Atacama Region, Chile: Andes and Lagoons

Atacama, Lagoon Negro Francisco: p.1 | p.2

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The Negro Francisco Lagoon
A big lake in the middle of the Chilean highland chain in Atacama. A very nice excursion destination, with an Andean refuge of the CONAF. In good weather, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the Copiapó volcano

The Laguna Negro Francisco lagoon is 4126 meters above sea level. From Copiapó by Puquios - Santa Rosa are 228.7 kilometers of road in regular, perhaps in good condition. Access by Quebrada Carrizalillo - Castaño - Guardia - Mina Maricunga is a little shorter - only 195.8 kilometers and generally in good condition (with salt).

La Laguna is noted for its unique landscape. Enclosed of mountains between 5000 meters to 6000 meters of altitude, with an enormous amount of animals like Guanacos, Vicuñas, Flamingos among others.
The lake is a result of the special morphological situation of the sector. It is a closed basin - no outlet to the ocean. Water from the rivers Astaburuaga, El Desagüe etc. can only reach the lagoon. Further north (Maricunga, Pedernales) the salt flats are formed in this way. But here the precipitation rate is very high, which means that there is a sufficient amount of water to prevent the salt from crystallizing.

The CONAF Refuge is located in the southern sector of the lagoon. A solid house with all amenities. There is usually the possibility of staying overnight, but it is recommended to check beforehand in Copiapó.