Safari in Far North & Altiplano
Explore the dramatic high-altitude landscapes, vast deserts, and unique coastal ecosystems of Chile's northernmost regions, home to vibrant wildlife and ancient cultures.
Far North & Altiplano Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Far North & Altiplano
Far North & Altiplano Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Far North & Altiplano
Monumento Natural Quebrada de Cardones
Monumento Natural Quebrada de Cardones is a protected area in Chile.
Monumento Natural Salar de Surire
Monumento Natural Salar de Surire is a protected area in Chile.
Parque Nacional Lauca
Located in the Andean Altiplano, this park boasts stunning high-altitude landscapes with volcanoes, hot springs, and the breathtaking Chungará Lake. It's a prime spot for viewing vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, viscachas, and a diverse array of Andean waterfowl.
Parque Nacional Salar del Huasco
Parque Nacional Salar del Huasco is a protected area in Chile.
Parque Nacional Volcán Isluga
Parque Nacional Volcán Isluga is a protected area in Chile.
Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas
Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas is a protected area in Chile.
Reserva Nacional Pampa del Tamarugal
A vast desert reserve in northern Chile, unique for its extensive tamarugo tree forests, which are adapted to the arid conditions. It's an important stopover for migratory birds and home to guanacos, foxes, and various desert species.
Sitio Ramsar y Santuario de la Naturaleza Salar de Huasco
Sitio Ramsar y Santuario de la Naturaleza Salar de Huasco is a protected area in Chile.
Compare Parks in Far North & Altiplano
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Far North & Altiplano
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parque Nacional Lauca | - | 136 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SLCN (75km) |
| Reserva Nacional Pampa del Tamarugal | - | 35 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SC1A (83km) |
| Monumento Natural Quebrada de Cardones | - | 136 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SCAE (58km) |
| Monumento Natural Salar de Surire | - | 78 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SLUK (117km) |
| Parque Nacional Salar del Huasco | - | 85 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | CPP (62km) |
| Parque Nacional Volcán Isluga | - | 62 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SC1A (138km) |
| Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas | - | 110 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SLUK (112km) |
| Sitio Ramsar y Santuario de la Naturaleza Salar de Huasco | - | 85 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | CPP (53km) |
42 species recorded in Far North & Altiplano3 threatened
We love the sheer, raw drama of Chile's Far North and Altiplano. The air is thin and crisp, carrying the scent of dust and distant volcanic earth. We recommend venturing onto the vast salt flats where the silence is profound, broken only by the crunch of your boots. The sunsets here are sensational, painting the sky in impossible shades of orange and purple over landscapes that feel ancient and untouched.
Terrain & Altitude
Expansive high-altitude deserts, volcanic plains, salt flats, and rugged coastal cliffs dominate the landscape.
2,000-6,000m above sea level
Vegetation
Sparse, hardy vegetation adapted to extreme aridity, including cacti, hardy grasses, and drought-resistant shrubs, with specialized flora in higher Andean zones.
Water Sources
Scarce surface water is found in high-altitude lagoons, salt flats, and ephemeral streams fed by snowmelt, with crucial oases supporting life.
Unique Features
The Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, creates an otherworldly landscape of stark beauty and extreme conditions.
Getting to the Far North and Altiplano requires patience, but the rewards are immense. We find flying into Arica is often the most straightforward entry point, followed by a scenic drive north. Don't underestimate the distances; plan your travel with ample time to truly appreciate the stark beauty and unique ecosystems.
Nearest Airports
Diego Aracena International Airport (SCL)
150km / 2hr drive
Daily connections from Santiago on LATAM and Sky Airline
El Loa Airport, Calama (CJC)
350km / 4.5hr drive
Daily connections from Santiago on LATAM and Sky Airline
Driving Routes
From Arica
Direct drive via paved Route 5 North. We love this route for the immediate immersion into the desert landscape.
From Calama
Scenic drive east on Route 115 then north on Route 5. We recommend stopping in San Pedro de Atacama for a night before continuing north.
Temperature
8.5°C
47°F
Rainfall
76.7 mm
Moderate rain
Humidity
67.8%
Sunshine
11.2 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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