Lauca NP: Attractions and Trails

Lauca National Park has an operational infrastructure of three stations located in the areas of Las Cuevas, Parinacota, and Lake Chungará. Each one of these stations has one or more interpretive and excursion trails, all of which are detailed next.

1. Las Cuevas Trail: it is a 1.5 km interpretive trail for pedestrians, usually covered in about 35 minutes. It features three viewpoints, one of which is suitable for people with special needs. Its ecosystem, determined by the presence of moors, allows its visitors to observe a wide variety of flora and fauna specimens. Besides, there are historical attractions, such as the rock formations called Chañaca, with traits of the Late Archaic Period (6.000-4.000 B.C.). These show evidences of the presence of hunters, who used them as resting sites before going to the valleys and shores looking for food barter.
2. El Chau Trail: it is a 4km vehicle road going that takes you to the archaeological site of El Chacu. It was used by the Incas and Aymaras for hunting vicuñas and other camelids. With a maximum length of 100 mts and a width of 40 mts, it is strategically located on the slope of a small gully, which made it impossible for animals to detect the hunters.
3. Parinacota Trail: it is an interpretive, pedestrian trail, located in the town of Parinacota, right by the station. It is 3.8 kms long and is covered in approximately 65 minutes. It has eight station-viewpoints, with their respective information boards. The circuit is designed to make you enjoy the beauty of the landscapes, the moor ecosystems, and the fauna living in the area.
In is also possible to campt right by the lagoon in one two sites especially equipped for those purposes.
4. Chungará Trail: this interpretive trail for pedestrians is located on the edge of Lake Chungará, across from CONAF station. Usually covered in around 30 minutes, it has a length of 1 km and five viewpoints, one of which is suitable for people with special needs. From these viewpoints you can observe several species, such as the giant coot (Fulica gigantea), crested duck (laphonetta speculariodes), and the speckled teal (anas flavirostri), among others. Also, there is a remarkable view of the volcanoes Parinacota, Sajama (Bol), Guayatire, and the hills Quimsachatas and Quimsaquine, peaks over 6.000 mts above sea level.
The area`s infrastructure is suitable for accommodating and dining, with 10 camp sites, 1 bathroom, 2 bench tables and sunshades. In the station there is 1 room with 4 beds available for tourists.
5. Cotacotani Trail: it is the only trail with vehicle and pedestrian access in Lauca National Park. It goes for 13 kms, features 8 viewpoints, and its main attractions are Cotacotani lagoons and its avifauna, species associated to