About Lauca National Park

A hiker’s paradise, that is Lauca National Park in the Andes Mountains of Chile. Some advanced training and equipment may be required to climb the Payachata complex. Almost as far north as you can go in Chile, the Pomerape peak will take you to altitudes of 6,282 m (20,600 ft). You could cross into Bolivia from there. Go even higher on the Parinacota. Both are snow-capped volcanoes.

You would enjoy the best awe-inspiring views of Chungará Lake, the largest in Lauca National Park. Take jealousy-worthy photographs of the Cotacotani Lagoon. If you prefer to stay at ground level, it’s worth the short trip to the town of Parinacota with its 17th-century church, or the Jurasi Hot Springs even further west.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife: flamingos, rheas, llamas, and alpacas.

 

Must See

  • Parinacota
  • Chungará Lake
  • Guallatiri
  • Cotacotani Lake
  • Taapaca
  • Parinacota church
  • Cerro Milagro
  • Portezuelo de Chapiquina
  • Nevados de Putre
  • K'isi K'isini

How to reach

One of the easiest ways to reach there would be taking a flight from Santiago from where then you have the alternative of taking a bus to Putre, for CLP 4.000 one-way. Buses La Paloma is one of the companies that offer this service, with buses that leave every day to Putre at 7:00 am, returning at 14:00. Parinacota is a really small town. Alternatives to reach this locality are tourist buses, private vehicles and hitchhiking by the CH-11 International Highway (Parinacota is located 4 km from this highway).

Tips

  • Before you plan your trip to Lauca National Park make sure you are well organized if you choose to stay back make sure you have your rooms reserved.
  • Try to start your day as early as possible to beat the crowd and heat
  • Wear comfortable shoes, appropriate clothes
  • Carry enough water as it is a long drive of 3-4 hours
  • If you decide to rent a car to go to the park, it is really important to fill your tank in Arica, since in Putre there is NO gas station.
  • You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so make sure to pack some sunscreen.
  • Do carry your camera 

Visit Time

Sunday:            Open 24 hours.
Monday:           Open 24 hours.
Tuesday:          Open 24 hours.
Wednesday:     Open 24 hours.
Thursday:         Open 24 hours.
Friday:              Open 24 hours.
Saturday:          Open 24 hours.
 

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Waiting Time

No

 

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Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

You can actually spend an entire day, as there's a lot to see and explore which would require a lot of time

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 6.83°C

 

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