Desert wasps and butterflies can be found in the hills. There are only a few species of reptiles and amphibians: the Vallenar toad (Rhinella atacamensis), iguanas, lava lizards. One species, the Fabian's lizard (Liolaemus fabiani), is endemic to the Salar de Atacama - the largest salt lake in Chile.
Humboldt penguins live along the coast and nest on the cliffs. Inland, at higher elevations, the salt flats are inhabited by Andean flamingos. Chilean flamingos can be found along the coast. From time to time, hummingbirds and rusty sparrows appear there.
Due to the extreme conditions, only the Darwin's leaf-eared mouse, the South American gray fox and the viscacha (a relative of the chinchilla) live there. Larger mammals such as vicuñas and guanacos are found only in grassy areas.
Along the coast, South American fur seals and sea lions often congregate.
