The mouth of the Camarones River is a rare wetland interruption along an otherwise arid stretch of northern Chilean coast. Its mix of river, beach, and desert edge makes it valuable for birds and for understanding how sharply water changes the Atacama landscape.
It is well south of Arica, so it belongs on a coastal drive rather than a quick city outing. The reward is quiet scenery and wildlife, not facilities; carry what you need and keep disturbance low.