The National Park Volcano Isluga is administratively located in the communities of Colchane and Huara, within the province of Tamarugal. It covers a surface of 174.744 hectares at an average altitude of over 4.000m above sea level. The park was created in 1967 as a touristic national park. In 1985, its size was adjusted to the actual size of today, an area of almost 175.000 hectares.
On the grasslands of the park one can spot the suri, the kiuka or Puna tinamou and the tawny-throated dotterel. Other common bird species are the highland ibis, the Andean goose, the mountain duck and the caití. Around the lagoons of the National Park Volcano Isluga, different species of flamingos find their habitat. The mountain flanks belong to the guanacos, the tarucas and the huemul (all species of north Andean deer).
The hills are covered with cactus and small bushes. Within the National Park Volcano Isluga, you can find the columnar cactus, which grows up to 4 meters high. The use of this cactus for commercial reasons has brought it to the verge of extinction.
Before the Spaniards arrived in the region, the park was inhabited by Aymara farmers. Remains from this cultural background can still be observed, for example at the old fort (pucará) of Isluga, the cemeteries of Usamalla and Alsuri or the highland sanctuary on the summit of the volcano Isluga, where rituals are still being conducted from time to time. The inhabitants nowadays are concentrated in the villages Chapicollo, Enquelga and Caraguana, where they live off stock farming, textile manufacturing and agricultural cultivation of for example the quinoa (highly beneficial crop). Also the ancient spirituality is still practiced in the area, which is reflected in festivities like the “fiesta de Tomás” on December 21st.