Explore Lauca National Park
Take a trip into the mesmerising high plains of Lauca National Park.
On the high plains around Arica, conical volcanoes jut over ochre moors where the quiet is disturbed only by the munching of vicuñas. It’s a unique landscape that hides a number of surprising sights, like the mysterious geoglyphs etched into rocks by ancient peoples, or a crowd of pink flamingos highlighted against the vibrant turquoise of a lake.
We recommend spending several days exploring this fabulous region, with a night or two in the scenic Codpa Valley (1,850m) before ascending to the otherworldly landscapes of the altiplano to visit the intriguing settlements that can be found within its windswept reaches. From the mountain town of Putre (3,500m), with its rolling hills and Inca terraces, you can visit the whitewashed adobe village of Parinacota where the church houses vivid frescoes and the skulls of former priests.
From Parinacota the road climbs to the Lago Chungará (4,500m), whose sapphire depths reflect the snowcapped cones of volcanoes.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
