Lauca National Park

With a surface area of 137,883 hectares (303,342 acres), this Global Biosphere Reserve covers the pre-Andean mountain chain and the high plateau of the northeastern end of the region of Tarapaca. It has a dry climate with well-defined day and night thermal variations.

This park is well-known for being home to a great wealth of flora and fauna, its highly interesting culture and history, and sites of uncultivated beauty. More than 130 different bird species live in this park, in addition to the distinctive vicuñas, vizcachas, and condors. A major attraction of the park is the astonishing Chungara Lake, one of the most elevated of the world, located at the foot of the Payachata twin volcanoes.

Location

Tarapaca Region, 145km (91 mi) east of Arica. Putre is located approximately 12km (7.5 MI) to the west. Location

How to get there

Santiago-Arica by airplane, public or private transportation. You can get from Arica to Parinacota by bus. By car, leave Arica taking the International Highway CH-11. The boundaries of the park are about 145km (91 MI) away. See Transportation

When to go

Year-round

Other nearby attractions

Parinacota, Jurasi Hot Springs.

Activities

Fishing, mountain climbing, trekking, flora and fauna observation and cultural tours. Activities Section

Climate

Rain in the summer and snow in the winter. Dry climate with an average of 280mm (11 in) in annual rainfall. The average temperature fluctuates between 12° and 20° C (54° and 68°F) during the day and –3° and –10°C (26.6° and 14°F) at night.

Services

Lodging, food, trails.