Basic ecotouristic information on Lauca National Park (Chile) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
Extreme north of Chile, 145 km east of Arica, 12 km west of Putre.
Access
Easy. The international Chile Route 11 passes through this protected area. It runs from Chile Route 5 in the vicinity of Arica to Tambo Quemado Pass and provides the main access to the park.
Characteristic
1379 km2; Arid area of high mountains in the Andean range - mountain plains (altiplano) and mountains consisting mainly of enormous volcanoes. Park altitude varies from 3200 m to 6342 m above sea level (Parinacota Volcano). The headwaters of Lauca River are found within the park. A major attraction of the park is the astonishing Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world, located at the foot of the Payachata twin volcanoes in the altitude of about 4500 m. Very interesting lava fields and volcanic calderas. It has a dry climate with well-defined day and night thermal variations. Typical ecosystems: high mountain lakes (freshwater, brackish and salt) and wetlands, alpine steppe (paramo) and alpine tundra (puna), volcanic biotopes.
Fauna + Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
(Species list may not be complete)
Possible activities
Several trails for walking and trekking - difficult because of high altitude
Fishing, mountaineering
Note
Biosphere reserve of UNESCO
Several archaeological sites
Park is accessible all the year round.
Wonderful landscape.
Las Cuevas hot springs in the park area
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