In the Pueblo del Diablo sector, known as Sajaramarka in Aymara, geological formations created by rain erosion can be found. The sector is at the entrance to Misitune and near the village of Ancuta. The shapes formed by rain erosion make a striking subject for landscape photography.
Highland Landscapes and Protected Areas
Within the broader destination of Región De Arica Y Parinacota, the Lauca Biosphere Reserve encompasses Parque Nacional Lauca, Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas and Monumento Natural Salar de Surire. Lauca National Park extends across areas of the Precordillera and the Altiplano and is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas covers 209,131 hectares and is part of the Lauca Biosphere Reserve. This highland region brings together a range of protected areas and landscapes.
Hiking and Wildlife Watching
In Parque Nacional Lauca, two easy trails differ mainly in length and time required. Sendero Chungará is 600 meters long and takes a total of 30 minutes. Sendero Parinacota is listed as 3.2 kilometers long, with a total duration of two hours; it is also considered easy. Comparing them can help you plan the right amount of walking time for your visit.
There are several places to watch wildlife. In Las Vicuñas National Reserve, you can observe vicuñas in family herds, groups of young animals and as lone males. Bofedal Parinacota is a visitor stop where giant coots, llamas and alpacas can be seen feeding. At Salar de Surire, the Chilcaya viewpoint and the main route are used for flamingo watching. Please stay on the path.
Salar de Surire and Termas de Polloquere
Monumento Natural Salar de Surire is accessed differently from an area with hiking trails: there are no excursion or nature interpretation trails there. Only the main road and a camping area near Termas de Polloquere are open to visitors. At the hot springs, the water reaches temperatures of up to 60 °C; there is also a picnic area. The combination of highland scenery, wildlife watching and a place to picnic gives this part of the destination its own character.
The journey there is also important to plan. To reach Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas, take international highway 11-CH Arica–La Paz, then Route A-235. The road is uneven and mostly unpaved; vehicles with high ground clearance are recommended. Routes A-235 or A-31, via international highway CH-11, lead to Monumento Natural Salar de Surire. There is no public transport there, and private vehicles must have four-wheel drive. A-235 is a single-lane dirt road and is passable year-round except during periods of very heavy rain. A-31 is in poor condition and only passable at certain times. Check road conditions before setting out.
Churches, Villages and Regional Cuisine
In Socoroma, Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís is the centerpiece of the Catholic-Andean ceremonial complex. The complex also includes a freestanding bell tower, posas, calvarios on neighboring peaks and a cemetery. The church in Parinacota was built in 1670 and later rebuilt. Inside are several paintings depicting Andean Baroque. The El Trapiche sector contains remains of mining activity from the last century.
The cuisine also reflects the region’s distinctive character. Typical dishes in Putre include camelid meat and quinoa, oregano with a designation of origin, highland trout, chuño potatoes and llaita. This freshwater algae grows in the bofedales. For a broader perspective on cultural attractions, you can also explore the Ruta de las Misiones: in Región De Arica Y Parinacota, this artistic and cultural route begins in Arica and continues through Codpa, Belén, Socoroma and Putre to Visviri.
Discover more destinations: Putre.
Return to the broader travel overview: Región De Arica Y Parinacota.
