Lauca National Park holidays
Lauca National Park holidays at a glance
Lauca National Park Chile is a spectacular high-altitude wilderness in the country’s far north. Situated more than 4,000m above sea level, the park feels completely removed from the Pacific coast despite being only around three hours’ drive from Arica.
Unlike the nearby Atacama Desert, Lauca receives more rainfall, letting wetlands and grasslands flourish amid the volcanic scenery. Paintbox-green marshes, tufted high-altitude prairies and gemstone-clear lakes create remarkable contrasts against snow-tipped volcanic cones that rise to 6,000m across the Chile Altiplano.
Wildlife is one of the park’s greatest draws. Visitors regularly encounter llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and vizcachas, while foxes, armadillos and deer may also be seen amongst the vast Andean scenery.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Lauca National Park
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.
Rising high into the Andes, at over 4,000m above sea level, are the snow-dipped volcanoes and teeming wetlands of Lauca National Park.
When to visit Lauca National Park
Lauca National Park can be visited year-round, though conditions vary significantly with the seasons.
These are the warmest months, with Jan reaching temperatures in the mid 20°Cs. Some years, the ‘Bolivian Winter’ phenomenon brings humid air from the Amazon region and Atlantic Ocean, resulting in increased rainfall.
The abundant wildlife that inhabits the park – including llamas, chinchillas, alpacas and foxes – is more visible thanks to lower visitor numbers. There is minimal rain and conditions are ripe for stargazing, though nights can be a little chilly.
Winter ushers in high winds and slightly colder temperatures, with nights below freezing. The park remains open, and with very few visitors you’ll enjoy views of the sapphire lakes and thriving wildlife to yourself.
These weather during these months is ideal, with warm temperatures and little chance of rain. The clear skies burst with stars at night, and you’ll spy distant galaxies with the help of powerful telescopes in the park’s world-renowned observatories.
Top Things to do in Lauca National Park
Lauca National Park offers some of Chile’s finest high-altitude scenery and wildlife experiences.
Take a trip into the mesmerising high plains of Lauca National Park.
FAQs about visiting Lauca National Park
Lauca National Park is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Lauca National Park?
Most rain falls in the park in the summer, Jan – Mar, when it can be muddy but there is still plenty of sun.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in the Lauca National Park?
The main language spoken in the Lauca National Park is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in the Lauca National Park?
The Chilean Peso is the main currency used in the Lauca National Park. Bring your local currency needs from a large town, where notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows.
- What is the time difference between the Lauca National Park and UK?
The time difference between the Lauca National Park and the UK is GMT -4 hours. Sometimes daylight saving is observed in the summer, from Sep-Oct to early Mar.
- What places combine well with Lauca National Park?
Arica, Pacific port and beach resort on the border close to the border with Peru, (3 hours by road); La Paz, capital of Bolivia, 306 km (4 hours 40mins); La Serena and the Elqui Valley, 1,240 km; San Pedro de Atacama, base for visits to the desert, 800 km.
- How do I get to Lauca National Park?
The park is located on the road between Arica on the Pacific coast and La Paz, Bolivia, high on the Andean altiplano. It’s a 3 hour drive from Arica.
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.