Salar de Surire National Monument

At 4,200 m (13,776 ft) above sea level, this monument is characterized by its massive salt deposits and high altitude ecosystems. The monument is 11,298 square hectares (24,855 sq. acres) and is home to many species of rare wildlife including the ñandú, flamingos, Andean avocets, crested ducks, and species of llama including vicuñas and alpacas. The temperature oscillates between -15ºC (5ºF) at night and 5ºC (41ºF) during the day. The geography corresponds almost completely to the salt content, clearly seen in the central Oquealla hill with a height of 4,322 m (14,126 ft).

The name Surire comes from the word "suri" o ñandú, a species of Chilean ostrich that lives in the zone and can be observed during your visit.

The park contains two sites for camping without facilities nearby the Polloquere hot springs, 16 km (10 mi) away from the Conaf ranger station. The Conaf office also has facilities to accommodate four people.

Location

Tarapacá region, 270 Km (169 MI) northeast of Iquique. Colchane is 79 Km (49 MI) south. Location

How to get there

Santiago-Iquique: by plane, by public or private land transportation. Iquique-Colchane: by public or private land transportation. A road from Colchane to the Salar de Surire is passable almost year round. See Transportation

When to go

Year round.

Other nearby attractions

Las Vicuñas National Reserve, Isluga Volcano National Park.

Activities

Trekking, plant and wildlife observation, flora and fauna observation, cultural activities. Activities Section

Climate

There is a large fluctuation in temperature during the winter months ranging between -15°C (5ºF) during the night and 5°C (41ºF) during the day. The average annual rainfall is 250 mm (10 in) and the average annual temperature is between 5°C and -5°C.

Services

Accommodations, hiking trails, camping, hot springs.

Prices

Adults: $600 (USD $1 ). Children: $200 (USD $0.3 )