Laguna Verde

Information

It is a turquoise laguna (like a lake) located in the Atacama region of Chile, above 4000 metres above sea level. When you visit it you will find a natural environment, with its body of water surrounded by high mountains. It is normal to see high altitude aquatic birds such as the Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) and the Puna flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), and other species such as the Andean avocet (Recurvirostra andina), the horned coot (Fulica cornuta) and the Andean coot (Fulica ardesiaca).

It is located 18 km from the San Francisco border crossing, on the Chilean side. It is reached by Route 31 from Chile (if coming from Argentina, it is the continuation of National Road 60 after the international pass).

Towards the southwest of the Laguna Verde, there is a dirt road that deviates from the road and leads to a refuge (not to be confused with the 'carabineros' (guard) post on Route 31) that can be used in case of emergency. Inside there is a thermal spring, and in the surroundings you can find some holes with hot water inside.