Chaxa Lagoon is part of the CONAF Wild Areas Protection System as it is part of the Flamingo National Reserve. It is probably one of the best places in Chile, along with the Salar de Surire in the Arica y Parinacota region, to see the three species of flamingos that live in the area. Other important bird species here include the Caiti, Andean gull, Punar plover, marsh harrier and Baird's sandpiper.
The high plateau lagoon consists of muddy layers and is not very deep. The lagoon enables the reproduction of microscopic lifeforms and microinvertebrates, which form the basis of the flamingos' diet. Due to the high daily temperature differences, the heat and the salt, there is little other flora and fauna. Two species of reptiles are also native to the lagoon area and can be easily observed at the water's edge.