Putre: Churches, Festivals and the Highlands

Putre combines a townscape shaped by history with festivals and highland destinations. If you are considering Putre as a destination for your stay, the town’s architectural history, celebrations and surrounding landscapes offer different starting points for planning.

Churches, Streetscape and Historic Sites

The Iglesia de Putre is the center of the Catholic ceremonial complex. It also includes a freestanding bell tower, an atrium enclosed by a perimeter wall, a cemetery and a posada at the entrance to the town. The original church building, also known as the Church of San Ildefonso, is said to have been built in the mid-17th century.

O’Higgins Street is one of the town’s oldest streets. An irrigation channel runs down its center, with stone bridges and benches. Along this historic street, houses retain stone doorways and window surrounds dating from the 17th century. These architectural features offer a tangible way to trace Putre’s history and streetscape.

Archaeological heritage in the surrounding area includes the Vilacaurani rock paintings, which are more than 5,000 years old and were declared a Historic Monument in 1969. The Pucará de Copaquilla is also in Putre commune: this archaeological complex was built for defensive purposes in the 12th century and is protected by a double wall. Together, these two sites represent different periods in history and forms of cultural heritage.

The Iglesia Santa Rosa de Lima de Caquena is another historic destination in the surrounding area. It is 86 kilometers from Putre and was declared a National Historic Monument in 2015.

Festivals and Local Culture

Anata de los Pueblos 2025 lasted two days and featured dancing, singing and music played on Tarka flutes. That year’s event also included the Feria Jiwasan Markasa and a food courtyard serving typical regional dishes. The Fiesta Religiosa de San Juan is celebrated every year on June 24 with a mass and procession through town, followed by a community celebration in the square or community hall.

The Fiesta Religiosa Virgen Asunta, held in honor of Putre’s patron saint, includes religious dances, a Eucharistic celebration and a procession through town. It is celebrated on August 15. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the exact dates with the municipality in advance.

Highland Landscapes and Excursions

The easy Chungará Trail is in Lauca National Park, within Putre commune. The trail is 600 meters long and takes 30 minutes to complete. Before visiting, check the park’s latest information, as conditions and closures can change.

Bofedal Parinacota is 40 kilometers from Putre, within Lauca National Park. There, you can observe giant coots, llamas and alpacas. Laguna Cotacotani is 44 kilometers away; possible activities there include hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. These destinations differ both in the wildlife they offer the chance to observe and in the ways to explore the landscape actively.

Farther away, in the wider region, is Monumento Nacional Surire, 138 kilometers from Putre and at an altitude of 4,200 meters. Opportunities there include trekking, hiking and observing flora and fauna. Termas de Jurasi are volcanic hot springs in the area around Putre. They can be reached from Ruta 11-CH at the level of the Putre lookout point.

Getting There and Altitude

Ruta 11-CH connects Arica and Putre over a distance of about 145 kilometers. The drive takes approximately three hours; actual travel time depends on road and weather conditions. Treat this estimate as a guide when planning your journey.

Chile Travel recommends spending your first night in Putre to acclimatize before ascending to Lago Chungará, which lies at an altitude of 4,500 meters, as altitude sickness is a serious risk. Take your individual health situation into account when following this recommendation.

For the broader travel overview: Provincia Parinacota.