Atacama Region, Chile: Andes and Lagoons

Lagoon Negro Francisco: p.1 | p.2

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It must be taken into account that the Negro Francisco Lagoon is located at a height of more than 4000 meters. This can cause some discomfort in many people.
To reach lower levels is the fastest by the Mina Maricunga and Quebrada Paredones, in about 57 kilometers the road is lowered to a height of less than 3000 meters. The exit for Laguna Santa Rosa and Quebrada Paipote remains some 107 kilometers over a height of 3000 meters.

There is always the possibility of bad weather in this sector, and summer rains are not uncommon.

You can go down by Mina Maricunga / Quebrada Paredones or
Laguna Santa Rosa.

A summary of both paths can be found in:
a) Camino Internacional  - Laguna Negro Francisco
b) Intro Qda. Carrizalillo - Laguna Negro Francisco
The fastest and safest access is via Quebrada Carrizalillo - Castaño - Paredones. The detour through the portezuelo "El Gato" is more beautiful - but it takes a long time.

Informative Chart:
Location information: Laguna Negro Francisco
Atacama Region
Province of Copiapó
Yellow Earth Commune
Distance from Copiapó: 195 km (per Carrizalillo)
Height: 4137 m (Laguna) / CONAF: 4168 m
UTM (CONAF): E474.554 / N69.59.678 (P. SA. 56)