Lauca National Park

About Lauca National Park

Lauca National Park is a protected area in Chile’s Arica y Parinacota Region on the high Andean plateau, noted for high-altitude wetlands, volcanoes and the scenic Lake Chungará. The park preserves puna grasslands, volcanic peaks and important Andean fauna.

Key attractions include Lake Chungará, high volcanic peaks such as the Parinacota and Pomerape massif, wetlands that support flamingos and other waterbirds, and sweeping altiplano vistas at elevations above 4,000 metres. The landscape is dominated by snow-capped cones and saline flats with some staffed viewpoints and short trails.

The park protects landscapes and ecosystems of the central Andean altiplano that have been used historically by indigenous Aymara communities for pastoral activities; formal protection was established to conserve the high-Andean environment and native species. Scientific and conservation interest has focused on water resources, glacial features and biodiversity.

The park lies in northern Chile near the border with Bolivia in the high plateau region, within Arica y Parinacota Region. The terrain is high and remote, accessed via roads from regional centres.

Altitude and wildlife: Lake Chungará sits at high elevation and is a key wildlife site for flamingos and high Andean species; visitors should acclimatise to the altitude before strenuous activity.

What to See#

Lake Chungará: Lake Chungará is a high-altitude lake within the park situated near the base of the Parinacota volcano and is one of the highest lakes in the world that supports native fish and waterbird communities.
Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes: The twin volcanic massif of Parinacota and Pomerape forms a prominent glaciated backdrop and is a focal point for mountaineering and high-altitude scenery within the park.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Lauca National Park

Visit during the dry season (May-October) for clearer skies, more stable weather, and easier access to high‑altitude wetlands and viewpoints.

Dry season (best time)

May-October · day ~0-15°C, night ~-10-5°C

Clear, cold days and very cold nights at high altitude; roads and trails are generally more accessible and skies are best for wildlife viewing and stargazing.

Wet/summer season

November-April · day ~5-18°C, night ~-5-5°C

Warmer afternoons with more frequent afternoon showers and cloud cover; some higher routes can be muddy or less accessible.

Weather & Climate near Lauca National Park

Climate

Lauca National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -11°C to 14°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 60 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

JuneJulyAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

22°

Warmest Month

-7°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	Acceptable	-2° - 14°	4°	101 mm	partly cloudy	58%	3.0 m/s	3.3 extreme	13.0h
February	Acceptable	-1° - 13°	3°	78 mm	partly cloudy	62%	2.9 m/s	3.1 extreme	12.6h
March	Good	-2° - 13°	3°	62 mm	mostly sunny	58%	2.7 m/s	3.0 extreme	12.1h
April	Very Good	-5° - 13°	2°	1 mm	clear	46%	2.6 m/s	2.6 extreme	11.6h
May	Very Good	-8° - 11°	-1°	0 mm	clear	30%	2.7 m/s	2.0 extreme	11.1h
June	Very Good	-11° - 10°	-5°	1 mm	clear	29%	3.0 m/s	1.7 very high	10.9h
July	Very Good	-11° - 9°	-5°	0 mm	clear	27%	3.0 m/s	1.8 very high	11.0h
August	Very Good	-10° - 10°	-4°	0 mm	clear	26%	3.1 m/s	2.2 extreme	11.4h
September	Very Good	-8° - 11°	-2°	3 mm	clear	29%	3.2 m/s	2.8 extreme	11.9h
October	Very Good	-6° - 13°	1°	3 mm	clear	32%	3.1 m/s	3.4 extreme	12.4h
November	Very Good	-4° - 14°	2°	15 mm	clear	34%	3.2 m/s	3.7 extreme	12.9h
December	Very Good	-2° - 14°	4°	38 mm	mostly sunny	48%	3.1 m/s	3.6 extreme	13.1h

Getting There & Around

How to Get to Lauca National Park

Lauca National Park is reached via the highland town of Putre, the usual gateway. From the regional capital Arica you follow Ruta 11‑CH east to Putre and then continue on local park roads into Lauca; private cars, 4x4 tours and day-trip buses/tour operators run from Arica to Putre.

Most visitors base themselves in Putre and join guided excursions into the park - there is no regular urban transit directly into the high‑altitude park, so expect a drive from Arica and some travel on unpaved mountain roads.

Tips for Visiting Lauca National Park

Use the town of Putre as your gateway - park administration and most services are based there and the main access road from Arica (Ruta 11) leads to the park, so plan logistics and fuel in Putre before heading into high-altitude areas.
Go early in the morning (first light) to visit Lago Chungará and other wetlands: wildlife (including flamingos) and the clearest views of Parinacota/Parinacota volcano are most reliable before afternoon winds and cloud build-up.
Many visitors only see the main lakes; set aside time to scan the smaller bofedales and shoreline marshes around Chungará and Cotacotani where bird activity is concentrated - bring binoculars and a vantage point map from the park office.
Visit during the park's dry season for the clearest skies and road conditions; if you're coming from low altitude, spend at least a day in Putre to acclimatize before exploring the high plain to reduce altitude-related problems.