Salar del Huasco National Park
National Park High Andean salt flat national park in Tarapacá
Salar del Huasco National Park in Tarapacá protects high Andean salt flats and wetlands where flamingos, other Andean birds and altiplano landscapes draw birdwatchers and photographers.
How to Get to Salar del Huasco National Park #
Access typically involves driving from the regional centers such as Iquique or Arica along Ruta 15-CH and then smaller gravel roads; 4x4 vehicles are recommended. Guided tours from regional towns provide safer and more informative access.
Tips for Visiting Salar del Huasco National Park #
- Arrange permits and a guided visit - the park conserves delicate high-altitude wetlands and wildlife.
- Acclimatize before hiking; altitudes around 3,500-4,200 m require time to adjust.
- Carry cash and provisions: facilities are sparse, and weather can turn quickly.
Best Time to Visit Salar del Huasco National Park #
Best during the dry season (May-September) for trekking and wildlife observation at altitude.
Weather & Climate near Salar del Huasco National Park #
Salar del Huasco National Park's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from -8°C to 17°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 35 mm of rain.
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February
February is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of -8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -5°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -3°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -1°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
