Volcán Isluga National Park protects a great sweep of altiplano along the Bolivian border, north-east of Iquique. It takes its name from the Isluga volcano, about 5,550 m high, whose summit vents often trail a wisp of steam. Below it are bofedales — spongy green wetlands — where Aymara families have herded llamas and alpacas for centuries.
This is the most culturally intact corner of the Tarapacá highlands. The scattered hamlets are Aymara communities, and the old ceremonial village of Isluga, largely empty except during festivals, has one of the most beautiful Andean churches in Chile.
Top things to do at Isluga Volcano National Park
See the church of Isluga
Built in the 17th century and declared a national monument, the church is a low, whitewashed building inside a walled yard, with a separate bell tower. It is normally locked outside festivals, but the exterior, with the volcano behind, is the great sight.
Soak in the Enquelga hot springs
Near the hamlet of Enquelga, a simple open-air pool is fed by warm springs, with a view across the bofedal to the volcano. Facilities are basic.
Watch altiplano wildlife
Llamas and alpacas graze everywhere; look also for vicuñas, vizcachas among the rocks, flamingos and Andean geese on the lagoons, and — with luck — rheas.
Stop at the Puchuldiza geysers
On a side road off the highway, the geothermal field of Puchuldiza has steaming vents and, in the coldest months, towers of ice built up by the spray. It lies above 4,000 m.
How to get to Isluga Volcano National Park
- By car: from Huara on the Pan-American Highway, the paved Ruta 15 climbs east to Colchane, the border village beside the park — around 250 km and four hours or more from Iquique. Side roads within the park are unpaved.
- By bus: buses from Iquique to Colchane and on to Bolivia use this road; they are of little use for sightseeing.
- On a tour: a few Iquique agencies offer altiplano trips. On GetYourGuide the only highland product from Iquique at present is the long Red Lagoon tour.
Insider tips
- Colchane is at about 3,700 m and the route crosses higher ground. Take altitude seriously: ideally break the journey, ascend slowly and descend if you feel unwell.
- Fuel is not reliably available beyond Huara. Fill up, and carry water, food and a spare tyre.
- Accommodation is limited to a few basic guesthouses. Nights are bitterly cold.
- This is a border zone: carry your passport, and expect police and customs checkpoints on the road.
Bookable experiences to pair with Isluga Volcano National Park
GetYourGuide’s Iquique catalogue is small, so these are the real, bookable experiences that fit best around a visit to Isluga Volcano National Park:
Full-day expedition from US$639 Iquique: Red Lagoon Tour
The only full-day highland excursion from Iquique currently listed on GetYourGuide: a 16-hour small-group trip to the remote, mineral-coloured Red Lagoon. It is by far the most expensive product on this page and a new listing without reviews, and it climbs to high altitude — read the details carefully before you book.
- A very long day into the high Andes
- Coloured lagoons including the Red Lagoon
- Small group, meal included, pickup available
Day trip from US$123 Arica: Sightseeing Tour of Lauca National Park and Lake Chungará
The classic altiplano day trip of the far north, and the easiest organised way to see high-Andean lakes and volcanoes if you are travelling between Iquique and Arica. Departs from Arica and reaches well over 4,000 m, so give yourself time at altitude first if you can.
- Lake Chungará beneath the Parinacota volcano
- The altiplano village of Parinacota
- Vicuñas, flamingos and other Andean wildlife
Early-morning tour from US$73 Tatio Geysers at Sunrise | Breakfast & Incredible Landscapes
The most-reviewed Atacama tour on GetYourGuide by a wide margin. A pre-dawn start takes you up to the El Tatio geyser field, above 4,000 m, for sunrise among the steam, with breakfast in the cold. Departs from San Pedro de Atacama, not from Iquique.
- One of the highest geothermal fields in the world
- Steam columns at their best at dawn
- Breakfast included
