Descripcion
Start your adventure with a fascinating journey that takes you from the vibrant coastal city of Arica to the picturesque landscapes of the Chilean highlands. This route combines history, culture, and natural wonders in an unforgettable experience.
DAY 1
We begin your day with pickup in Arica at 8:00 am, where you’ll meet your guide and start your journey toward the highlands. Our first stop is at the Presencias Tutelares, an iconic site that introduces the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the region. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about the symbolic figures that are an important part of the local cultural heritage. Next, we visit the Mirador Apachetas, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean landscape. This viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the arid and mountainous surroundings. We then arrive at the picturesque village of Codpa, known for its traditional architecture and rural charm. Explore the village and experience authentic local life in a truly genuine setting. We enjoy a visit to the Wine Museum, where you’ll learn about the region’s rich winemaking traditions. Discover the production process and the varieties of local wines while immersing yourself in the area's viticultural history. After the museum visit, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, offering the chance to savor traditional dishes and local cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We continue on to Guañacagua, a region known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Here, you’ll gain deeper insight into Andean culture and enjoy the scenic landscape. Next, we explore Cerro Blanco, famous for its ancient petroglyphs. These rock engravings provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the region’s early civilizations. You'll also visit Ofragia, a nearby site with important archaeological remains. Our journey then takes us to Vizcachani, a charming area where the varied landscape allows you to appreciate the biodiversity and peacefulness of the highlands. We conclude the day in Caragua, where you’ll stay in a cozy rural lodge. This accommodation offers an immersive local experience, combining comfort and the warm hospitality of an authentic highland setting.
DAY 2
We continue at 8:00 am with a visit to the ceremonial offering sites in Caragua. These historical places were used by ancient civilizations to perform rituals and make offerings to their deities. Discover the ceremonial structures and elements that reveal the spiritual and cultural practices of the ancestral inhabitants of the region. Observe the remains of altars and other ritual installations that offer a window into the community’s spiritual past. Next, continue your journey to Cerro Tangare, also known as Pukara. This archaeological site is an ancient pre-Incan fortress and settlement that dominated the surrounding landscape. Explore the ruins of its defensive and residential constructions, and learn about the social and military organization of the people who once occupied this strategic place. Finally, we will embark on a trek to the nearby rock paintings. These artworks, created on cave walls and rock formations, are a testament to the artistic and cultural expressions of prehistoric inhabitants. As you walk along the trail to the paintings, enjoy the breathtaking views of the landscape and the opportunity to appreciate these works of art that have endured through the centuries. The rock paintings offer a direct connection to the lives and beliefs of ancient peoples, making this a perfect way to conclude your archaeological exploration.
Day 3
Begin your adventure in the charming village of Belén, known for its traditional architecture and picturesque surroundings. Enjoy a walk through its streets, soaking in the authentic atmosphere and local history. Belén is the perfect starting point for your exploration of the Altiplano. Next, we will visit the Tambo and Colcas of Zapahuira. These ancient structures were used for food storage and as resting places for travelers in pre-Incan times. Explore these archaeological ruins and understand their strategic and logistical importance for ancient Andean civilizations. Get ready for an exciting trek along the Camino del Inka, a historic route that connected various parts of the Incan empire. As you follow this ancient trail, you will discover the impressive beauty of the Andean landscape. The hike will also take you to Cerro Calvario, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. After the hike, delight in a traditional Aymara catering experience, offering you the opportunity to taste authentic local cuisine. Savor typical dishes prepared with traditional ingredients and experience the rich culinary heritage of the Andean peoples. End the day with a guided visit where you can choose between two fascinating options: exploring traditional agricultural activities, where you will see and learn about ancestral farming practices, or visiting rock paintings, which offer a direct glimpse into the artistic expressions of the region’s earliest inhabitants. Both options provide a deep immersion into local life and culture. Conclude your day with an authentic experience at a rural guesthouse.
Day 4
At 8:00 am, we will pick you up from your hotel in Putre and head towards the surroundings of Lauca National Park, a stunning highland landscape located in the far north of Chile, right by the border with Bolivia. Our first stop will be at Lake Chungará, situated at 4,500 meters above sea level. After admiring its beautiful scenery, we will continue into the heart of Lauca National Park to see the impressive Payachatas volcanoes. The main peaks include Parinacota, Pomerape, Acotango, and Guallatiri, all towering above 6,000 meters. As we explore this protected natural area, we will see the famous alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas of the Chilean Altiplano. We will pause to enjoy a set-menu lunch at a local restaurant. The route will continue to the Cotacotani Lagoons, another natural gem within Lauca National Park. The surroundings of the park also hold a special charm, which we will discover by visiting the village of Parinacota, whose church is a designated National Monument. Additionally, we will learn about the area’s past at the archaeological sites of Chaku and Las Cuevas. We will then return to Putre.
Day 5
At 7:00 am, we will depart from your hotel in Putre towards the Las Vicuñas National Reserve. To the south of this protected natural area, very close to the border with Bolivia, lies the spectacular Salar de Surire National Monument. During our journey through the salt flat, which is located at an altitude of 4,245 meters, we will admire the landscapes of one of South America’s main flamingo nesting sites. This high Andean area is also home to various native animals such as rheas, vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and Andean geese (guallatas). While we try to spot some of these species, we will traverse different areas with rivers, lagoons, volcanoes, and highland wetlands known as “bofedales.” We will also visit the main inhabited spots in the area, the most important being the village of Guallatire, notable for its picturesque church. Next, we will take a break for a picnic lunch, which includes sandwiches, nuts, chocolates, and natural juices. After recharging our energy, we will visit another highlight of the Salar de Surire: the Polloquere hot springs. We will return to Putre at around 4:00 pm.
Day 6
Begin your journey in the picturesque village of Caquena, a peaceful place in the Altiplano that offers an introduction to the rural Andean lifestyle. We will then continue to Cosapilla, a nearby town known for its natural beauty and authentic atmosphere. Here, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the mountainous landscape and the typical rural surroundings of the region. We move on to Suriplaza, an area with panoramic views of the reddish mountain range. Next, we visit Colpitas, another highlight of your tour, where you can catch a glimpse of alpacas in their natural habitat. Admire the majestic Taapaca Volcano, an impressive active volcano rising on the horizon. We will return to Putre, where you can collect your belongings before continuing to Quebrada de Cardones, famous for its stunning candelabra cacti—giant plants that decorate the arid landscape. We will then continue to the geoglyphs and colcas of Lluta, ancient archaeological sites that reveal the history and traditions of the civilizations that once inhabited the region. Your tour concludes in the vibrant coastal city of Arica, where you can relax and enjoy its beaches, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural offerings. Arica serves as the perfect closing point for your adventure, offering a refreshing contrast to the majesty of the Altiplano.
*Includes: Shared transportation, oxygen equipment, first aid kit, Spanish-speaking driver-guide. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and accommodations are also included. 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. Groups are small, with a minimum of 2 passengers to start.
Not Included: English-speaking guide, alcoholic beverages, drinks or juices, hot and cold water.
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