Dreamy views of Parinacota
Parinacota volcano (6 342m asl) renowned for its regular cone and snow cap is beautiful from all sides, but the most beautiful is for sure from thelake Chungara (4 561m asl.). Therefore, if you travel from Bolivia to Chile through the border crossing Tambo Quemado (La Paz-Arica), get off in a small camp (4 577 m asl) directly on the bank of the lake and admire the surrounding panorama or set out from here for a hike to the old volcano towering straight behind the camp, which offers even nicer views.
Bofedales at lake Chungara
A couple of places for a tent and building for guards of Lauca National Park is at a small seasonal creek ending in a slightly swampy bofedales on the banks of the lake Chungara. The view of the volcano Parinacota directly from the camp is wonderful.
Ilamas and border volcano Cerro Quisiqui
Ilamas Vicuña come here grazing thanks to local bofedales. On the horizon is eroded volcano Cerro Quisiquisini (5 525m asl), over the top of which leads the state border of Bolivia and Chile.
Nevados de Quimsachata
To the south from the state road are three high volcanoes called Nevados de Quimsachata and virtually no one climbs here: Acotango (6 052 m asl), Umurata (5 730 m asl) and Cerro Capurata (5 990 m asl). But the views of their more famous colleagues would be definitely awesome!
The ascent to the old volcano
If you during your walk along the shores of the lake reach its western end, be sure to enhance your visit by a hike to the remains of the former monumental volcano. You'll ascent up the long ridge above the seasonal valley. The path is not difficult, but even so, be very careful, because if you walk alone and break your leg, no one may find you here.
Picturesque peninsulas
Peninsulas falling into the lake look from above like fingers of a gigantic paw.
Volcanic panorama
The highest mountain in Bolivia Nevado Sajama towers on the horizon like a lighthouse.
Parinacota
After reaching the top of the volcano or just one of the outlook places on its slope, head slowly back to the camp before dark and winter fall. You do not have to return the same way; you can walk more directly in open landscape.
Then just dress warm and watch volcano reflections in the lake at sunset.
Sunset over Nevados de Quimsachata
Abandoned volcanoes of Nevados de Quimsachata turn to ore during the sunset. You will enjoy here complete silence, because all trippers from Arica will already be gone and only a few people camp here overnight.
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