Parque Nacional Desierto Florido

Parque Nacional Desierto Florido is a protected area in Chile.

Parque Nacional Desierto Florido at a Glance

Location
Atacama Desert & Norte Chico, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-27.631530, -70.526030
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Desierto Florido

Nearest airport: Aeródromo Perales (SCPS), 32 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Desierto Florido

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Desierto Florido occur in February, averaging 18.7°C (up to 24.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 13.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in December with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 71.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 18.2°C (rainfall: 4.6mm)
  • February: 18.7°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • March: 17.9°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • April: 16.0°C (rainfall: 6.7mm)
  • May: 15.1°C (rainfall: 2.9mm)
  • June: 14.0°C (rainfall: 4.0mm)
  • July: 13.5°C (rainfall: 8.0mm)
  • August: 13.6°C (rainfall: 2.6mm)
  • September: 14.4°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • October: 14.7°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
  • November: 15.4°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • December: 16.8°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Desierto Florido

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Desierto Florido are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 18.17°C, rainfall 4.6mm, sunshine 13.2 hrs, humidity 71.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.66°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 17.94°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 73.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 16°C, rainfall 6.7mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 74%
  • May: Great, temperature 15.07°C, rainfall 2.9mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 65.4%
  • June: Good, temperature 13.99°C, rainfall 4mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 63.2%
  • July: Good, temperature 13.49°C, rainfall 8mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 60.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 13.6°C, rainfall 2.6mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 64.6%
  • September: Great, temperature 14.36°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 63.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 14.67°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 68%
  • November: Great, temperature 15.42°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 16.75°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 12.9 hrs, humidity 71%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Desierto Florido

Home to 10 recorded species including 5 birds of prey, 3 waterbirds, 1 tropical birds, 1 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Desierto Florido

Based on average temperature of 15.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 68%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 16°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Desierto Florido

29 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Atacama Desert & Norte Chico

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Parque Nacional Desierto Florido FAQs

When is the best time to witness the 'Desierto Florido' phenomenon at Parque Nacional Desierto Florido?

The spectacular 'Desierto Florido' typically occurs between late winter and early spring, usually from August to October, following significant rainfall. This rare event transforms the Atacama Desert landscape into a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, making it the prime season for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter within the Parque Nacional Desierto Florido, especially during the bloom?

While large mammals are less common, the park is home to unique species adapted to the desert, including various reptiles, insects, and a surprising array of birdlife, particularly during the bloom. Keep an eye out for guanacos, foxes, and a diverse range of endemic plant species that thrive in this ephemeral ecosystem.

Given the moderate malaria risk in Parque Nacional Desierto Florido, what specific precautions should travelers take?

Although the risk is moderate, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip to this Chilean park. Additionally, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets if available.

What kind of visitor experience can I expect regarding crowding at Parque Nacional Desierto Florido with its 2/5 crowding level?

With a crowding level of 2/5, you can anticipate a relatively peaceful and uncrowded experience, allowing for intimate encounters with nature. This low visitor density means you'll often have trails and viewpoints to yourself, enhancing the tranquility and photographic opportunities, especially outside peak bloom times.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Parque Nacional Desierto Florido, and how accessible is it for independent travelers?

Entrance fees for Parque Nacional Desierto Florido are generally modest, and costs for guided tours can vary depending on duration and inclusions. While accessible by car, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for some internal tracks, and independent travelers should ensure they have sufficient supplies as amenities within the park are limited.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.