We will embark on a fascinating and unique cultural
experience, a full day of awe at the Lauca National Park and Lake
Chungará. This adventure will take us to the heights of the Chilean
Andes and immerse us in the natural beauty of this stunning corner of the
Earth.
We will pick you up at your hotel around 7:00 AM to
start the journey on the international road to Bolivia, entering the Lluta
Valley with the aim of reaching the perfect spot to appreciate nature and
culture in all its dimensions.
During the ascent, we will admire the varied flora and fauna
of the area and visit picturesque towns and archaeological sites such as
the "Geoglyphs of Lluta" and the "Poconchile
Village," where we will visit its 17th-century church.
We will also visit the Quebrada de Cardones with its four-meter-tall
candelabra cactus, and the Pukara de Copaquilla, a pre-Inca defensive
settlement. We will then arrive at the Tambo de Zapahuira, where we
will have a panoramic view of Socoroma and Putre, the capital of the Parinacota
province, where you can see a spectacular panoramic view with its
alfalfa fields and a snow-capped volcano in the background.
As we enter the Lauca National Park, you will see that it is
a true natural sanctuary surrounded by volcanoes and snow-capped mountains,
such as Parinacota, Pomerape, the Quimsachatas, and the Guallatire
Volcano with its permanent fumaroles.
We will also observe the local fauna, including animals like guanacos,
alpacas, vicuñas, llamas, and vizcachas. In this spectacular
landscape, notable features include the bofedales, llareta, paja brava, and
the Cotacotani Lagoons with their wonderful green color.
At about 4,517 meters above sea level, Lake Chungará stands
out with an impressive view of the Chilean Altiplano and a diverse avifauna,
including giant coots, ducks, and pink flamingos. Among these beautiful
landscapes, we will find the town of Parinacota, with its
Andean-Colonial architecture, its mud and straw houses, and its 17th-century
church, along with its Aymara people with their beliefs and
traditions.
Finally, we will visit the town of Putre, the capital of the
province.
Throughout our day, we will enjoy breathtaking
panoramic views, allowing us to appreciate the grandeur of the Andes
and its untamed beauty. This experience will leave us with a deep
appreciation for the Andes and the natural beauty of Chile.