Réserve provinciale Altoandina de la Chinchilla

The reserve spans 368,529 hectares of high-altitude terrain in the Andes Mountains, featuring twelve saltwater lagoons surrounded by volcanic formations at 4,500 meters above sea level.

Archaeological evidence reveals continuous human presence in the reserve area since 3000 BCE, with indigenous communities maintaining strong connections to this mountainous region.

Local inhabitants practice traditional ceremonies honoring Pachamama, cultivating ancient crops like potatoes and quinoa according to ancestral agricultural methods.

Visitors reach the reserve via National Route 40, requiring specialized vehicles due to challenging terrain and extreme temperature variations ranging from 22°C to -32°C.

Scientists discovered microbial mats in Vilama Lagoon that demonstrate extraordinary survival capabilities in extreme environmental conditions.

Location: Jujuy Province

GPS coordinates: -22.60000,-66.91667

Latest update: March 6, 2025 08:55