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Recent Examples of punaThis high puna ecosystem, characterized by its harsh climate and sparse vegetation, is the natural territory of Peru’s national animal, the vicuña—a shy, elusive camelid renowned for having the world’s most luxurious wool.—David Nolan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025 Deep wells or puna are cleaned of dirt and debris so the sea water that enters them through underground channels is clean and conducive to salt making.—Deepa Bharath, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2024 Reviving the amunas could be complemented by projects to restore the puna, the high-altitude tundra ecosystem that, when healthy, holds water like a sponge.—Simeon Tegel, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Dec. 2022
Ronnie Moyers heard the bird hammering in the woods one morning in late February, several weeks before the species usually shows up in Virginia’s western highlands.
—
Sarah Kaplan,
Washington Post,
23 Mar. 2026
Thailand Located in the northern highlands of Thailand in Chiang Mai province, Doi Inthanon National Park is the picture of combined natural grandeur and cultural richness.
This all-inclusive stay is only accessible by boat, allowing guests to unplug while exploring the 8,000 acres of salt marshes and 3,000 acres of upland.
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Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
Normally, municipalities are advised to place snow removed from roads and parking lots in upland areas, away from waterways, storm drains and wells, according to DEEP.
—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
25 Feb. 2026
Built in the late 19 th century to transport the altiplano’s abundant metals and minerals, the railway line once ran from Bolivia’s de facto capital La Paz to the Pacific port of Antofagasta in Chile.
—
The Editors,
Outside,
31 Aug. 2025
Tiwanaku communities first emerged in an altiplano, or high plain, of the Andes called the Titicaca Basin, named after Lake Titicaca.