N° 2 - Reflections by the Lagoons

The next day, Martín, Valentina, and Diego set out early from Putre again, determined to explore more of Lauca National Park. Their goal was to see the Cotacotani lagoons and later walk to the viewpoint over Lake Chungará.

As they drove higher into the altiplano, the air grew colder, but the sky was crystal clear. Snowy volcanoes appeared in the distance, including Parinacota and Pomerape. “It feels like we’re on top of the world,” Valentina said, watching the road wind up the plateau.

When they reached the Cotacotani lagoons, the view left them speechless. Dozens of small, dark-blue lakes stretched across the landscape, connected by narrow channels. Birds moved gently across the water.

“Look,” Diego pointed, “those must be Andean geese. And over there, flamingos!”

They sat on a rock to rest and noticed a small group of vicuñas grazing nearby. The animals seemed calm, but every few minutes they lifted their heads to check for danger. “They survive here with so little,” Martín whispered. “Just grass and cold wind. Imagine if we had to live like that.”

Valentina smiled. “That’s the lesson, isn’t it? Life adapts, even in the hardest places.”

After a while, they continued toward Lake Chungará. At 4,500 meters, it is one of the highest lakes in the world. The surface was smooth, and the snow of Parinacota Volcano reflected perfectly on the water. The silence was so complete that they could hear the distant call of a bird echoing across the lake.

A park ranger was standing near the viewpoint, watching through binoculars. The friends approached and greeted him.

“Any luck today?” asked Diego.

“Yes,” the ranger said. “I’ve seen giant coots and a couple of Andean foxes near the shore. You should stay quiet, and you might see them too.”

They followed his advice, and soon a fox appeared on the rocks, sniffing the ground. Its thick fur shone in the sunlight. “Incredible,” whispered Valentina.

The ranger added, “These animals are used to the cold, but they are not used to people. Visitors must be careful not to leave food or disturb them. If wildlife gets too close to humans, it can lose its natural instincts.”

That comment made the friends thoughtful. On the way back, Martín said, “It’s strange. We come here to admire the animals, but our presence could hurt them.”

“Exactly,” Valentina replied. “The park exists for them first. We are just guests.”

As the sun began to sink, the water of Chungará turned golden. The volcano’s shadow stretched across the lake. The friends sat together in silence, each reflecting on what they had seen.

Finally, Diego broke the silence: “I used to think national parks were just pretty places for tourists. Now I see they are also schools. They teach us how small we are, and how much we depend on nature.”

Martín nodded. “Maybe that’s why the rangers are so strict with rules. It’s not about control, it’s about respect.”

Valentina smiled softly. “And maybe we should take that respect back home with us, not just leave it here.”

When they drove away, the lights of the setting sun painted the altiplano in orange and purple. The volcanoes stood like guardians over the lagoons, and the friends carried new lessons with them — lessons of balance, silence, and gratitude.

Picture by maxstottrop from Cologne, Deutschland - Near Lago Chungará, Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74206296

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N°1 - Hiking Around Acotango

The morning sun was bright, but the air was still cold when Martín, Valentina, and Diego left their small hostel in Putre. Their backpacks were light, but each carried water, coca tea leaves, and layers of clothing. They were going to spend the day on the trails near Acotango Volcano, inside Lauca National Park.

“Look at the volcano,” Valentina said as they drove along the dirt road. Its snow-covered summit rose into the deep blue sky, more than six thousand meters high. “I can’t believe people actually climb to the top.”

“We’re not going that far,” Diego laughed. “We’ll just walk the trails around the base. Even that will be high enough.”

When they parked near the trailhead, the silence of the altiplano surprised them. Only the sound of the wind, and the occasional call of a bird, broke the stillness. A small group of vicuñas ran across the plateau, their thin legs moving gracefully.

Martín checked the trail map. “This path goes to a small wetland. Let’s start there. We might see flamingos.”

As they walked, they felt the effects of the altitude. Every step was a little slower. “I’m used to hiking,” said Valentina, “but here it feels like my lungs are smaller.”

“That’s why people chew coca leaves,” Diego replied. “Locals are used to it, but for us it’s harder.”

