Discover the Qhapaq Ñan, the legendary Inca Trail and UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a unique journey from Socoroma to Putre. Socoroma, whose name comes from the Aymara word Chukuruma meaning “running water,” is located at 3,000 meters above sea level in the pre-Andean mountains. Here lies one of the most fascinating stretches of the Inca Trail, a route that once connected the vast Tawantinsuyu Empire across six countries: Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador.
This ancestral road, recognized by UNESCO in 2014, preserves the cultural legacy of the Aymara people through its caravan routes, stone-paved paths, pictographs, agricultural terraces, tambos, apachetas, corrals, and sacred landmarks that tell the stories of centuries of exchange and survival in the Andes.
The trekking section from Socoroma to Putre covers 11.9 km over 5–6 hours, climbing from 3,000 to 3,500 meters. Along the way, hikers encounter sacred apachetas, the Aroma River, Cerro Blanco, ancient terraces, and pre-Hispanic sites that keep alive the spirit of the Andes.
Day 1 – Arica to Socoroma (3,000 m) | Trekking & Acclimatization
Pick-up from your hotel in Arica. The journey begins along Route 11-CH through the fertile Lluta Valley. On the way, enjoy short hikes such as the Candelabro Cactus Trail in the Quebrada de Cardones Natural Monument, and the Copaquilla Pukara Trail. In Socoroma, embark on the Phusiri Collo trek, inspired by a local myth that preserves the oral traditions of the Aymara. Overnight stay and dinner in Socoroma.
Day 2 – Trekking Qhapaq Ñan: Socoroma to Putre (3,500 m)
Start the full trek early in the morning. Cover 11.9 km in 5–6 hours, with a positive elevation gain of 500 m. Highlights include the stone-paved Inca trail, Socoroma River, Vilque Cross, the sunken village, Vilacollo Cross, Aroma River gorge, Cerro Blanco, paskanas (resting places), and the double apachetas marking the arrival near Putre. Dinner and camping in Putre.
Day 3 – Putre to Inkane Pictographs (3,600 m)
Trek towards the ancient Inkane pictographs, one of the most remarkable examples of pre-Columbian rock art in northern Chile. Preserved in their original state, these pictographs display striking red, white, and yellow tones created from natural pigments and minerals. Approx. 10 km – 5–6 hours of trekking. Return to Putre for camping and dinner.
Day 4 – Putre to Jurasi Hot Springs (4,100 m) – Arica
Hike towards the Jurasi Hot Springs, gaining 600 m of elevation as you cross from pre-Andean foothills to the high plateau. Along the way, admire native flora and learn the local legend of the Ñusta (princess) of Jurasi. Trekking distance: 9 km, approx. 4 hours. Relax in the thermal baths before returning to Arica and drop-off at your hotel.
INCLUDED
- Authorized tourist transport
- Local Aymara trekking guide (WFR – WAFA certified)
- 1 night in Socoroma l
- 2 nights camping
- High-mountain tent The North Face
- Sleeping bag RAB
- Insulated sleeping mat Therm-a-Rest
- Inflatable mattress Tatoo
- Camping light
- Full board (breakfasts, picnic lunches or trail rations, dinners)
- Hot infusions: tea, mate, coffee
- A glass of wine at dinners
- Water during treks
- Entrance to Jurasi Hot Springs
- Souvenir
- Trekking insurance
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
- Oxygen
- Oximeter
- Satellite phone
- First-aid kit
- Motorola DEP450 radios
NOT INCLUDED:
- Extra beverages
- Anything not specified in the program
MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS:
IMPORTANT:
- Discounts available for groups over 4 persons