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The most obvious factor of Chile 's remarkable “shape” is the massive, virtually impassable wall of the Andes, a mountain range that is still rising, and contains more than fifty active volcanic peaks. To the north the land rises and becomes more arid, until one reaches the forbidding Atacama Desert, one of the most inhospitable regions on earth.
As a region, this is generally known as the Altiplano. It is situated at about 3800 m high (12.500 ft), and its ever-flat surface is dotted with saline lakes. These highlands are the realm of the magnificent Andean Condor, the exquisite Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Puna Rhea and Giant Coot. The undisputable stars are the waterfowl, with three species of flamingos taking all the attention. The minute Chilean Woodstar can also be found down stream in the valleys. There are also Vicugnas to be found. Beautiful and gracile, these handsome creatures represent a southamerican counterpart of the camels.
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