In Nevado de Tres Cruces National Park, you will find impossible skies, lunar landscapes, lagoons that feel like dreams, and the unforgettable sensation of touching the heart of the Andes.

Located in the Atacama Region, between the communes of Copiapó and Tierra Amarilla, the Nevado de Tres Cruces National Park invites visitors to discover an extreme and majestic landscape marked by bright salt flats, imposing volcanoes, and lagoons that look like mirrors floating in the middle of the desert. With more than 59,000 hectares, this park was once part of the ancient Andean Ring of Fire and today is a sanctuary for wildlife, a dream for photographers, and an irresistible challenge for adventurers.

A territory divided by beauty

Nevado de Tres Cruces National Park is divided into two main sectors: Santa Rosa, located in the north, and Negro Francisco, in the south. Both lie between 3,800 and 4,200 meters above sea level, with areas that climb even higher, reaching their maximum altitude at Portezuelo, around 5,440 masl.

The climate is one of the key features of this destination: a cold mountain desert, where temperatures can change drastically throughout the day. While the annual average is just 6.9 °C, winter nights can bring wind chills down to –30 °C. In summer, the so-called Bolivian Winter can bring unexpected snowfall.

Flora and fauna: life that survives the impossible

Although the landscape may look barren at first glance, Nevado de Tres Cruces is a reminder that life always finds a way. Its vegetation is scarce but valuable, especially in more humid areas where vegas and bofedales develop with species such as Deschampsia cespitosa, Deyeuxia velutina, Scirpus, and Triglochin palustris.

The park is famous for hosting the three species of Chilean flamingos: the Chilean flamingo, the Andean flamingo, and the James’s flamingo. Their presence in Santa Rosa Lagoon and Negro Francisco Lagoon creates unforgettable scenes.

Among the mammals, the elegant vicuñas, agile guanacos, culpeo foxes, viscachas, and small Andean rodents stand out. Birds dominate this territory, making it a fascinating destination for those who love wildlife watching.

Must-see attractions in the park

The Santa Rosa and Negro Francisco lagoons are the park’s greatest treasures—mirrors of water surrounded by volcanoes and salt flats that change color depending on the time of day.

The marked trails allow visitors to explore the landscape safely, while the shelters and viewpoints offer strategic places to rest, observe wildlife, and admire the vast high-altitude scenery. For travelers seeking total disconnection, this park is perfect: no city noise, no crowds—just wind, silence, and mineral colors.

How to get there: roads that cross the Andes

There are three official access routes, all connected to the 31-CH international highway:

  • Route 31-CH + C-601 (La Puerta): best road conditions, reaching Santa Rosa Lagoon.
  • Direct Route 31-CH: access to the northeast side of Santa Rosa Lagoon.
  • Route 31-CH + C-601 + C-607: access to Negro Francisco Lagoon, north side.

From Argentina, the San Francisco International Pass allows entry when open.

Distances from Copiapó:

  • To Santa Rosa shelter via C-601: 150 km — 2.5 h.
  • To Santa Rosa shelter via 31-CH: 180 km — 3 h.
  • To Negro Francisco shelter: 230 km — 4 h.

Services available to visitors

The park offers marked trails, shelters, viewpoints, and measures to protect its fragile ecosystems. There are no commercial services, so it is essential to plan your visit and bring everything you need.

Recommendations for a safe visit

Nevado de Tres Cruces requires preparation due to its altitude, climate, and isolation:

  • Avoid bringing children under 10 or people with hypertension or heart conditions.
  • Sleep well before the visit to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
  • Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
  • Do not remove vegetation.
  • Do not enter with pets.
  • Stay on the designated trails.
  • Check the weather forecast.
  • Bring a map, GPS, first aid kit, water, sun protection, and appropriate clothing.
  • Notify CONAF Atacama and Carabineros at the San Francisco customs post prior to your visit.
  • Stop any activity if symptoms of altitude sickness appear.

You may also be interested in: 8 volcanoes you can climb in southern Chile

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