Laguna Blanca Biosphere Reserve

Originally created to preserve communities of people originating in the region and the species of animals that inhabit it, the Laguna Blanca Biosphere Reserve has already been opened to tourism in Catamarca. It’s impossible not to share the natural and historical and cultural charm of this corner of the province.

It’s majestic. There are 970,000 hectares inhabited by vicunas, flamingos and other birds to which the cattle of the locals are added. The Reserve is home to six villages that, for the most part, make up goat and sheep herders, which start in the tasks in the area. In short, it’s one of the main conservation centers of our animals.

WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN BE DONE AT RESERVA BIOSFERA LAGUNA BLANCA?

The first thing to be clear about is that while it’s open to tourism, this catamarker reserve has policies. It only accommodates sustainable tourism and ecotourism, so the activities allowed on site are basically: sighting of fauna and flora and allowing some photographic safaris.

Don’t worry, there’s a way to make your visit a little more active. And is that you can participate in the Chaku, a cooperative of vicuna wool quarrels that make up the members of these villages to protect these animals, although at some times of the year they are dedicated to obtaining wool from them.

All under a legal process, in accordance with booking policies. The “Chaku” is a process that takes place in the months of October and November, inviting tourists to be part of this tradition. It can be just by viewing or participating directly in the sheathe. At both the Cooperative and the Regional Museum, you can buy ponchos and other woven products with vicuna wool obtained on site.

That said, we must not forget its historical and archaeological value. There have been found several places of rock art in the area, mainly engraved in caverns that correspond to pre-Inca populations. From there the creation of the Integral Museum of the Laguna Blanca Biosphere Reserve, another of the attractions that can be visited in the area.

On the other hand, we can’t leave aside the magnificent landscape that gives us the lagoon that lives up to the name of this reserve. The Laguna Blanca is a luxury mirror. In the blue and turquoise waters, the elegant flamingos are reflected, surrounded by the incomparable sight of the –sometimes snowy!– mountains. It gives us a chance to get the best postcard. The view is worth it.

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT LAGUNA BLANCA IN CATAMARCA

The weather in Laguna Blanca in Catamarca is usually very dry, cold and windy. One of the most beautiful times to go is by the end of September, as flamingos begin to return to the lagoon. It’s the wet season (very short as it only rains about 250 mm per year), so it’s filled with lots of water and hundreds of beautiful, pink toned flamingos, as well as with other species equally fascinating and imposing.

Another good time to go is during the pachamama festivities, under which the locals allow the participation of visitors. In case you want to participate in the vicunas skiing, we already tell you that the “Chaku” takes place between the days of October and November.

HOW TO GET TO LAGUNA BLANCA BIOSPHERE RESERVE?

There are several ways to get to this booking by car without any problem. It can be from Antofagasta de la Sierra or even from Bethlehem. The landscapes from any of these places are amazing. However, the nearest town is El Peñón. The journey gets slow because there is gravel on the road, but the road in general is in very good conditions.

After experiencing the aforementioned, it’s suggested to combine the visit to Laguna Blanca with Antafogasta de la Sierra and, in that sense, make the most of the long route including El Shincal in your travel itinerary. Similar case if you stay on Bethlehem. Another option is to spend the night in El Peñón and tour Laguna Blanca also with Antofagasta de la Sierra.

WHERE TO STAY TO VISIT LAGUNA BLANCA?

There is the possibility to stay in the inns managed by the locals of Laguna Blanca. In that case, you should consider that this place has electric power thanks to a generator that is available only from 19 hrs and until 7 am. It depends on the time of year!

Simply put, if you are looking for more comfort, it’s ideal to consider the hotel offer of the city. To do so you can consult our travel advisors. They will provide you with detailed information about the hotels, including the guidance you need to choose the one that best suits your needs and is closest to the Laguna Blanca Biosphere Reserve and other activities you are going to do. Remember that the enjoyment in the day also depends on the full rest you can find in the evenings.

Discover the flora, fauna and life in the Laguna Blanca Biosphere Reserve in Catamarca!