It’s about 115 km from San Pedro, passing through Toconao and Socaire, roughly a two-hour drive. Most of it is paved; the final stretch is dirt. Agencies run the route as full-day tours.
Tip
Save the lagoons for after two or three days in San Pedro, once you've acclimatized. Walk slowly, drink water and bring a windbreaker, hat and gloves even in summer. There are no services on site: bring a snack.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lagunas Altiplánicas Miscanti y Miñiques
Can you swim in the Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques?
No. Entering the water and contact with it are prohibited. Visits are made via trails and viewpoints.
What is the altitude of the Altiplanic Lagoons?
They are at about 4,130 meters. Go only after a few days in San Pedro to acclimatize and walk slowly.
Can you go to the Altiplanic Lagoons by your own car?
Yes, via the road that passes Toconao and Socaire. Refuel in San Pedro and check road conditions, especially in winter.