Introduction
The Puna is a vast area of high-altitude grassland, which stretches from northwestern Argentina into Chile, Bolivia and up to Peru. The empty plateau of the southern high Andes is expansive and, at an altitude of between 3,000m and 4,000m, virtually inhospitable, which has resulted in a distinctive ecology.
Llamas, alpacas and vicuñas roam the grasslands, whilst Andean condors and yellow-finches soar and flutter above them. Other native species that can be sighted include Andean goose, giant coot and the Andean flamingo - all of which can be found around the Puna's numerous lakes and salt flats, making a trip to this isolated region a favourite with birdwatchers.
