Lauca National Park is a protected area located in the northernmost part of Chile, within the Arica and Parinacota Region. It forms part of the Lauca Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO. The park encompasses a significant portion of the Central Andean dry puna ecoregion, characterized by its high-altitude volcanic landscape. The park's geography is dominated by the Payachata volcanic group, which includes the stratovolcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape. A central feature of the park is Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world, situated at the foot of the Payachata mountains. The area is known for its unique high-altitude wetlands, known as bofedales, which provide critical habitat. The park protects a range of native wildlife, including vicuñas, guanacos, suri (lesser rhea), and the viscacha, a rodent species. The flora is adapted to the harsh, arid conditions and includes the queñoa tree, one of the few tree species that can survive at such extreme elevations. The park also contains significant archaeological sites and areas of cultural importance related to the Aymara people, who have inhabited the Altiplano for centuries.