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
Desde Arica los recogeremos en su hotel a las 9:00 am y nos dirigiremos hacia putre. Durante el trayecto, disfrutaremos de un paisaje espectacular a medida que ascendemos hacia el altiplano. La ruta ofrece vistas panorámicas de valles, montañas y formaciones geológicas únicas, proporcionando oportunidades ideales para la fotografía y la apreciación del entorno natural. A nuestra llegada a Putre, un encantador pueblo ubicado a una altitud de aproximadamente 3.500 metros sobre el nivel del mar, será recibido por un ambiente acogedor y auténtico. Putre es conocido por su arquitectura tradicional, sus callejones pintorescos y su impresionante entorno natural. isfrutará de un almuerzo en un restaurante local que ofrece platos tradicionales preparados con ingredientes frescos y locales. Después del almuerzo, se registrará en su hotel en Putre, donde podrá relajarse y descansar en un entorno cómodo y acogedor.
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.
*No Incluye: Guía en ingles, bebidas alcohólicas, bebidas o jugos, aguas frías y calientes, tickets: Laguna roja $5.000, geyser $5.000, Humberstone $4.000.
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