- Address: Los Flamencos National Park, Atacama Desert, Chile;
- Height above sea level: 5 910 m;
- The mountain range: the Andes.
In the north of Chile , in the Los Flamencos National Park, there are the most impressive salt lagoons and lakes known for their unique, bright blue color. Nature wisely ordered that even in the driest desert of the world, there should be shelter for animals and birds. There are such islets of life on the shores of small salt lakes. One of such places, unique in its beauty and originality, is a complex of two mountain lakes, located at an altitude of 4200 m. Few brave souls will venture to rise so high; Air is rarefied and a lack of oxygen can make your head spin, but the adventure is worth it! Tourists come to Atacama to enjoy the silence and beauty, to relax from the bustle of big cities. Excursions to lagoons and other places of interest of the desert remain one of the three most popular and promising tourist destinations in the country.
Sights of the Minigke lagoon
Laguna Minieke attracts the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding landscapes. The road to it curls among the beautiful colored mountains and volcanoes, giving travelers the opportunity to admire the flora and fauna of the high plateau Antiplano. Upon arrival, the place is breathtaking at the sight of mountains rushing upwards and the lagoon with crystal clear water, which has a specific salty flavor. Visibility is wonderful, because the desert is dry and therefore very clear air, which is not anywhere else. Near the lagoon is the majestic volcano Minyke - a whole complex of craters, lava domes and streams. Walking near the lagoon, whose banks are covered with a cracked salt bark, is recommended only on paved and marked trails. In the vicinity you can see the herds of wild vicuña - the most graceful representatives of the camel family, several rare species of flamingos, mountain waders and goose geese. Lagoon Mignike is usually very windy, take care of warm clothes.
How to get there?
Lagoon Mignike is located a hundred kilometers from the town of San Pedro De Atacama . The bus service connects it with the cities of Kalam (1.5 hours by bus or car) and Antofagasta (4 hours drive). These cities can be reached by direct flights from Santiago . The nearest airport to the desert is in Calama. Tourists who are not afraid of a 1000 km long bus journey can take advantage of direct flights to Atacama from the capital of Chile .