Traveling east from Arica along the international route CH 11, which connects northern Chile with Bolivia and La Paz, the paved road leads directly through the National Park Lauca. About half way into the highlands, before reaching the village of Putre, a sign indicates the arrival to a mysterious and legendary region, the “Zona magnética” (magnetic zone). Here, a slight but notable climb of the road fascinates travelers as, when you take out the gear and let the vehicle move freely, it drives on as if it was a descending road.
The phenomenon is small and happens only slowly, however it is surprising to many visitors. Some say that the effect is an optical illusion, others claim that the region has magnetic powers.