Lagoons, salt deposits and luring summits in a cordillera with a gorgeous setting, such is the natural decoration of the National Park around Nevado Tres Cruces, which was created to protect its delicate Andean ecosystem, the habitat of an intense native fauna typical of the highlands close to the sky, with a meagre vegetation that still is imposing for its untamed greatness.

The Park is located in a pre-cordilleran region and it has an extension of 59.09 hs. It shows a geographical profile on which deserts and Andean salt deposits, along with important wetlands congregate an attractive flora and fauna, with species adapted to the rigors and austerity proper of places over 3500 m altitude are predominant.

The most attractive zones in this area under protection located in the Commune of Tierra Amarilla, Province of Copiapó (III Atacama Region), are the Salt Deposit of Maricunga and the Santa Rosa and Negro Francisco Lagoons. The Permanent Committee for the Convention of Wetlands, in Berna Switzerland, declared the latter RAMSAR areas in 1966.

This declaration as RAMSAR sites is a recognition of the international importance of both Lagoons on the conservation of aquatic birds, which is justified since 62 species have been registered at both of them, mostly from the highlands.

The most representative and renowned amongst them are three types of flamingos, being one of them the Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus), Horned Coot (Fulica cornuta), Andean Goose. piuquenes (Chloephaga melanoptera) and the Patagonian crested ducks (Lophonetta specularioides), amongst many.

But life in Tres Cruces is far from being limited to the fluttering of the birds. There are 10 mammal species that dwell in the Park: such as vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna), guanacos (Lama guanicoe) and the Andean fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus). On the other hand, if one considers the entire fauna living in the Park, one has to admit that there are 17 species in a dangerous situation.

Regarding the flora, it shows itself mainly on the surroundings of the wetlands, and across the lowlands and bogs, with a vegetation characteristic of the highlands.

The smart and varied flora and fauna, harmoniously conjugates with the singular settings of the salt deposits, and the vigilant beauty of the summits of the Snow-capped Tres Cruces Mountain, at 6753 m altitude, and the Azufre Volcano, at 4100 m, true challenges for mountaineers. At the same time, there are hiking or trekking circuits bordering the Lagoons.

You have to follow the International Road bound for Paipote Creek, and then continue up to the small port of Santa Rosa, in order to get to the Park from the City of Copiapó, which is 150 km distant.

There are two lodge houses in the Park, one at the Negro Francisco Lagoon, with bathrooms and hot water, and the other with much more rustic characteristics at the Santa Rosa Lagoon. So you have no excuse, come, get in touch and enjoy Tres Cruces and its peculiar natural setting.

Source: www.sernatur.cl