Above these heights, mosses and lichens have been found, with green growths in the summit area. Birds (ducks, flamingos, geese) and mammals (guanacos, vicuñas) are found in the lower areas, southeast of Ojos del Salado. Chinchillas and vicuñas live in the valleys south of the volcano.
To the west of the volcano is the Tres Cruces National Park.
