Parque Nacional Lauca, Norte Grande Travel Guide

4.6 (1464)

Discover Lauca National Park: A high-altitude Andean paradise with volcanoes, wildlife, and Aymara culture in northern Chile.

Home
Travel Guides
Chile
Norte Grande
Parque Nacional Lauca

Lauca National Park, nestled in the Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile, is a stunning expanse of altiplano and mountains, showcasing towering volcanoes, unique wildlife, and the serene Lake Chungará, one of the world's highest lakes. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1981, it offers a chance to experience the raw beauty and cultural richness of the Chilean Andes.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Lauca

Putre, Arica y Parinacota, CL
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Parque Nacional Lauca.

Acclimatize to the altitude in Putre before exploring the park to avoid altitude sickness.
Bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses due to the high altitude and intense sun.
Carry plenty of water and snacks, as services within the park are limited.
Respect the local Aymara culture and traditions.
Visit during the shoulder seasons (September-November or March-May) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Atacama Desert

Hand of the Desert

Valley of the Moon

Mirador de Kari - Piedra del Coyote

El Tatio

Explore Parque Nacional Lauca on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Parque Nacional Lauca, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

From Arica, take a bus to Putre. Buses La Paloma offers daily services, with a one-way fare around CLP 4,000. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. From Putre, hire a local tour or taxi to access Lauca National Park. Confirm the price in advance.
Car

From Arica, drive east on Route 11 towards Putre and Lauca National Park. The drive to Putre is about 2-3 hours. Continue on Route 11 to enter the park. The roads are generally in good condition. Be aware of altitude sickness and drive carefully. There are no gas stations in the park, so fill up in Arica.

Discover more about Parque Nacional Lauca

Lauca National Park, located in the Andean highlands of Chile's far north, is a protected area of exceptional beauty and biodiversity. Established in 1970, the park encompasses 1,379 square kilometers (532 sq mi) of altiplano and mountains, ranging in altitude from 3,200 meters (10,500 ft) to over 6,342 meters (20,807 ft). The landscape is dominated by massive volcanoes such as Parinacota, Pomerape, and Guallatiri, along with expansive plains, pristine lakes, and unique flora and fauna.The park is home to over 130 species of birds, including Andean condors and Chilean flamingos, as well as mammals like vicuñas, guanacos, llamas, alpacas, vizcachas, and pumas. The high altitude wetlands, known as bofedales, are critical habitats for many of these species. Visitors can explore various trails, such as the Las Cuevas, Parinacota, and Chungará trails, each offering unique perspectives on the park's diverse ecosystems.Culturally, Lauca National Park is within the ancestral lands of the Aymara people, who have adapted to the harsh conditions of the Altiplano for centuries. The park's administration is located in the town of Parinacota, where you can also find the Environmental Information Center. The park is accessible via the international highway CH-11, which connects Arica with La Paz, Bolivia.