Central Andean Dry Puna

This high-altitude montane steppe is home to iconic, well-adapted wildlife such as the vicuña, the Andean mountain cat, and the viscacha. These species thrive in the extreme dryness and rugged terrain that defines the Andes mountains.

The ecoregion stretches through the Andes mountains across four distinct countries: Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It primarily occupies the high-altitude altiplano, sitting at elevations often exceeding 3,500 meters above sea level.

The climate is defined by its extreme dryness, cold temperatures, and significant diurnal temperature variations. The region receives less than 400 millimeters of annual precipitation, making it a harsh, arid environment.

Yes, tourists frequently access this high-altitude montane steppe when visiting protected areas like the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve in Peru. Travelers should be prepared for extreme altitude sickness, as the rugged terrain sits well above 3,000 meters.