Lauca National Park, in the municipality of Putre, Arica y Parinacota Region, protects 137,883 hectares of altiplano above 4,000 meters, with Lake Chungará, the Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes, high-altitude wetlands (bofedales) and more than 60 bird species. Entry is free, the park is open Tuesday to Sunday and the only access is the Arica-La Paz international highway (route 11-CH), according to Conaf. It was created in 1970 and has been part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 1981.
It is one of Chile's least visited parks relative to its fame: in 2025 it recorded 5,395 visits, according to Conaf's official spreadsheet, compared with 337,224 at Torres del Paine. We compare them in the most visited national parks in Chile.
Lauca National Park in figures
| Fact | Lauca National Park |
|---|---|
| Location | Municipality of Putre, Parinacota province |
| Area | 137,883 ha |
| Altitude | Foothills from 3,200 to 3,800 m; altiplano above 3,800 m |
| Lake Chungará | 22.5 km² of water surface |
| Parinacota volcano | 6,336 m |
| Entry | Free |
| Opening days | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Visits in 2025 | 5,395 |
Sources: Conaf (park fact sheet and 2025 visitor spreadsheet); height of Parinacota according to the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program, as detailed in the highest volcanoes in Chile.
How to get to Lauca National Park
The only access is route 11-CH, which climbs from Arica through the Lluta valley to Putre and continues to the Bolivian border at Chungará-Tambo Quemado. Many cargo trucks heading to Bolivia use it, so drive carefully. According to Conaf, there are no gas stations along the way: fill up with enough fuel in Arica.
| Option | What it involves | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Tour from Arica | Full day or multi-day, with stops in Putre, Parinacota and Chungará | Day tours climb a lot in a short time; this increases the risk of altitude sickness |
| Own or rental car | Via route 11-CH | Sleep at least one night in Putre (about 3,500 m) before going up to Chungará |
| Bus to Putre | There are buses between Arica and Putre | From Putre you need a tour or transport to explore the park |
The Chungará pass is also one of the main crossings to Bolivia: between January and August 2026, 71,952 foreign tourists entered through it, 9.4% fewer than in 2025, according to Sernatur figures cited by Ladevi. To plan the trip from the city, see things to do in Arica.
Do you run a tour, a hostel in Putre or an agency in Arica? Reach the travelers planning the altiplano in four languages.
See advertising optionsWhat to see in Lauca National Park
- Lake Chungará: one of the highest lakes in the world, with the Parinacota volcano reflected in the water. It has a trail, viewpoints and a picnic area.
- Cotacotani lagoons: a group of lagoons among lava flows, very photogenic thanks to the changing light, according to Conaf.
- Parinacota village: an Aymara village with an adobe church and a thatched roof; there is a park ranger office there.
- Las Cuevas: a sector with a trail and viewpoints to watch viscachas and birds.
- Wildlife: vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, guanacos, taruca deer, suris (rheas) and Chilean flamingos.
Trails in Lauca National Park
| Trail | Length | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chungará | 600 m | 30 min | Easy |
| Las Cuevas | 1 km | 40 min | Easy |
| Parinacota | 3.2 km | 2 h | Easy |
Source: Conaf. Although the trails are easy, at this altitude any walk is tiring. Conaf warns of risks from the altiplano winter, lightning between December and March and possible encounters with culpeo foxes or pumas. The park has accessible viewpoints at Las Cuevas and Chungará and a ramp at Parinacota.
Altitude tips for Lake Chungará
- Go up gradually: sleeping in Putre before reaching the lake helps you acclimatize.
- Drink plenty of water and eat light: these are Conaf's recommendations; the air is very dry.
- Walk slowly and do not bend down suddenly: there is less oxygen.
- Chachacoma or coca tea: Conaf mentions these infusions, offered in Zapahuira and Parinacota.
- Wrap up and protect yourself from the sun: hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen, because it freezes at night and radiation is very high during the day.
- If you have a heart or respiratory condition, consult your doctor before traveling.
When to visit Lauca National Park
It can be visited all year. Between December and March the altiplano winter arrives, with rain, thunderstorms and road closures: Conaf does not recommend going if the forecast is bad. From April to November skies are usually clear, but nights are very cold. In 2025, February (811 visits) and August (735) were the months with the most visitors, according to Conaf. More ideas on the weather by season in our guide to when to travel to Chile.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Lauca National Park?
Entry is free, according to Conaf. The park is open Tuesday to Sunday.
At what altitude is Lake Chungará?
Above 4,500 meters above sea level, in the altiplano of the Arica y Parinacota Region.
Can you visit Lake Chungará on a day trip from Arica?
Yes, on a full-day tour, but you go from sea level to more than 4,500 meters in a few hours. To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, it is best to spend a night in Putre.
