Descripcion
This tour offers a complete experience of the transition between the coast and the high plateau, providing an immersion in the beauty and culture of the Andean region.
Day 1
At 8:00 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel and head to Putre. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular scenery as we ascend to the high plateau. The route offers panoramic views of valleys, mountains, and unique geological formations, providing ideal opportunities for photography and appreciating the natural surroundings. Upon arrival in Putre, a charming town located at approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level, you will be welcomed by a warm and authentic atmosphere. Putre is known for its traditional architecture, picturesque alleys, and stunning natural environment. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant offering traditional dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. After lunch, you will check in at your hotel in Putre, where you can relax and rest in a comfortable and cozy setting.
Day 2
At 8:00 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel in Putre and head toward the surroundings of Lauca National Park: a beautiful high plateau landscape located in the far north of Chile, near the border with Bolivia. Our first stop will be at Lake Chungará, situated at 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level. After admiring its stunning scenery, we will proceed to the heart of Lauca National Park to take in the impressive Payachata volcanoes. The main peaks are Parinacota, Pomerape, Acotango, and Guallatiri, all exceeding 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) in elevation. As we explore this protected natural area, we will see the famous alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas of the Chilean high plateau. We will pause for a set-menu lunch at a local restaurant. The route will continue to the Cotacotani Lagoons, another natural jewel of Lauca National Park. The park’s surroundings also have a very special charm, which we will discover by visiting the town of Parinacota, whose church is declared a National Monument. Additionally, we will learn about the area’s past at the archaeological sites of Chaku and Las Cuevas.
Day 3
At 7:00 AM, we will depart from your hotel in Putre heading to the Las Vicuñas National Reserve. South of this protected natural area, and very close to the border with Bolivia, lies the spectacular Surire Salt Flat Natural Monument. During the tour of the salt flat, situated at 4,245 meters (13,927 feet) above sea level, we will see landscapes that serve as one of the main nesting sites for flamingos in South America. This high Andean mountain area is also home to various native animals such as rheas, vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and guallatas. While trying to spot some of these species, we will cross different zones including rivers, lagoons, volcanoes, and bofedales (high-altitude wetlands). We will also visit the main inhabited sites in the area. The most important is the town of Guallatire, known for its picturesque church. Next, we will take a break for a picnic-style lunch that includes sandwiches, nuts, chocolates, and natural juices. After recharging, we will visit another major attraction of the Surire Salt Flat: the Polloquere Hot Springs, before continuing to spend the night in Nama.
Day 4
From Nama, we head toward the Laguna Roja area. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular Andean scenery. As we ascend and pass through different ecosystems, you’ll have the chance to admire the contrast between fertile valleys, majestic mountains, and unique geological formations that define the high plateau. Our first stop is Laguna Roja, a stunning body of water known for its vibrant red hues that change with the light throughout the day. After exploring the lagoon, we will enjoy lunch en route. You’ll have time to relax and savor a meal prepared with local ingredients while taking in the Andean surroundings. We will conclude the tour with a return to Cariquima, where you will have time to rest at a rural lodging and reflect on the experiences of the day.
Day 5
Our first stop is Cariquima, a small settlement offering a unique perspective of the desert. Here, you can explore the surroundings and experience life in a traditional desert community. This place provides an immersion into the atmosphere and culture of the high plateau. We will continue to Humberstone, an important and evocative ghost town and former center of nitrate production. Founded in the 19th century, Humberstone was once a thriving mining camp. Now a historic site, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and industry of the past. We will stroll through the well-preserved remains of the town, including offices, houses, the school, and the theater, while learning about the history of nitrate mining in the region. We will enjoy lunch en route at a selected spot, where you can savor a meal prepared with local ingredients to recharge your energy for the rest of the exploration. The tour concludes in Iquique, with drop-off at the hotel or airport.
Includes: Shared transportation, first aid, Spanish-speaking driver-guide. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and accommodations. If you need a private trip or an English-speaking guide, the price can be negotiated. There is plenty of time to plan your visit. Small groups with a minimum of 2 passengers to start.
*Ticket prices: Red Lagoon $5,000; Geyser $5,000; Humberstone $4,000.
Not Included: English-speaking guide, alcoholic beverages, drinks or juices, hot and cold water.
English 
Spanish