The trail reached a lagoon where pink flamingos stood in the shallow water. The reflection of Acotango was clear on the surface. The friends stopped to rest and drink tea, amazed by the view.

On the way back, they decided to visit a small community nearby. The road passed through a cluster of adobe houses with brightly painted doors. A hand-painted sign read: Artesanía Local. Curious, they entered a little shop where a woman was selling woven blankets and small carved llamas.

“Buenos días,” she greeted them warmly. “Do you want to see alpaca wool products? Everything here is handmade.”

Valentina touched a soft scarf. “It’s beautiful. Did you make this?”

“Yes,” the woman smiled. “My family has worked with alpaca wool for generations.”

Martín asked, “Do many tourists come here?”

“Some,” she answered. “They can see the volcano, but they also learn about our traditions. For us, it is important that visitors respect the land. The volcano is not only a mountain; it is part of our culture.”

Later, they walked to a small marketplace, where stalls displayed potatoes, quinoa, and herbs. Diego bought roasted corn from an older man, who explained how families in the highlands farm at such altitudes.

“You must be strong and patient,” the farmer said. “The land gives food, but only if you take care of it.”

By the end of the day, the friends were tired but full of new impressions. As the sun set, Acotango’s snowy summit turned pink and orange.

“This was more than a hike,” said Martín quietly. “We didn’t just see nature. We also met people who live with the mountain every day.”

Valentina nodded. “That’s why I like traveling. You think you’re just going to walk a trail, but you end up learning stories you never imagined.”

Picture from: https://www.wikiexplora.com/Volc%C3%A1n_Acotango

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Text 1 - Lauca National Park: Life at the Top of the World

Imagine standing at more than 4,500 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes and endless blue skies. Lauca National Park, located in Chile’s far north near the border with Bolivia, welcomes visitors to the vast highlands, or altiplano. It is a place of extreme beauty and silent strength, where life survives against the odds.

The park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes. One of the highlights is Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world, reflecting the perfect cone of the Parinacota Volcano. Around the lake, you can often see vicuñas and alpacas grazing on the sparse grass. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting flamingos and giant coots in nearby wetlands.

Hiking here feels different from other parts of Chile because of the altitude. Visitors can explore short trails around Chungará or longer treks across the arid plateau. Some paths are easy and suitable for gentle walks, while others are more demanding and could test even experienced hikers. You can also visit the small Andean villages inside the park, where traditional stone houses and ancient churches remind you of a culture that has lived in the highlands for centuries.

Because the park is part of the Andean highlands, the climate is dry and the sun is strong during the day, but nights are very cold. Travelers should be prepared with proper clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The thin air means that walking can feel more tiring than at lower levels, so it is wise to rest often and move slowly.

Accommodation and Logistics

Most visitors arrive from the town of Putre, about two hours by road from Arica, on the Pacific coast. The road climbs quickly into the mountains, offering views of valleys, volcanoes, and open plains. Inside the park, there are basic camping areas and small guesthouses in nearby villages. Do not expect luxury hotels — the experience here is about simplicity and being close to nature.

Tips and Responsible Tourism
Respect is essential in this fragile environment. You must avoid leaving litter, and you should never disturb the wildlife. Feeding animals like alpacas or vicuñas might seem friendly, but it actually harms their natural behavior. Fires are forbidden because the dry air and strong winds can turn a small flame into a disaster. It is also important to recognize that this park is a protected area under Chilean law, which means visitors have the responsibility to conserve it for the future.

Conclusion
Visiting Lauca is less about comfort and more about discovery. It is a place that shows the resilience of life at high altitude and invites you to reflect on how nature and culture adapt to extreme conditions. Imagine yourself walking slowly along a trail, breathing the thin, cold air, and watching the sun set behind a volcano. What would you want to tell your friends about this experience?

Three friends go around the parks. As they walk the trails and hike the mountains, they learn about nature, local culture and more. These are their experience at Lauca National Park: Story 1 and Story 2

Picture from: https://www.conaf.cl/parque_nacionales/parque-nacional-lauca/

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