Area 591 km | Nearest city Copiapó | |
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Governing body Corporación Nacional Forestal | ||
Nevado Tres Cruces National Park ([neˈβaðo tɾes ˈkɾuses]) Located in the Atacama Region of Chile at 93.2 miles from Copiapó. It includes Laguna Santa Rosa, Laguna del Negro Francisco, and a part of the Salar de Maricunga. The park is divided into two zones, the northern zone encompasing the southern portion of Salar de Maricunga and Laguna Santa Rosa, and the southern area the Laguna del Negro Francisco. The park is named after Nevado Tres Cruces, which dominates the landscape of the area. The Nevado Tres Cruces National Park is managed by CONAF, which offers two refuges in the area: one at the south of Negro Francisco Lagoon and other at the west of Santa Rosa Lagoon. The administration charges a fee to enter the park which is $2.000 CLP and $500 CLP for children.The park is open from October to April from 8 in the morning to 6 in the afternoon.
Contents
Environment
The park lies in the northern end of the Southern Andean steppe.
Salar de Maricunga
This salt flat spans 8,300 hectares at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,139 ft). The world's highest volcano, and the highest peak in Chile, Ojos del Salado, (6,893meters/22,615 ft.) is located in its vicinity. The salar is 180 km northeast of the city of Copiapó in the Andes mountains.
Laguna Santa Rosa
Located just south of the Salar de Maricunga, the lagoon is known for its Andean flamingos, which reside on the lagoon year-round. Laguna Santa Rosa, along with Laguna del Negro Francisco, is a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Laguna del Negro Francisco
Located 210 km northeast of Copiapó at 4,126 meters (13,537 ft.) above sea level, the lagoon is encircled by the foothills of the Andes. It offers a beautiful view toward Copiapó volcano. As a nationally protected area, there is an abundance of fauna, such as flamingoes and vicuñas.