.webp "Protected Areas in Chile")
"Today, amid so many threats to our environment and lives, we must make a moral commitment to care for and protect our natural world," said President Piñera. "The nature we have in our country is a privilege," added the Head of State.
Chile is recognized as a global leader in environmental conservation, with a significant percentage of its land and marine territory protected under various conservation categories. The country's extensive national parks, nature reserves, and marine protected areas highlight its commitment to preserving biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
Main Features of Salar del Huasco
Fuente: Emol.com - https://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/2010/06/08/417861/salar-de-huasco-se-convierte-en-nuevo-parque-nacional-de-la-region-de-tarapaca.html
Fuente: Emol.com - https://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/2010/06/08/417861/salar-de-huasco-se-convierte-en-nuevo-parque-nacional-de-la-region-de-tarapaca.html
Fuente: Emol.com - https://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/2010/06/08/417861/salar-de-huasco-se-convierte-en-nuevo-parque-nacional-de-la-region-de-tarapaca.html
Fuente: Emol.com - https://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/2010/06/08/417861/salar-de-huasco-se-convierte-en-nuevo-parque-nacional-de-la-region-de-tarapaca.html
A Protected Wetland with Unique Biodiversity
- Recognized as a Ramsar Site and now designated as a National Park, Salar del Huasco is a vital wetland ecosystem that supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including many species under conservation. It also holds the status of a Sanctuary of Nature, highlighting its ecological significance.
The salt flat serves as a key nesting site for the three flamingo species found in Chile: the Chilean flamingo, Andean flamingo, and James (or Puna) flamingo. Other notable bird species include the Andean goose (Huallata), Andean gull, and Darwin’s rhea (Suri), along with various species of ducks. Mammals such as vicuñas and the elusive Andean cat also roam this pristine landscape.
Cultural and Archaeological Heritage
- Beyond its ecological importance, Salar del Huasco holds immense cultural and historical value. Archaeological remains, ceremonial sites, and the presence of local families maintaining ancestral traditions reflect the region’s rich heritage.
A Relic of the Pleistocene Era
- The salt flat’s origins trace back to the Pleistocene epoch, when an ancient lake covered vast areas of southern Peru and northern Chile, including Lake Titicaca and parts of the Antofagasta Region. Over time, climate changes led to its gradual shrinkage, leaving behind the wetland that now defines Salar del Huasco National Park.
Like all protected areas in Chile, the national park is managed by CONAF (National Forest Corporation), ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Fuente: Emol.com - https://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/2010/06/08/417861/salar-de-huasco-se-convierte-en-nuevo-parque-nacional-de-la-region-de-tarapaca.html
Fuente: Emol.com - https://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/2010/06/08/417861/salar-de-huasco-se-convierte-en-nuevo-parque-nacional-de-la-region-de-tarapaca.html
Fuente: Emol.com - https://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/2010/06/08/417861/salar-de-huasco-se-convierte-en-nuevo-parque-nacional-de-la-region-de-tarapaca.html
How to get there
- The park sits at a high altitude along the Chile-Bolivia border, with Iquique as the nearest major city, located 175 km to the west.
The recommended route to the salt flat starts in Pozo Almonte, following Route A-651 toward Collahuasi. Alternatively, you can reach Huasco from Pica by passing through the Cocha Resbaladero oasis and continuing on Route A-685.