What to see
Viewpoints
This unique geological formation features viewpoints to contemplate the extensive reddish, grey, white and purple valley and its 100-metre-high peaks and cliffs, carved by the erosion of the Puna’s volcanic rocks.
Due to the extreme dryness, the area has almost no vegetation, and over the years strange shapes have been created, including domes, ravines and columns of intense colours.
The town
The picturesque town of Cusi Cusi is two streets long, with a square and a church. There are less than 250 inhabitants who are engaged in sheep, llamas and donkey breeding, in artisanal mining, craftsmanship and quinoa production.
Alto Andina de la Chinchilla Provincial Reserve
This reserve has been declared RAMSAR site (wetlands of international importance) and IBA (Important Bird Area). The main attraction is the wetland of Vilama-Pululos lagoons; these are hypersaline lagoons that serve as the summer habitat of a rich aquatic bird fauna, with a large number of endemic and/or threatened species.
The lagoons are located 100 km away from the town of Cusi Cusi (200 km round trip from National Route 40). Given the difficult access, it is critical to go with a local guide who knows the area well.
Coranzulí
Along National Route 50, between Cusi Cusi and Susques and 3,930 m.a.s.l., Coranzulí is an old mining town which was hit by the mine closures in the area. Today, the dwellers are camelid breeders, mostly llamas. Its church, dating from 1897, is worth visiting. Also, the area has a thermal spring water affluent 6 km north of the town.
