Best trails in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park
Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, located in the communes of Copiapó and Tierra Amarilla, extends over 50,081 hectares and is divided into two sectors, Santa Rosa Lagoon to the north and Negro Francisco to the south, with altitudes ranging from 3800 to 5440 meters above sea level at its highest point. Its landscapes, dominated by Andean salt flats and sparse vegetation concentrated in meadows and wetlands, are home to three species of flamingos: the Chilean flamingo, the Andean flamingo and the James flamingo, along with other birds such as the piuquén and the juarjual duck. Among the mammals that inhabit the park's ravines are vicuñas, guanacos, culpeo foxes, and vizcachas.
Top trails
- 4.9 (7)·Hard·9.4 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrLaguna Santa Rosa is a hypersaline and mountain surface water body located in the Atacama Region. It is close to the San Francisco International Pass. It has an abundant population of Flamingos, you can also see in this sector Guanacos, Culpean Foxes and Vicuñas. At the starting point there is a camping area and a shelter.
- 3.0 (1)·Easy·0.9 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis route invites you to discover the Lamas River Waterfalls, a true high-altitude oasis located more than 4,000 meters above sea level, in the heart of Nevado de Tres Cruces National Park. The trail is short but impressive, leading to a 10-meter waterfall that breaks up the aridity of the Atacama Desert. Around the riverbed, the humidity allows small areas of grass and wetlands to grow, a vibrant contrast to the mineral tones of the surrounding environment. It is an ideal place to observe...
- Strenuous·81.8 mi·Est. 24 hr+This comprehensive expedition to the Ojos del Salado volcano (6,893 m a.s.l.) represents the most formidable mountaineering challenge in Chile and one of the greatest in the world. The entire trek requires several weeks of physical and logistical planning, beginning with gradual acclimatization in the arid Puna de Atacama before attempting the final ascent. You must endure the relentless physical toll of extreme altitude (hypoxia), navigate heavy volcanic scree, and conquer the final rock...
- Hard·57.2 miThis impressive stretch in the Atacama Region connects the vast Maricunga Salt Flat with the turquoise waters of Laguna Verde, serving as the classic approach and acclimatization route for expeditions to the Ojos del Salado volcano. The greatest challenge of this stage is not technical, but physiological: you are constantly hovering around or exceeding 4,000 meters in altitude in the dreaded Puna de Atacama. Physical exertion is compounded by the severe lack of oxygen, requiring a...
Visitor info
Hours & contact
Open 6 days a week
Passes & fees
Fee required
General park hours
Phone
(52) 221 3404
Available seating capacity: 300 people
Pets: Entry with pets is prohibited and sanctioned.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park is Santa Rosa Lagoon - Seven Sisters, which has a 4.9 star rating from 7 reviews. This trail is 9.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 0 ft.
What is the longest trail in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park is Santa Rosa Lagoon - Seven Sisters. This trail is estimated to be 9.4 mi long.
How many trails are in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park?
There are 4 trails in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park.These trails have an average 4.0-star ratingfrom 8 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park?
Ojos del Salado Completo has the most elevation gain with 26,594 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Ojos del Salado: Salar de Maricunga - Laguna Verde, which has 17,237 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 camping trails in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and the most popular is Santa Rosa Lagoon - Seven Sisters with an average 4.9 star rating from 7 community reviews.
Are there any trails with lakes in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a lake in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park: Santa Rosa Lagoon - Seven Sisters.
Are there any trails with rivers in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a river in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park: Rio Lamas Waterfalls.
