PAYACHATAS SNOW HILLS

These hills are formed by the Parinacota and Pomerame Volcanoes, 6.342 meters and 6.282 meters high respectively. The hillsides of both volcanoes have a soft slope of about 45º. This is particularly important for those who like to go mounting climbing, especially from July to September. The temperatures go up to 20ºC, the humidity average is 40%, and the annual rainfall ranges oscillates between 200 and 300 mm. Guided excursions are offered to climb the mountains; such trips usually start in Putre and in Caquena, regions 4.000 meters over the sea level. According to a legend, both volcanoes represent two lovers that lived an impossible love.

HOW TO GET THERE

ACCESS:

By Land
From Arica, you can arrive directly to Caquena which is located at the foothills of the Parinacota Volcano (204 km). 176 km are paved and the remaining 28 km are graveled in a regular condition.

Journey
From Arica to the North by following the Route 5:  You have to arrive to Lluta and turn to the east, then, take the international road to Bolivia (Ch-11).  At km 176, turn to the north by following the route A-123 and passing through Parinacota.  Finally, continue going up to the km 20 and turning to the east towards Caquena.

Transportation

From Arica to Putre, you can take La Paloma Buses Company. The bus terminal is located on 301 Baquedano Street.