Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas

Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas is a protected area in Chile.

Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas at a Glance

Location
Far North & Altiplano, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-18.635475, -69.201440
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 916 km away.

Weather & Climate in Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas

The warmest temperatures in Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas occur in December, averaging 6.3°C (up to 14.4°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 1.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.1mm. Average humidity: 26.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 5.8°C (rainfall: 96.6mm)
  • February: 5.6°C (rainfall: 78.7mm)
  • March: 5.0°C (rainfall: 79.2mm)
  • April: 3.7°C (rainfall: 11.5mm)
  • May: 2.5°C (rainfall: 1.7mm)
  • June: 1.1°C (rainfall: 1.0mm)
  • July: 1.8°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • August: 2.0°C (rainfall: 1.5mm)
  • September: 3.9°C (rainfall: 2.7mm)
  • October: 4.9°C (rainfall: 17.2mm)
  • November: 6.0°C (rainfall: 26.3mm)
  • December: 6.3°C (rainfall: 70.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas

The best months to visit Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas are April, May, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 5.83°C, rainfall 96.6mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • February: Good, temperature 5.6°C, rainfall 78.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 73.4%
  • March: Good, temperature 4.97°C, rainfall 79.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 76.7%
  • April: Great, temperature 3.67°C, rainfall 11.5mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 51.8%
  • May: Great, temperature 2.48°C, rainfall 1.7mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 38.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 1.1°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 32.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 1.76°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 26.4%
  • August: Great, temperature 1.98°C, rainfall 1.5mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 29.8%
  • September: Great, temperature 3.9°C, rainfall 2.7mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 31%
  • October: Great, temperature 4.91°C, rainfall 17.2mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 37.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 5.99°C, rainfall 26.3mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 43.2%
  • December: Good, temperature 6.34°C, rainfall 70.6mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 60%

Wildlife in Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas

Home to 23 recorded species including 12 waterbirds, 8 birds of prey, 1 big herbivores, 1 predators, 1 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas

Based on average temperature of 4.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 48%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 4°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas

4 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Far North & Altiplano

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas FAQs

What unique wildlife, beyond just vicuñas, can I expect to encounter in Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas?

While the reserve is named for its significant vicuña populations, you can also spot other high-Andean species like guanacos, vizcachas, and various birdlife including Andean flamingos and condors. The arid, high-altitude environment supports a specialized ecosystem, offering a glimpse into Chile's unique puna biodiversity.

What is the best time of year to visit Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas for optimal wildlife viewing and weather conditions?

The ideal time to visit is during the Chilean summer, from December to March, when the weather is milder and roads are generally more accessible. While wildlife is present year-round, these months offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the high-altitude landscapes and observing vicuñas.

Given its location, what health precautions, particularly regarding malaria and altitude, should I take when planning a trip to Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas?

Despite a moderate malaria risk indicated, consult your doctor for up-to-date advice on prophylaxis, as malaria is uncommon in most of Chile. More importantly, prepare for high altitude; the reserve is typically above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), so acclimatization and staying hydrated are crucial to prevent altitude sickness.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas, and how does its low crowding level impact a visit?

Expect a remote, self-drive or guided 4x4 expedition through vast, high-altitude Andean landscapes, rather than a traditional African-style safari. With a crowding level of 1/5, you'll likely experience profound solitude, offering an intimate and undisturbed connection with nature and its unique wildlife, far from tourist crowds.

How challenging is it to access Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas, and what logistical preparations are essential for a visit?

Accessing the reserve requires a 4x4 vehicle due to unpaved, often challenging high-altitude roads, typically from towns like Putre. Essential preparations include carrying extra fuel, water, food, warm clothing, and emergency supplies, as services are non-existent within the remote park boundaries.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.