Qué hacer en Putre
Descubre Putre, la joya andina de Chile. Puerta al Parque Nacional Lauca y sus lagos altiplánicos como Chungará, ofrece una inmersión cultural a 3.500 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Visita este destino volcánico dramático para experimentar una aventura de altura, vida tradicional y paisajes inigualables.
Actividades favoritas en Putre
Best season
La mejor época para visitar Putre y el Parque Nacional Lauca se extiende durante los meses de invierno altiplánico, entre abril y noviembre, ya que este período ofrece un clima más seco y estable, ideal para el senderismo y la exploración de los lagos y volcanes del altiplano, como el Lago Chungará, con cielos despejados. Aunque las temperaturas nocturnas son muy frías, los días son soleados y más agradables para las actividades al aire libre que requieren esfuerzo físico. Si bien la temporada alta coincide con el verano (diciembre a marzo) debido a las vacaciones, esta época trae consigo el fenómeno del "invierno boliviano", con lluvias intensas que pueden dificultar el acceso a algunos caminos y crear neblina, por lo que es mejor evitarla para asegurar una experiencia de trekking óptima.
Weather
Putre posee un clima de tundra de alta montaña (ET), caracterizado por una marcada diferencia térmica entre el día y la noche, y poca variación estacional. Los días son frescos a templados y las noches muy frías. Las temperaturas máximas promedio se alcanzan en verano (diciembre a marzo), rondando los 15 °C a 18 °C. Las temperaturas mínimas se registran en invierno (junio a agosto), cayendo frecuentemente por debajo de los 0 °C, con promedios nocturnos de -5 °C a -10 °C.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do or see on my first visit to Putre?
According to tourists who visited Putre, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit the Church of Putre, a central and representative point of local history and culture, built with colonial-era stone elements, accessible on foot. 2. Stroll along O'Higgins Street, one of the oldest streets, which allows you to appreciate the colonial architecture and historical urban planning of the area, featuring houses with stone window ledges and portals from the 17th century, accessible on foot. 3. Explore Lauca National Park, a gateway to spectacular high-altitude landscapes and wildlife, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, accessible by private vehicle or organized tour. 4. Visit the Salar de Surire, which offers unique desert landscapes and opportunities for birdwatching, home to three species of flamingos, accessible by 4x4 vehicle or organized tour.
What are the best activities to do in Putre?
The top-rated activities by tourists in Putre are: 1. Flora and fauna observation: explore the rich biodiversity of the highlands, including vicuñas, vizcachas, and various birds. There is a chance to spot vicuñas in the National Reserve of Vicuñas. 2. Hot springs: enjoy the natural hot springs of the region to relax and rejuvenate. The Polloquere Hot Springs are a popular option. 3. Trekking and mountaineering: hike trails in the highlands, with options ranging from easy walks to climbs up volcanoes. The ascent to Cerro Choquelimpe offers panoramic views. 4. Rock art observation: visit archaeological sites that preserve pre-Columbian rock art, evidence of the presence of ancestral cultures in the region. 5. Landscape photography: capture the beauty of highland landscapes, volcanoes, lagoons, and wildlife. Lake Chungará and the Payachata volcanoes are iconic settings.
What day trips can be taken from Putre?
From Putre, the following day trips can be made: 1. Lauca National Park and Lake Chungará: 145 km away, with a travel time of 3-4 hours by car. You can see Lake Chungará, the Payachata volcanoes, and highland fauna. It is declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Accessible by private vehicle or organized tour. Ideal for nature and photography lovers. 2. Salar de Surire: at an unspecified distance, with an approximate travel time of 3-4 hours by 4x4 vehicle. You can see an extensive salt flat, lagoons, and Andean fauna. It is one of the most important salt flats in the Arica and Parinacota region. Accessible by 4x4 vehicle or organized tour. Ideal for birdwatchers and desert landscape enthusiasts. 3. Polloquere Hot Springs: at an unspecified distance, with an approximate travel time of 3-4 hours by 4x4 vehicle (often combined with Salar de Surire). You can enjoy natural hot springs in a highland setting. It is an oasis of relaxation in the midst of the arid highlands. Accessible by 4x4 vehicle or organized tour. Ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and wellness. 4. The towns of Socoroma and Belén: a short drive from Putre (less than 1 hour). You can see traditional architecture, churches, and rural highland life. Belén is known for its stone constructions and church. Accessible by private vehicle or tour. Ideal for those interested in local culture and architecture.
How many days are recommended to visit Putre?
It is recommended to spend between 2 and 4 days visiting Putre. Two days allow for basic acclimatization and a visit to Lauca National Park. Three days are ideal for including Salar de Surire or the hot springs, in addition to exploring nearby towns. Four days allow for a deeper immersion and visiting other attractions in the province. The suggested itinerary is: Day 1: Arrival and acclimatization in Putre, visit to the church and main street. Day 2: Excursion to Lauca National Park and Lake Chungará. Day 3: Excursion to Salar de Surire and Polloquere Hot Springs, or visit towns like Belén. Factors to consider include altitude and the need for acclimatization, distance and travel time to attractions, the variety of landscapes and activities available, and the desired travel pace.
What is the best time to visit Putre in terms of prices and weather?
The high season is from December to March, with summer highland weather featuring occasional rain, temperatures between 5°C and 18°C, and high prices that can double. The low season is from June to September, with winter highland weather and very cold nights, temperatures between -10°C and 15°C, and medium prices with discounts of 20-30%. The ideal season is from April to May and October to November, with temperatures between 0°C and 15°C, offering a drier and more stable climate, ideal for outdoor activities while avoiding rain and extreme cold, with medium price discounts.
Is it expensive to travel to Putre?
Traveling to Putre has a moderate cost. The estimated daily budget is: backpacker between 40 and 70 USD, mid-range between 80 and 150 USD, and comfort between 160 and 250 USD. Reference costs are: average restaurant meal between 16 and 26 USD, budget meal between 8 and 16 USD, public transportation (e.g., Arica-Putre) between 10 and 16 USD, average attraction entry fee between 5 and 15 USD, budget accommodation per night between 32 and 53 USD, and mid-range accommodation per night between 74 and 126 USD. An example budget for 5 days ranges from 400-750 USD. Putre is considered a moderately priced destination within Chile. Money-saving tips include carrying cash, eating at local markets, using shared transportation, and taking advantage of hiking opportunities.
What budget tours can be done in Putre?
Free attractions in Putre include the Plaza de Armas, the Church of Putre, and historical streets like O'Higgins Street. Low-cost tours are: tours to Lauca National Park for CLP 30,000-50,000 (approx. 32 USD), excursion to Polloquere Hot Springs for CLP 35,000-55,000 (approx. 37 USD), and visits to nearby towns (Socoroma, Belén) for CLP 20,000-35,000 (approx. 21 USD). Budget alternatives include opting for group tours, exploring on foot or by bike, and combining visits to Salar de Surire and Polloquere Hot Springs. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Tours al Parque Nacional Lauca from USD 32, Excursión a las Termas de Polloquere from USD 37, Visita a pueblos aledaños (Socoroma, Belén) from USD 21, Precordillera Journey from Putre: History and Nature in the Highlands from USD 90.
