- Address: Kolchane, Tarapaca, Chile;
- Area: 1 747 km ²;
- Working hours: every day from 10:00 to 17:00;
- Date of Establishment: 1967.
Equally grandiose than other nature reserves, is the Volcano Islega National Park, which belongs to the region of Tarapaca, Chile , capturing the territory of such communes as Kolchane, Uara and Kamina. The decision to create it was made in 1967, but the boundaries of the park were finally established only twenty years later. Having visited it, you can enjoy beautiful views and see the picturesque natural sights.
Description of the park
The landscape of the park is extremely diverse. Since the reserve is located in the Andes, its altitude ranges from 2100 to 5550 m, the total area is 1747 sq. M. This is exactly the level reached by the highest point of the park - the volcano Ishliga , the National Park got its name in his honor.
On this mountain peaks do not end, because there are Kimsachata , Tatahachura and Latarama . The height of all three mountains is not less than 5000 m. Tourists visit the park not only to admire the volcano and mountains, but also the river, the lakes. The most notable river that flows through the park is Arabila . Its source is on the southern slope of the Kimsachata Mountain .
Birds in a wide variety are found near the lake of Arabilla and Parinacota, and their depths are full of fish and various plants growing near the water. Mammals are also represented in a wide variety on the territory of the reserve.
What to do in the park for tourists?
First of all, travelers should book an excursion. In the Volcano Islub National Park, special trails have been created, according to which tourists are held. During the walk you can see a magnificent landscape, intricate plants, unusual fauna, for example, the Chilean flamingo, as well as rare species of birds.
The tourists are genuinely interested in the plateau of Puchulcida , which is known for its geysers and thermal springs. The temperature of the water in them does not drop below 85 ° C, so the ability to get warm after hiking is not missed by any tourist. To see how warm air escapes from cracks in the ground, for the most part it is possible at dawn and in winter.
In addition to the beauty of the landscape and the observation of the animal world, travelers are invited to delve into the culture of the Aymara Indians. In the park are all necessary for this artifacts and villages. It is interesting to see the church of Ishlig, the cemetery of the tribe and other cultural heritage.
How to get to the park?
For the entrance to the park you do not have to pay, and it's easiest to get yourself from the nearest village of Kolchane. You can choose one of the two popular trails - Laguna Arabilla Pukara de Isluga. The length of the first is only 600 m, but the second route stretches for 3 km.