Plizio Visual Lab
Putre
Perched at an altitude of 3,500 meters on the edge of the Altiplano, Putre is a tiny, quiet Andean village in Chile's northernmost region. The 16th-century Spanish settlement has preserved its ancient Aymara roots, reflected in the terraced agriculture, stone house architecture, and local customs. For travelers, its primary role is serving as an excellent acclimatization base to prevent altitude sickness. The village acts as the gateway to the remarkable Lauca National Park. After a day or two of rest, 4x4 tours depart from here to the Chungará Lake, lying above 4,500 meters, and the snow-capped Parinacota Volcano. Massive herds of llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuñas graze in the surrounding area, while local hot springs and ancient petroglyphs can be reached by short walks from the village. Putre is accessible by bus or rental car from the coastal city of Arica, a winding mountain drive of about three hours. Due to the high altitude, light meals dominate the local diet; it is worth trying quinoa dishes, local alpaca meat, and coca tea, which helps alleviate the effects of oxygen deprivation. The dry season runs from April to November, offering bright sunny days but freezing temperatures at night.
- Location: Chile
- Top sights: Mirador de Putre · Templo Central · Iglesia Adventista del 7mo Día
- Nearby: Mamiña (83 km)
- Population: ~2.765 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 34 | 23 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 24 |
Geography
Facts
- Altitude: 3500 m
- Gateway to Lauca National Park
- Aymara culture
- Parinacota Volcano nearby
- 17th-century church
- Altiplano region
- 130 km from Arica
- Llama and alpaca herds
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Putre (4)
Frequently asked questions
Putre: where is it located?
Putre: what is there to see?
Putre: when is the best time to visit?
Putre: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
