
Parinacota Village and Church
A remote altiplano village famed for its historic church adorned with spectacular frescoes and intriguing local legends.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To find the church keyholder

Parinacota Village and Church
Best Time
To find the church keyholder

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote altiplano village famed for its historic church adorned with spectacular frescoes and intriguing local legends.
"An adventure back in time with magnificent frescoes and a quiet, serene atmosphere."

🤝 Find the Keyholder
Ask locals to help you find the gentleman who holds the keys to the church. He's usually happy to show you inside!
📖 Leave a Note
Inside the church, you can find books to leave notes about your visit. A lovely way to connect with past travelers.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 191 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Parinacota Church
Village center
A historic highland church adorned with spectacular, well-preserved frescoes. An adventure back in time.

The Legend of the Moving Table
Village lore
Hear the intriguing tale of a table that mysteriously moved itself around the village, a local legend tied to the community's history.

Andean Landscapes
Surrounding areas
Experience the quiet beauty of the altiplano with breathtaking, wide-open vistas and serene natural surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quiet Charm
Accessing the Historic Church
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Find the Keyholder
Ask locals to help you find the gentleman who holds the keys to the church. He's usually happy to show you inside!
📖 Leave a Note
Inside the church, you can find books to leave notes about your visit. A lovely way to connect with past travelers.
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
Parinacota is a very quiet village. Enjoy the peace and the stunning, serene altiplano landscapes.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
This village offers a unique glimpse into a historical way of life. Appreciate the preserved architecture and stories.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Find the Keyholder
Ask locals to help you find the gentleman who holds the keys to the church. He's usually happy to show you inside!
📖 Leave a Note
Inside the church, you can find books to leave notes about your visit. A lovely way to connect with past travelers.
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
Parinacota is a very quiet village. Enjoy the peace and the stunning, serene altiplano landscapes.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
This village offers a unique glimpse into a historical way of life. Appreciate the preserved architecture and stories.
🚗 Scenic Drive
The journey to Parinacota is part of the experience, with beautiful scenery along the way.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Parinacota Village for its historical charm, particularly the magnificent frescoes within its ancient church. The tranquil, remote setting and unique local legends contribute to an 'adventure back in time' experience. While the village is very quiet and amenities are scarce, the opportunity to connect with local culture and witness preserved history makes it a worthwhile stop for many.
"When I visited a local told us how there are less and less people living and staying in the village, which made me a bit sad since its such a nice stop to make if you are nearby. Its really quiet (which is expected) and with really pretty landscapes. An historical site definitely worth to visit"
Amanda
"Beautiful, historic church with spectacular frescoes."
Alasdair Martin
"An adventure back in time"
Theresa Naaf
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parinacota is typically reached by car or organized tour. The drive itself offers beautiful altiplano scenery. Many visitors find it a worthwhile stop when traveling through the region.
Public transport options to Parinacota are very limited. It's generally recommended to visit with your own vehicle or as part of a guided tour for ease of access and flexibility.
The roads leading to Parinacota can vary. While some sections are paved, others might be unpaved or gravel, especially as you get closer to the village. Driving carefully is advised.
Parinacota Village is located in the altiplano, a significant distance from Arica. The journey can take several hours, so plan accordingly if you're making it a day trip or part of a longer itinerary.
Yes, many tours operating in the Arica and Parinacota region include a stop at Parinacota Village and its church. This is a convenient way to visit if you don't have your own transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no general admission ticket required to enter Parinacota Village itself. You can wander through the village freely.
To enter the historic church, you need to find a local resident who holds the keys. They are usually happy to open it for visitors.
While there isn't a fixed entrance fee, it's customary to offer a small donation to the caretaker or for the church's upkeep if you are shown inside.
The church doesn't have set opening hours as access is dependent on finding the keyholder. It's best to visit during daylight hours when locals are more likely to be around.
You can visit the church grounds and exterior anytime. To see the interior and its frescoes, you'll need to connect with the local keyholder.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the historic church with its frescoes, the quiet village atmosphere, and the surrounding altiplano landscapes. It's a place for reflection and appreciating history.
Parinacota is known for being a very quiet and uncrowded destination, offering a peaceful experience.
The church boasts magnificent, well-preserved frescoes that are a significant historical and artistic highlight. They offer a glimpse into the past.
Facilities are very limited in Parinacota. It's a small, historic village, so don't expect modern amenities. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving.
Locals tell a fascinating legend about a table that used to move by itself around the village. Ask around, and you might hear the full story!
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning altiplano scenery, the historic church exterior, and if permitted, the incredible frescoes inside. The quiet village streets also make for atmospheric shots.
Photography rules inside the church can vary. It's always best to ask the keyholder for permission before taking pictures, especially of the frescoes.
The soft light of early morning or late afternoon can be beautiful for landscape photography in the altiplano. Midday sun can be harsh.
There are no specific widely published restrictions for drone photography in Parinacota, but always be respectful of the local community and private property. Check local regulations if unsure.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the church interior. A standard zoom is versatile. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions inside the church if allowed.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit