Lauca National Park

Lauca National Park was founded in 1970 and covers an area of 137,883 hectares, protected by its status as a biosphere reserve.

In this area, the visitor discovers unique flora and fauna at 3200 to 3800 metres above sea level. Alpacas, llamas, guanacos, vizcachas (rodents), armadillos and numerous bird species are at home here.

Lauca National Park also has impressive volcanoes such as the Parinacota, Pomerape or Acotango volcanoes, all of which are about 6,000 metres above sea level.

The famous cobalt-blue Lake Chungará is located about 54 km east of Putre. Along the lake are the Cotacotani lagoons and a number of wetlands with a diverse wildlife of more than 130 native species, including flamingos and wild ducks. There is the option of driving to the lake by car rental or joining an excursion that usually starts in the city of Arica.