The Reservation Laguna Brava is located to the Northwest of La Rioja, near the Andes. It has a surface of 405 000 hectares and the height of the park varies from 2000 to 4000 meters. The aim of the park is to protect the vicuņa that was threatened with extinction and thanks to the measures taken by the government, the species has survived . In Laguna Brava three species of flamingos can be admired: the common flamingo (phoenicopterus chilensis pink, red feathers of the wings covering black ones, grizzly paws and red knees), the big parina (phoenicoparrus andinus, whiter, one third of the body is black, yellow paws), and the small parina (phoenicoparrus jamesi, smaller of pale wings and red paws). Other frequent birds are Moorish eagles, hawks, suris and condors.
The vegetation of this steppe has to adapt itself to the extreme conditions of the area: water shortage, low temperatures, strong winds, and high solar radiation. This scarce vegetation is the only food for the animals of the region. In Laguna Brava one can visit the small shelters built for muleteers. They have a snail form to stop the wind from entering them.
Vicuņa
The vicuņa is a sort of camel of South America and it lives in the Andes: Perú, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. Their coat is shorter than the wool of the sheep, but much softer. The coats that are manufactured with vicuņa wool are very appreciated since the rain doesn't pass through their fabric.
Guanaco
Wild camel like animal of black face and bigger than the vicuņa, their coat is darker.
