National Park lauca (in the language of Aymara "lawq" means "water grass") was created in Chile in 1970 on the basis of Forest reserve lauca. Its area is 137 883 hectares. the Park includes steppes, foothills of the Cordillera, and also called Titicaca plateau - an extensive plain, located in the Eastern part of Arica and parinacota volcano. In 1981 the Park was added to the list of biosphere reserves of UNESCO.

Near chungara lake, surrounding wetlands, which are fed by the waters of the lake Cotacotani (4495 m above sea level) can put up a tent, and in the morning to meet a wonderful dawn. In the background will be seen snow-capped double volcano Nevados de Ayacata (in the language of Aymara "%8yachata" means "twins or twins") – two volcanoes: Pomerape (6265 m) and parinacota volcano (6348 m). You can also see Gallarate (6060 m) and Acotango (6050 meters), which are also the highlight of the Park. This kind of will give an idea of the scenic views that await you when you reach the large chungara lake (4517 m above sea level).

On the way to emerald lake Chungara you can see the historical monument Tambo de Chungara - checkpoint, built in 1695, is a national monument of Chile since 1983). The small streets of the town of parinacota volcano (colonial architectural ensemble of XVII century) - it was declared a national monument of Chile in 1979. Among its tourist and cultural attractions you can see a Church built in the early XVII century from volcanic materials, and the Museum (they are also national monuments). You can explore the ancient city of Cuquio (in the language of Aymara "chukuñuyo" means "place of shelter"), through which in the XVI and XVII century the caravans from gold mine of Potosi in the port of Arica. He was also a sales center fabric Alpaca crossing point of the Carabineros de Chile.

You can also explore the caves at the base of rocky slopes at Las Cuevas that served as dwellings for the Inca-cases is also an archaeological monument. You can enjoy the hot springs of Las Cuevas (arising from the swamps of water heated to 31°C), walk along the banks of the river lauca, which originates from the lake and watch the lives of the inhabitants of the wetlands Bofedal de parinacota volcano (Bofedal de Parinacota). In short, can enjoy the impressive landscape of the Park lauca in his greatness and historical heritage.

Park lauca characterized not only places of cultural and historical heritage and great natural beauty but it is also his rich flora and fauna. This Park is home to more than 230 different species of animals and birds. It is easiest to see in the surroundings of the Park: mountain lion, Peruvian deer, llama, Alpaca, vicuña, mountain viscacha (also called giant chinchilla), Andean Fox, North of Lamu (guanaco), Andean Avocet, Chilean Flamingo, Andean gull, Andean goose and Andean ostrich.

The main representatives of flora, in the steppe and in the areas of "wetlands" Park - fescue, gentian, Senecio strecansky, quinoa - pseudoterranova culture, was one of the most important food of the Indians. In the Inca civilization, quinoa belonged to three main types of food, along with corn and potatoes. The Incas it was called the "Golden grain". In rocky areas greater heights Park grows amazing evergreen area, the lifetime of which reaches 3000 years. On mountain slopes ranging from 3200 m to 3800 m, grow low shrubs.

The Park is a dry climate with very large temperature fluctuations during the day. The average temperature is in the range between +12 to 20°C during the day and-3-25°C at night.