Ljullyaylako National Park


Not the biggest in size, but very colorful national park Ljuljajljako accepts every year crowds of tourists. Since 1991, when it was founded, the place has become an abode for many species of animals.

What is the park?

The reserve covers an area of ​​2,687 square kilometers. The natural border of the park from the west is the Domeyko mountain chain, behind which the Atacama Desert is wiped. The park itself occupies the entire plateau of Pune de Atacama.

The place stands out because it is located close to the solonchaks: Punta Negra , Aguas Calientes , Pahonales . Over the sea level, Ljuljaylako rises from 3,500 to 6,739 m. One of the noteworthy places of the park is the lake Asufrera, which was formed at the foot of the volcano Lastariya.

The eastern border of the park serves as the border with Argentina, and here lies the highest peak - the Ljuljaylaco volcano, after which the park got its name. A characteristic feature of the eastern part of the reserve is the mountainous terrain. Among the significant mountain peaks are called: Cerro-Bayo , Pena and Guanaceros .

The western part of the park is on the contrary located on the plateau and is cut by numerous gorges. Tourists are most interested in such: Tokomar , Sorritas . They end far beyond the park, near the solonchak of Punta Negra . From the south to the north, the River Frio crosses the park. In height, the mountain chains that join Domeyko are the Pastos-Largos (4890m), Guanaco (4150m).

Features of the park

Despite the difficult conditions of survival, the national park of Ljuljajlako is full of various kinds of animals, most often there are guanacos, vicuñas, Andes foxes. The high population is due to the fact that there is enough food for them in the park.

The park is also interesting archaeological finds, which can be seen on the top of the volcano Ljuljajljako . These are three children's mummies, well preserved due to dry, rarefied air. If you believe the words of scientists, the children were sacrificed by the Incas.

The National Park of Ljuljajljako keeps many riddles. It is enough to look at the variety of plants. The flora is represented in 126 species, 21 of them are absolutely unique, because they grow only in this area.

How to get to the park?

To reach the park, you will visit the city of Antofagasta . The distance from it is 275 km, to reach by car. Since the importance of the park is great, you can not get into it by simply buying a ticket. It is necessary to obtain permission from CONAF, a special company that oversees the national parks of Chile .