Parque Nacional Lauca

Introducing Parque Nacional Lauca

It's not just the exaggerated altitude (between 3000m and 6300m above sea level) that leaves visitors to this national park breathless. Lauca is home to some breathtaking altiplano scenery, snow-sprinkled volcanoes, sparkling lakes and isolated hot springs. It's also shelters pretty highland villages and a huge variety of wildlife - not least the nimble-footed vicuña and the rabbit-like viscacha.

Lauca's most spectacular feature is the glistening Lago Chungará, one of the world's highest lakes. Looming over it is the impossibly perfect cone of Volcán Parinacota, a dormant volcano with a twin brother, Volcán Pomerape, just across the border. These pristine white-capped volcanoes could almost be painted onto the landscape, but the ominous Volcán Guallatire puffs up dark fumes a short distance to the south.

Situated 160km northeast of Arica, near the Bolivian border, Parque Nacional Lauca comprises 138, 000 hectares of altiplano. It nuzzles close to two more protected areas, the Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas and Monumento Natural Salar de Surire. Once part of the park, they now constitute technically separate units but are still managed by Conaf. A trip that combines these parks is well worth the extra time and energy.

Take it easy at first: the park's altitude is mostly well above 4000m and overexertion is a big no-no until you've had a few days to adapt. Eat and drink moderately; if you suffer anyway, try a cup of tea made from the common Aymara herbal remedy chachacoma or mate de coca. Keep water at your side, as the throat desiccates rapidly in the arid climate, and wear sunblock - tropical rays are brutal at this elevation.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009