SURIRE SALT

One of the most important attractions of this place is the presence of the flamenco, a migratory bird, with the exception of their nest building sites due to the quietness of this high Andean landscape and wetlands.

These are long-living gregarious species, and their reproduction is spaced out over time. In this lagoon there are three types of flamencos of the six existing in the world: Chilean flamenco, the big parina and the small parina of James flamenco. There is a nesting area with very restricted access to protect them and their chicks.

In the nearby pampas and wetlands it is also possible to observe a great amount of vicuñas and nandu of the puna. Predominant vegetation is formed by brave straw, llaretilla, vicuna grass, tota and chachacoma.
The relief on which this zone counts characterizes to present a flat surface, which belongs to the Surire Salt Flat, with a predominant altitude in its center, 4,322 meters that belong to the Oquealla Hill. The land that includes the National Monument, characterizes by an extensive number of lagoons of variable size and only two affluent rivers to the salt flat. Both of moderate volumes are the River Surire or Casinane and the Blanco River.

A great thermal oscillation is normally here, the temperatures fluctuating between -15°C in the nights of winter and 5°C during the day. The annual precipitations reach an average of 250 mm, and the general temperatures average of the year are between 5°C and -5°C.
Two areas of camping are available which are located in the sector of Polloqueré  a Thermal Waters, an important tip is that these camping’s do not have hygienic services, reason why we suggested to go prepared to enjoy the camp.

HOW TO GET

REFERENCE OF DISTANCES:
- From Putre ……………127 km
- From Arica ………….. 181 km

ACCESS:

International highway Ch-11 from Arica to approximately 165 Km, then go to the southeast along a dirt road which is in good condition and can be transited almost the whole year, with exception to the very rainy seasons (altiplanic winter (December to February).
International highway Ch-11, from Arica to Zapahuira and then continue towards Chapiquiña pass, connecting to road A-235.

TRANSPORTATION:

There is no public transportation towards Surire, so it is recommended to rent a double traction vehicle or a tour.