Basic ecotouristic information on Volcán Isluga National Park (Chile) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
North Chile; 13 km west of Colchane, 232 km northeast of Iquique.
Access
Easy - by the International Route Huara-Colchane-Oruro.
Characteristic
1 747 km2; Mountainous area of Central Andes with elevations ranging between 2,100 and 5,550 meters. Park is formed by plateaus and abrupt relieves which forms different kinds of landscapes. There are several beautiful mountain lagoons. It is named after Volcán Isluga, which at 5,550 m, is the tallest mountain in this park. The predominant climate between 2.800 and 4.000 mts. is high altitude desert climate, and high steppe between 4.000 and 5.000 mts. Between December and March there is abundant rain due to the altiplanic winter, with temperatures ranging between 0º and 20º C, and between 10º and -20º in winter, without rain. Typical ecosystems: alpine and volcanic biotopes, desert to semidesert in northern part, freshwater ecosystems (lakes and lagoons), high mountains wetlands and salinas.
Fauna + Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
(Species list may not be complete)
Possible activities
Very good conditions for easy walkingor difficulthigh mountains trekking (be aware of altitude)
Mountain bikes, horseback riding, mounaineering
Note
The most important attraction of the Isluga Volcano National Park, is the geothermical field of Puchuldiza formed by geysers and hot springs in which the water reaches the 85ºC. In winter the water freezes forming magnificent ice blocks.
The park includes cultural heritage and archaeological sites of the Aymara people and Incas.
Park is open all the year round.
Contact us
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