Parinacota

A remote high-altitude village at 4,392 meters featuring a stunning white and red colonial church set against towering snow-capped volcanoes. This picturesque settlement represents authentic Andean culture and serves as a spiritual and cultural landmark in the region.

Things to do

• Iglesia de Parinacota — Photograph and explore the iconic white and red colonial church built in the 18th century, featuring a distinctive red-painted exterior and whitewashed walls set against volcanic peaks.
• Volcano Parinacota Summit Trek — Hike to the 4,392-meter summit of Volcán Parinacota for panoramic views of the Altiplano and surrounding peaks, typically requiring acclimatization due to extreme altitude.
• Laguna Chungará Visit — Trek to this stunning high-altitude lake located at 4,517 meters, featuring mirror-like reflections of Volcánes Parinacota and Pomerape and home to Andean wildlife.
• Alpaca and Llama Herding — Participate in traditional herding activities with local families to learn about pastoralist Aymara culture and observe these animals in their natural high-altitude habitat.
• Pomerape Volcano Climb — Challenge yourself with a multi-day ascent of the twin volcano Pomerape (6,282 meters), offering technical climbing and extraordinary alpine vistas.
• Aymara Community Tour — Engage with local Aymara families to learn traditional weaving techniques, agricultural practices, and spiritual beliefs tied to the Andean landscape.

Food to try

• Chuño — Freeze-dried potato product unique to the Andes, traditionally prepared by locals and served in stews or as a staple carbohydrate at high altitudes.
• Charque de Llama — Dried and salted llama meat (jerky) that is a protein staple for local herders and can be purchased from community members or prepared fresh during festivals.
• Quinoa Soup — Hearty traditional soup made with locally-grown quinoa, potatoes, and vegetables that provides essential nutrition in the harsh high-altitude environment.
• Api de Quinoa — Warm quinoa-based porridge or drink often consumed at breakfast, sometimes sweetened with chancaca (unrefined cane sugar) and served with fresh bread.
• Huatía — Traditional Aymara dish of potatoes and meat (often llama or alpaca) cooked underground using hot stones, typically prepared for community celebrations and festivals.

Local customs & good to know

• Altitude Acclimatization Essential — Arrive several days early in a lower-altitude town to acclimatize before visiting Parinacota at 4,392 meters, as soroche (altitude sickness) is common and potentially serious.
• Respect Sacred Spaces — The colonial church and surrounding peaks hold profound spiritual significance for the Aymara community; ask permission before photographing religious ceremonies or cultural events.
• Learn Basic Aymara Phrases — While Spanish is spoken, learning greetings and basic courtesy in Aymara shows respect to the indigenous community and enhances cultural exchange with locals.
• Participate in Community Reciprocity — The Aymara practice of 'ayni' (reciprocal work exchange) means showing willingness to help with daily tasks, herding, or celebrations creates meaningful connections with residents.