Laguna Brava Provincial Reserve

Information

It is a protected area in the northwest of La Rioja, which includes within its boundaries an extensive laguna (like a lake) named with the same name. They are in the middle of the Andes Mountains, with an altitude that reaches 4000 metres above sea level. The climate is dry, cold, there is snow in winter and at night the temperature drops to many degrees below zero.

It is one of the most impressive tourist destinations in the province. In its arid Puna environment you can observe high altitude salt lakes, active geysers and wetlands surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The main laguna (Laguna Brava) is at about 4200 metres above sea level and occupies about 50 square kilometres, which can vary from year to year.

In order to visit it, it is necessary to register at the fauna ranger's post, and it is compulsory to go with an authorised guide that can be obtained in the locality of San José de Vinchina. The route follows National Route 76 that goes to the Pircas Negras International Pass. It is important to take into account that there are no services or shops in the whole area, so before you go you must stock up on everything you need (food, drinks, petrol, etc.).

For those who are interested in adventure, you can go (you need a vehicle, radio and adequate equipment) to the Corona del Inca crater, which is located above 5000 metres above sea level and has a diameter of 5 km. The water inside the crater forms a laguna, where the world record for high altitude diving was broken.

IMPORTANT: When visiting the protected area, consider that there is no mobile phone signal and at times the place is totally deserted, so it is recommended to go with an appropriate vehicle and in good conditions. On the other hand, there can be very strong winds, so be careful with children and when opening car doors.

One of the objectives of the creation of the reserve is the protection of the vicuna (Vicugna vicugna), which was in danger of extinction. Currently, the species has recovered considerably, and coexists there with the other wild South American camelid, the guanaco (Lama guanicoe). Another mammal often recorded is the culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus), and the puma (Puma concolor) is also present (although more difficult to see).

In the main laguna, one of the attractions is the presence of flamingos, which correspond to the 3 species that exist in the country: the Puna flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), the Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) and the Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis, which is here in smaller numbers). Other birds that can be found are the rufous-bellied seedsnipe (Attagis gayi, difficult to observe in other places), the Puna plover (Charadrius alticola) and the Andean goose (Chloephaga melanoptera).