Putre

About

Backed by the Taapaca volcanic complex, and surrounded by terraced plantations, the little town of Putre is the perfect place to get acclimated to the high Andean altitude, especially if you’re on your way to the Lauca National Park. While it doesn’t look like much, take a walk down O’Higgins Avenue, which is bisected by a mountain stream. Some of the humble-looking homes have preserved carved stone portals and window sills from the 17th century. From here head to the main square, which is clean and open, offering some nice views of the surroundings and Putre’s main landmark: its historic church. Built in 1670 with some 19th century restorations, this charming national monument exhibits some local cultural influence, like a nave made from adobe.