Lauca National Park is a protected area located in northern Chile, in the Arica and Parinacota Region. It covers an area of approximately 1,380 km² and was created in 1970 to protect the unique Andean ecosystem and the wildlife that inhabits it. The park is named after the Lauca River, which flows through the region.
Lauca National Park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, which include snow-capped mountains, expansive high-altitude grasslands known as puna, and pristine lakes such as Chungará Lake, which is one of the highest lakes in the world at an altitude of over 4,500 meters. The park is also home to several active volcanoes, including Parinacota and Pomerape, which are both over 6,000 meters in height.
The park's diverse ecosystem is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including several species of Andean camelids such as vicuñas, guanacos, and llamas, as well as several bird species such as the Andean condor, flamingos, and eagles. The park is also home to several species of foxes, pumas, and other mammals.
Visitors to Lauca National Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park is also home to several hot springs, which are popular with visitors looking to relax and unwind in the midst of the park's stunning natural surroundings.