Seldom visited by tourists, Isluga is a prime destination for botanizing, nature, and culture.  Because the park and its surroundings are located at a somewhat lower elevation than is Lauca National Park, the vegetation varies and there are some different birds.  More crops are grown, one of which is the nutritious and amino-acid-balanced quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), sold in health food stores in Europe and North America.   The altiplano giant cactus Echinopsis atacamensis is abundant on certain east-facing slopes, although sadly the entire Chilean population lies outside of any protected area.   

Left: Azorella compacta, a high-altitude cushion plant, is in the same family,  as the familiar carrot. (Apiaceae, Umbelliferae).  Above right:  Echinopsis atacamensis.

Isluga is blessed with picturesque churches. The holes in the wall of the church are caused by the Andean Flicker, the most ground-dwelling of the flickers. Right:  Chilean Flamingos (note red "knees" and feet, salmon-colored plumage, characteristic bill)  Phoenicopterus chilensis, can usually be spotted on the way to Isluga.

All photos copyright © Barbara Knapton