Putre

History of Putre

Before the Spanish colonial period, Putre and the surrounding area were inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Aymara. The area was known for its strategic location on trade routes linking Peru, Chile and Bolivia. During the Spanish colonial period, Putre served as the region’s administrative centre. Nowadays, Putre is a quiet little town with a rich culture and cultural heritage. The village mainly attracts tourists who wish to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, the authentic architecture and the proximity to natural attractions, including Lauca National Park and the Cotacotani lagoons.

Climate

Due to Putre’s high altitude, it is generally quite cool there. During the summer months, from December to March, the days are slightly warmer, although these months also see the most rainfall. During the winter months, from June to September, there is the least rainfall, but the average temperature is slightly lower. Nights in Putre can be very cool, with temperatures dropping to freezing point.

How to get there

The most common and usual route to Putre is from Arica. This city is situated on the Chilean coast and is also the largest city in the region. Arica has an airport, making it easily accessible from other parts of Chile. From Arica, you first drive through the Lluta Valley. Thanks to the river of the same name that flows through the Lluta Valley, it is a green oasis surrounded by desert-like scenery. Driving enthusiasts will be in their element here, as the road features some lovely bends. The route takes you uphill and, by the time you reach the village of Putre, you will have passed the 3,300-metre mark. Along the way, you’ll pass the villages of Poconchile and Socorama, which are well worth a brief visit.
It is also possible to reach Putre from Bolivia; in that case, you cross the border at the Chungara–Tambo Quemado border crossing, from where you follow the road towards Putre. This route takes you through stunning Andean landscapes.

Lauca National Park

The impressive Lauca National Park is a protected nature reserve. The total area of the national park covers some 1,379 km². The national park was established in 1965 and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981 due to its unique ecological characteristics.
The landscape is dominated by high plateaus, vast grasslands, clear lakes and several volcanoes. The park is home to a rich biodiversity, including animal species such as the guanaco, the vicuña and the endangered Andean condor. The flora in this area has adapted well to the conditions of the highlands, which can sometimes be extreme. The park is one of the region’s most important, if not the most important, attraction.

Volcanoes
The National Park is home to several active and extinct volcanoes, including the Parinacota, Pomerape and Guallatiri volcanoes. The presence of these volcanoes in Lauca National Park contributes to the area’s stunning, unique landscapes.
- The Parinacota volcano is a stratovolcano and an iconic feature of Lauca National Park. This volcano, which is often covered in snow, stands at around 6,348 metres.
- Next to the Parinacota volcano lies the Pomerape stratovolcano, which, at 6,282 metres, is slightly smaller than the Parinacota volcano. This volcano is also often covered in snow and ice.
- Guallatiri is an active stratovolcano standing at approximately 6,071 metres; it is one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. Although this volcano rarely erupts, it has done so more frequently in the past. Experienced mountaineers can climb this volcano; however, as it is a challenging climb, it is not suitable for inexperienced climbers.

Las Vicuñas National Park

Las Vicuñas National Park, like Lauca National Park, is renowned for its unique and stunning landscapes featuring high plateaus, mountains and volcanic formations. The park was established in 1983 and covers around 1,400 km². It is named after the iconic vicuña, which is frequently spotted within the park. As well as vicuñas, you’ll find guanacos and flamingos here, and the endangered Andean condor is also spotted in the area. Las Vicuñas National Park is even more remote than Lauca National Park and is therefore mainly accessible via rough gravel tracks.

Las Cuevas Hot Springs

Near Putre you’ll find the hot springs of Las Cuevas, particularly renowned for their relaxing and therapeutic properties. The springs are fed by natural hot springs that bubble up from the earth. It is said that the minerals contained in the water are beneficial to health. The exact temperature of the water varies, but it is generally pleasantly warm, allowing visitors to relax whilst enjoying the beauty of the Andean landscape.

Salar de Surire

The Salar de Surire is one of the most spectacular salt flats in Chile. The vast white salt flat, set against the surrounding mountain peaks, creates a surreal landscape. The nature reserve surrounding the salt flat is a natural habitat for various native animal species. For instance, the Salar de Surire is home to one of Chile’s largest flamingo populations. Here you will find not only the Andean flamingo, but also the Chilean flamingo and the James’s flamingo, both of which are common here. The flamingos use the salt lagoons as a breeding ground. The nature reserve surrounding the Salar de Surire has protected status because it is home to many native animal species, including vicuñas, the rarer viscachas and numerous bird species.
Although the Salar de Surire is a fairly remote area and involves a relatively long drive, it is definitely worth visiting. The route takes you along unpaved roads but through absolutely stunning countryside! Allow for an extra day and night in Putre if you wish to visit the Salar de Surire.