10 Best hikes and trails in Lauca National Park

Hiking/
Chile/
Tarapacá/
Lauca National Park

Best trails in Lauca National Park

3.5(18 reviews)

Chile
:
#19 of 41 national parks

Want to find the best trails in Lauca National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 10 great trails for hiking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 1 easy hiking trails in Lauca National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 200 to 7,365 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Lauca National Park.

Top trails

#1 - Acotango Volcano

4.8(10)

•Hard

•4.7 mi

Cerro Acotango is a stratovolcano located on the border of Bolivia and Chile, this trail to its summit offers a unique experience in the Andes Mountains. The trail challenges the adventurous with breathtaking scenery and panoramic views. The ascent is gradual but can be demanding due to the altitude. To ensure a safe and enriching experience, expert local guides are recommended, who are knowledgeable about the terrain and provide information about the geography and wildlife of the...

#2 - Lagunas de Cotacotani

The Cotaconí Lagoons, are the set of four lagoons that are connected by channels and natural lows. Its tributaries are the Benedicto Morales River and the El Encuentro estuary that flow into the Parinacota swamps. They are surrounded by flora and fauna typical of the desert climate of that area.

#3 - Monumento Zampoña Andina

4.0(1)

•Easy

•29.3 mi

Monument to the musical instrument called Zampoña Andina, located on the side of the road, in a large-scale representation of said instrument. It has a place to park or go around the monument while driving. The route has no difficulties, except for the constant ascent from Putre, which reaches over 4,500m at the monument, which could cause discomfort in some people.

Qhapaq Ñan: Putre - Mirador Volcán Taapacá-0

#4 - Qhapaq Ñan: Putre - Mirador Volcán Taapacá

This trail runs through part of the Qhapaq Ñan, an ancient Inca road that runs near the Taapacá Volcano in the Lauca National Park. The route begins in the typical highland town of Putre and climbs the side of a nearby hill. It crosses several mountainous estuaries with green areas where you can appreciate the Andean flora. Along the way, you can enjoy amazing views of the highlands with the Taapacá volcano as the main reference. A beautiful way to learn more about the unique ecosystems of...

Qhapaq Ñan: Camino A-129 - Mirador Volcán Taapacá-0

#5 - Qhapaq Ñan: Camino A-129 - Mirador Volcán Taapacá

Moderate

•6.0 mi

•Est. 2h 48m

This trail runs through part of the Qhapaq Ñan, an ancient Inca road that runs along the slopes of the imposing Taapacá Volcano in the Lauca National Park. It crosses several mountainous estuaries with green areas where you can appreciate the Andean flora. Along the way, you can enjoy amazing views of the highlands with the Taapacá volcano as the main reference. A beautiful way to learn more about the unique ecosystems of the Andean world. It is not a well maintained trail and sometimes you...

#6 - Volcán Guallatiri

Hard

•5.2 mi

To access the route you have to start from Lake Chungará (where you can spend the night for acclimatization, you can also do a previous night in Putre), continue along the route to the Chungará Border Complex and then to Churiguaya. Continue along this road (only suitable for 4x4), until the base camp, which should be located at 5,210 meters of altitude. The climb begins with a steep slope for carry. Further up there is a dome of ice and snow that makes the use of crampons necessary. It is...

Small volcano, located in front of the town of the same name that has a group of houses and restaurants that offer their services to tourists and carriers, as well as the Police checkpoint on one side of the route. It has easy access, it is possible to reach its summit after a 90-minute walk. Its main cone is made up of pyroclastic flows and it has a crater of approximately 160m in diameter open to the west. Consider the altitude that for some could be a complication. The name Chucuyo...

#8 - Mirador Lago Chungará

Moderate

•0.9 mi

•Est. 29m

Surrounded by a unique fauna in the world and located in height, Lake Chungará is one of the main attractions located inside the Lauca National Park. With an area of 21.5 km2, the lake has an ideal environment for recreational practices, and for observing the nature of the place that combine with a wonderful topography. The plains and peaks contrast with the 33-meter depth of Lake Chungará. However, the set facilitates the observation of unique animal species, such as alpacas, traucas,...

#9 - Volcán Parinacota (Vía Lago Chungará)

Hard

•23.3 mi

•Est. Multi-day

The Parinacota, which in the Aymara language means "Laguna de Parinas" is, with its 6342 meters of altitude, the highest mountain in the Region of Arica and Parinacota. It is one of the iconic volcanoes of postcards and images referring to Chile and especially the North of Chile, and together with the Pomerape Volcano it is part of the so-called Nevados de Payachata. Geologically it is younger than its neighbor the Pomerape, and due to its eruptive characteristics, its shape, its geological...

#10 - Volcán Capurata desde su base

Hard

•1.5 mi

•Est. 1h 26m

The Capurata Volcano has an official height of 5,990 meters, although two different expeditions record altitudes above 6,000 meters using GPS devices. The volcano is covered with ice, so technical equipment is necessary, in addition to proper acclimatization. To the south of Capurata is Cerro Casparata and to the west Guallatiri.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Lauca National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lauca National Park is Acotango Volcano, which has a 4.8 star rating from 11 reviews. This trail is 4.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,375 ft.

What is the longest trail in Lauca National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lauca National Park is Volcán Parinacota (Vía Lago Chungará). This trail is estimated to be 23.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Lauca National Park?

There are 10 trails in Lauca National Park. These trails have an average 3.5-star rating from 18 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Lauca National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Lauca National Park has you covered. Volcán Parinacota (Vía Lago Chungará) boasts the most elevation gain with 7,365 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Monumento Zampoña Andina, which will get you 3,982 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Lauca National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Lauca National Park and the most popular is Volcán Guallatiri with an average star rating from 0 community reviews.