The Surire Monument is located on a height of 4245 meters and occupies 17 500 hectares. It is situated 266 km. southeast of Arica.
Its name comes from the species characteristic for the place named "Suri" or Rhea.
Other plant species, which can be seen in this sector, are the Tolas in the foothills at 3,000 meters and in the highlands of 3300-4500 meters height, and straw and wetlands at an altitude of 4,000 meters.
The fauna, which can be found in this area is characterized by the vicuna in the highlands, the flamingos in the foothills and high plains, the alpaca, the Suri and the ostrich and partridge in the Puna Plateau. The Andean flamingo, the James flamingos and Puna flamingos as well as the Chilean flamingos like Caitie and Juarjual live in the lagoons within the Salar.
Climate
High Desert: The average temperature is 12 º C to 20 º C during the day and 3 ° C to -25 º C at night.