Putre City
Andean town and gateway to Lauca National Park
Perched on the altiplano, Putre guides travelers into Lauca National Park - rooftop views of Parinacota and Pomerape, Aymara markets, and highland trekking with llama herds.
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Why Visit Putre?#
High on the Altiplano, Putre is a gateway to Lauca National Park and the snow-capped Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes, with dramatic highland vistas and indigenous Aymara culture. Markets sell handwoven textiles and local altiplano staples; llamas and vicuñas graze the puna. Travelers come for the unique light and altitude, seasonal Aymara festivals and the chance to experience remote Andean landscape and community life far from coastal cities.
Best Things to Do in Putre#
Putre Bucket List#
Lauca National Park - Explore high-altitude Lauca National Park with wildlife, volcanoes, and Andean landscapes.
Laguna Chungará - See Laguna Chungará framed by Parinacota volcano, home to flamingos and trout.
Parinacota village and church - Visit Parinacota village to admire its whitewashed colonial church and surroundings.
Putre town plaza viewpoint - Stroll Putre’s plaza, sample local cuisine, and climb nearby viewpoints for vistas.
Polloquere hot springs - Relax in remote Polloquere hot springs with mountain scenery and few visitors.
High-altitude lagoons near Putre - Discover lesser-known high-altitude lagoons near Putre, great for birdwatching and solitude.
Putre Aymara handicraft market - Browse Putre’s Aymara markets for textiles, silverwork, and traditional artisan crafts.
Arica - Drive to Arica for Pacific beaches, Museo de Sitio, and colonial architecture.
Salar de Surire National Monument - Explore Salar de Surire’s salt flats and flamingo colonies within short regional drive.
Best Time to Visit Putre#
Putre, high in the Chilean Altiplano, is best from April to November for clear skies and daytime warmth with very cold nights. The austral summer brings brief rains and greener scenery but chillier evenings.
April - November
-10 to 16°C (14 to 61°F)
Clear, sunny days with intense sun and cold nights; excellent for high-altitude hiking and astronomy but pack warm night layers and sun protection.
December - March
0 to 15°C (32 to 59°F)
Afternoon showers and occasional thunderstorms; landscapes turn greener and dramatic, though some dirt roads get rough-expect cooler nights.
June - August
-12 to 10°C (10 to 50°F)
Coldest months with frequent frosty nights and crisp, bright days; ideal for stark highland scenery but very cold overnight-prepare for freezing temperatures.
Putre's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from -2°C to 18°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 97 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 0°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 1°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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How to Get to Putre#
Putre is a remote Andean village best reached from Arica by road; there is no train link. Expect a multi-hour bus or private transfer up into the high plateau, and plan for altitude changes on arrival.
Chacalluta / Arica (ARI): The nearest airport to Putre is in Arica. From Arica take an intercity bus or a 4x4 transfer on the Pan-American/route toward the altiplano; road travel up to Putre typically takes about 3.5-4.5 hours depending on stops and vehicle. Buses from Arica terminal to Putre are the common option (see local bus companies for schedules).
Cerro Moreno / Antofagasta (ANF) and other northern airports: These are regional alternatives but are much further away; most travellers use Arica as the practical gateway to Putre.
Train: There is no direct rail service to Putre; rail infrastructure in northern Chile does not serve this highland route.
Bus: Long-distance and regional buses run from Arica bus terminal to Putre and other altiplano towns. Expect a few departures per day; journey time is commonly in the 3.5-5 hour range depending on stops. Book at the Arica bus terminal or via local operator websites when possible.
How to Get Around Putre#
Road travel from Arica is the only practical route to Putre; buses and shared transfers are the common choices. Bring layers and allow time to acclimatise on arrival at high elevation.
- Intercity Bus (CLP 2,000-8,000) - Buses from Arica are the standard public option to Putre; they are affordable and reasonably comfortable but can be sparse-book ahead in high season. Buses depart from Arica’s main terminal and follow the mountain road to Putre with several stops en route.
- Shared Transfer / Minivan (CLP 8,000-20,000) - Shared minibuses or private transfers offer faster, more direct service and better schedule flexibility than public buses. They are common for tourists and groups heading to Putre or border crossings; split costs if travelling with others.
- Private 4x4 / Taxi (CLP 30,000-70,000) - Private drivers and 4x4 rentals are the most flexible option for luggage and stopovers; useful for night arrivals or high-altitude acclimatisation stops. Confirm fuel/driver rates in advance and factor in return or waiting fees.
- Car Rental (CLP 25,000-50,000/day) - Renting a vehicle in Arica is possible and gives freedom to explore the altiplano, but roads to Putre are high-altitude and can be steep; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Check tyre and insurance rules for mountain driving.
- Walking (local) - Putre’s centre is compact and walkable. Walking is the practical way to move between lodging, markets and viewpoints, but be mindful of altitude and sun exposure.
Where to Stay in Putre#
Putre town center - $15-40/night
Putre itself has a few hostales and mountain lodges. Expect very basic, rustic accommodation; bring warm layers.
Local hostales in Putre (various) - Simple hostales and cabins
Budget options in Arica - Wider selection, ~3-4 hours by road
Putre / surroundings - $40-90/night
A handful of better guesthouses and rural lodges in Putre; for more services consider staying in Arica.
Mid-range lodges (Putre area) - Small, comfortable lodges and family inns
Arica hotels (mid-range) - More amenities, long transfer
Putre / Arica - $120+/night
No true luxury resorts in Putre; if you need upscale rooms, base yourself in Arica and transfer inland.
Luxury hotels in Arica - Full-service hotels (drive from Putre)
Arica premium hotels (various) - Best comfort but distant
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Putre’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Putre#
Shopping is basic and focused on everyday needs plus local handicrafts: small tiendas, market stalls and artisan stands selling textiles, woven goods and alpaca items. You’ll find simple souvenirs and locally made products rather than formal shopping centres. For a wider selection of goods, travel to Arica where there are larger shops and markets.
Nightlife in Putre#
Nightlife in Putre is very limited - evenings centre on the plaza, small bars or hostal common rooms where locals and travellers mingle. Expect an early night rather than late-night entertainment. For bars and nightlife with more options you’ll need to return to Arica.
