Excursion Lauca national park tour at Arica

Get an early start for your amazing journey to the magnificent Lauca National Park. Located some 209 kilometers east of Arica along the international road to Bolivia, the journey takes in some unique Altiplanic scenery. The landscape gradually changes to a high-altitude steppe, complete with the wet, spongy ground and lush grasses of the Parinacota bofedal. One of the first points of interest is the Lluta Valley, a miracle of contrast with its patchwork of irrigated maize fields flanked by pale, sandy, utterly lifeless desert hills. There are several panels of geoglyphs, particularly around the area of Cerro Sombrero.

Prepare to take in some spectacular views aboard your coach. Before reaching the National Park, several important archaeological sites can be spotted along the way including Zapahuira Tambo, a former Inca storage area, and the Copaquilla Pukara, a pre-Inca defensive settlement.

Upon entering the Lauca National Park, take in the striking view of the surrounding volcanoes of Parinacota, Pomerape and Guallatire with their eternal fumaroles, and the unmistakable Altiplanic fauna that includes guanacos, alpacas, vicuñas, llamas and vizcachas. At an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,760 ft.) stands the imposing Lake Chungará, set against an impressive backdrop. The lake is home to a wide variety of bird life such as giant coots, a variety of highland ducks, and pink flamingos.

Visit Parinacota, a typical Andean village, with Andean-Colonial architecture and homes built from mud and straw, a VII Century church (now a national monument) and home to the Aymará people, with their beliefs and traditions. Return to the port of Arica to rejoin the ship (3-hour drive).

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lauca National Park, Lluta Valley sites and scenery, Lake Chungar