RoadAtlas
Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile — Mountain
South America

Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano

Chile

In short: Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano is a 315 km mountain road trip in Chile, typically driven over 2-3 days, best in April to November. Highlights: Arica, Lluta Valley Viewpoint, Pukara de Copaquilla.

Distance
315 km
Duration
2-3 days
Best Season
April to November
IconicModerateMountain

Climb from the Pacific heat of Arica into Chile’s high Altiplano on one of the country’s most dramatic mountain drives. The route follows the Lluta Valley to Putre, then continues into Lauca National Park for volcano views, bofedales, turquoise lagoons, and herds of vicuñas under thin, brilliant air.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
This is a high-altitude drive, with long stretches above 3,500 m and a summit well over 4,500 m, so acclimatize in Arica or Putre before pushing on. Carry fuel, water, and warm layers; services are limited once you leave the valley roads.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Arica — Departure — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Departure
Arica
Start at sea level in Chile's warm northern port. Stock up before the climb into the Andes.
Hotels
Putre — City — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
City
Putre
This small high-altitude town is the main base for acclimatizing. Adobe buildings and cool evenings set the pace here.
Hotels
Lauca National Park Entrance — Arrival — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Arrival
Lauca National Park Entrance
Finish inside one of Chile's highest protected landscapes. Lagoons, bofedales, and volcanic peaks frame the final stretch.
Hotels

Things to Do

Lluta Valley Viewpoint — Landmark — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Landmark
Lluta Valley Viewpoint
A wide valley opens between brown hills and river ribbons. It is the first big shift from coast to high desert.
Pukara de Copaquilla — Landmark — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Landmark
Pukara de Copaquilla
Stone ruins cling to a ridge above the valley. The site gives a stark glimpse of pre-Hispanic mountain life.
Cerro Chungará Viewpoint — Landmark — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Landmark
Cerro Chungará Viewpoint
The road rises toward the border plateau with sweeping volcano views. Thin air and open sky make every pullout feel huge.
Chungará Lake — Nature — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Nature
Chungará Lake
One of the route's showpieces, this lagoon reflects Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes. Vicuñas and flamingos often feed nearby.
Parinacota Volcano Viewpoint — Landmark — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Landmark
Parinacota Volcano Viewpoint
A classic view of the conical volcano rising from the altiplano. The panorama feels raw, silent, and high.
Morro de Arica — viewpoint — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
viewpoint
Morro de Arica
Climb for a broad look over Arica and the Pacific coast. It is an easy first stop before heading into the Andes.
Pukara de Copaquilla — archaeological site — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
archaeological site
Pukara de Copaquilla
Walk among the stone walls and terraces of this hilltop fortress. The ruins sit in a dramatic position above the valley.
Lauca National Park — national park — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
national park
Lauca National Park
Explore wetlands, lagoons, and high-altitude wildlife on short walks and pullouts. The landscape is ideal for slow scenic driving.
Parinacota and Pomerape Volcano Viewpoint — scenic viewpoint — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
scenic viewpoint
Parinacota and Pomerape Volcano Viewpoint
Stop for the signature twin-volcano panorama of the route. On a clear day the light is crisp and the peaks dominate the horizon.

Where to Eat

Mercado Municipal de Arica — Chilean seafood and local market food — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Chilean seafood and local market food
Mercado Municipal de Arica
Good for a quick coastal meal before heading inland. Look for fresh ceviche, empanadas, and juice stands.
Restaurant Bacco — Chilean — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Chilean
Restaurant Bacco
A reliable stop in Arica for a proper lunch or early dinner. It is useful for a final city meal before the mountain road.
La Casa de la Empanada — Bakery and empanadas — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Bakery and empanadas
La Casa de la Empanada
A simple grab-and-go option in Arica for the drive. Stock up on baked snacks before the long uphill section.
Restaurant Putre — Andean Chilean — Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano — Chile
Andean Chilean
Restaurant Putre
A practical place to eat in Putre after acclimatizing. Expect hearty plates that suit cold nights and high altitude.

Explore related routes

Chile road trips Iconic Scenic Coastal DrivesMountain PassesWeekend Drives South America routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano drive?

The Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano covers 315 km from start to finish.

How long does the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2-3 days on the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano?

The recommended season for the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano is April to November.

Where does the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano start and end?

The Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano runs from Arica to Lauca National Park Entrance.

What are the main stops on the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano?

The Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano passes through Arica, Lluta Valley Viewpoint, Pukara de Copaquilla.

Can I drive the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano in a regular car?

Yes — the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano, based on its 315 km length.

Is the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano safe to drive?

This is a high-altitude drive, with long stretches above 3,500 m and a summit well over 4,500 m, so acclimatize in Arica or Putre before pushing on. Carry fuel, water, and warm layers; services are limited once you leave the valley roads.

What scenic tier is the Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano?

The Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.