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Lauca National Park

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Lauca National Park (Chile)

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Lauca National Park is located in the far north of Chile in the Arica y Parinacota Region, near the border with Bolivia. Established in 1970, the park was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1981 due to its exceptional flora and fauna protected at altitudes ranging from 3,200 to 6,342 meters. One of its main attractions is Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world at approximately 4,500 meters, which perfectly reflects the twin Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes. The landscape is characterized by Puna vegetation, vast high plateaus, and wetlands known as bofedales, providing habitats for vicuñas, guanacos, and over 140 species of birds. Culturally, the region is shaped by the Aymara people, evident in small villages like Parinacota with its historic 17th-century church. Despite the extreme climatic conditions and thin air, the park attracts numerous visitors annually who seek to experience the untouched Andean nature.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C888754456789
Rain mm3834237224457824

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Lauca National Park is a protected high-altitude area in the Andes, open to visitors year-round. Entry is via controlled gates, and many viewpoints are reachable from the roads.
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Typical hours
National parks in Chile typically have fixed opening hours around 8:00 to 18:00, but times may vary by season. It is advisable to check current hours on the official website before travelling.
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Photography
Photography for personal use is allowed throughout the park; drones require a special permit. Use the golden hours in the morning or evening for the best shots of Chungará Lake and the volcanoes.
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Time needed
Allow at least half a day for a drive through the park to see the main viewpoints. For hiking, plan a full day or more.
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Combine with
Combine the park visit with the nearby town of Putre, a welcoming Andean village. The hot springs of Jurasi are also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The park is about 160 km east of Arica, accessible via the well-maintained Route 11-CH. A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially in winter months when snow may fall.
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Insider tip
Acclimatise in Putre (3,500 m) before heading to higher elevations. Bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop sharply even in summer.

Geography

Coordinates
-18.20000, -69.30000

Facts

  • The park was officially declared a national park in 1970
  • UNESCO designated the park as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981
  • Lake Chungará is situated at an elevation of 4,517 meters
  • The Parinacota volcano is the highest point at 6,342 meters
  • Over 140 different bird species inhabit the national park
  • The historic church of Parinacota dates back to the 17th century

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Parinacota VolcanoParinacota Volcano18 km · NExplore →
Pomerape VolcanoPomerape Volcano20 km · NExplore →
PutrePutre29 km · SExplore →
AcotangoAcotango29 km · NExplore →
Salar de Surire Natural MonumentSalar de Surire Natural Monument38 km · NWExplore →
Nevado SajamaNevado Sajama47 km · NExplore →
MamiñaMamiña74 km · WExplore →
Giant of TarapacáGiant of Tarapacá77 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lauca National Park (3)

Zampoña🌿 nature

The Zampoña viewpoint in parque-nacional-lauca-landmarks-v2 provides an expansive overlook of the park's spirited high-altitude wetlands and distant snow-capped peaks.

Mirador Fauna Terestre🌿 nature

Specially situated for wildlife observation, the Mirador Fauna Terestre in parque-nacional-lauca-landmarks-v2 allows visitors to scan the Altiplano for grazing herds of native vicuñas and alpacas.

Cavario de Parinacota🌿 nature

Reached via a short scenic path, the Cavario de Parinacota viewpoint in parque-nacional-lauca-landmarks-v2 overlooks the pleasant whitewashed village and the imposing Parinacota Volcano.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction of Lauca Park?
Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world, with views of the Parinacota volcano.
How high is the national park located?
It is located in the highlands (Altiplano) at an altitude between 3,000 and 6,300 meters.
What animals can you observe there?
Vicuñas, vizcachas, flamingos, and condors are common residents of the park.
How do you get there from Arica?
By car or bus via Ruta 11 (approx. 3 hours drive). Acclimatization is recommended.
Is there accommodation in the park?
There is very basic accommodation in the village of Putre, which serves as a base for tours.
Lauca National Park: where is it located?
Lauca National Park is located in Chile.
Lauca National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zampoña, Mirador Fauna Terestre, Cavario de Parinacota.
Lauca National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Lauca National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Lauca National Park is located in the far north of Chile in the Arica y Parinacota Region, near the border with Bolivia.
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Nearby cities

Putre — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Putre
The Andean village at 3500 meters altitude is a center of ancient Aymara culture and an ideal acclimatization base for exploring Lauca Na…
Mamiña — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Mamiña
A historic Andean village perched at 2,700 meters, renowned for its therapeutic volcanic hot springs and mud baths.

More places

Salar de Surire Natural Monument — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Salar de Surire Natural Monument
A high-altitude salt lake ecosystem in the Andes, encompassing thermal springs and important breeding areas for various flamingo species …
Port of Arica — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Port of Arica
A vital port in the extreme north, handling a large portion of Bolivia's international trade.
Morro de Arica — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Morro de Arica
A prominent coastal hill known as the site of a decisive battle during the War of the Pacific.
Parinacota Volcano — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Parinacota Volcano
Parinacota is a massive, snow-capped stratovolcano on the border between Bolivia and Chile.
Pomerape Volcano — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Pomerape Volcano
Pomerape, together with the neighboring Parinacota, forms the distinctive Payachata volcanic system.
Acotango — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Acotango
Acotango is a prominent volcano in the Quimsachata Cordillera, known for old sulfur mines on its slopes.
Nevado Sajama — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Nevado Sajama
An extinct stratovolcano and the highest peak in Bolivia, located in the remote Western Andes.
Giant of Tarapacá — Lauca National Park (Chile)
Giant of Tarapacá
The largest prehistoric anthropomorphic geoglyph in the world, etched into the desert of the Tarapacá Region.