ALTIPLANO ARICA – IQUIQUE EXPEDITION

From: $900.000

Embark on a unique 4-day journey across the northern Chilean Altiplano, from the coastal city of Arica to the desert oasis of Iquique. This adventure combines breathtaking Andean landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and authentic encounters with Aymara culture, offering a perfect balance between nature, history, and tradition. Day 1 – Arica to Putre (3,500 m / 11,480 ft) The expedition begins in Arica, where you will visit the emblematic Morro de Arica, explore the colorful ASOAGRO fruit and vegetable market, and discover the geoglyphs of La Tropilla in the Azapa Valley. A stop at the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum reveals the world’s oldest mummies, before continuing through the Lluta Valley, the church of Poconchile, and the Candelabra Cactus Trail. Along the way, you will explore the Zapahuira Tambo and walk part of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan, a UNESCO World Heritage trail, before reaching the picturesque villages of Socoroma and Putre, where dinner and overnight await. Day 2 – Lauca National Park (4,560 m / 14,960 ft) – Putre The second day is dedicated to Lauca National Park, one of Chile’s most stunning natural reserves. Here you will hike the Las Cuevas trail, learn about the ancestral technique of Chaku used for capturing vicuñas, and enjoy breathtaking views from Chucuyo and its lagoons. The wetlands of Parinacota, the traditional village and church of Parinacota, and the turquoise Cotacotani lagoons will highlight the journey, before reaching Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world. The day concludes with a relaxing dip in the Jurasi hot springs and dinner in Putre. Day 3 – Surire Salt Flat (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) – Cariquima On the third day, the route heads into Las Vicuñas National Reserve with short treks through the Misitune wetlands and Diablo Marka de Chua trail, before arriving at the Surire Salt Flat Natural Monument. Here, flamingos and wild vicuñas roam freely, and travelers can bathe in the natural hot springs of Polloquere. Crossing into Volcán Isluga National Park, the path continues through the villages of Enquelga and Isluga, with panoramic views from Allavire lookout. The evening ends with dinner and overnight stay in Cariquima, an authentic Aymara village. Day 4 – Cariquima (3,800 m / 12,470 ft) – Iquique The final day begins with a walk to see the giant cacti and the Valley of Happiness near Cariquima. As the journey descends towards the desert, highlights include the Pachica viewpoint, the impressive Giant of Tarapacá geoglyph, and a guided visit to Humberstone, a former saltpeter town declared UNESCO World Heritage. After lunch in Pozo Almonte or Huara, the expedition concludes in the vibrant coastal city of Iquique. INCLUDED

Private tourist transportation
Professional driver & English-speaking guide
2 nights in Putre – La Chakana Mountain Lodge
1 night in Cariquima l
Full board (breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
Mineral water throughout the tour
Hot infusions (mate, tea, coffee)
A glass of wine with dinners
Entrance tickets: San Miguel de Azapa Museum, Jurasi Hot Springs, Humberstone
Souvenir gift
Travel insurance

NOT INCLUDED

Extra drinks and personal expenses
Anything not specified in the program

AYMARA CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Experiencies

From: $650.000

Step into the heart of the Aymara culture with this immersive 3-day journey through northern Chile’s pre-Andean valleys and the high plateau. This experience blends archaeology, ancestral traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic encounters with local hosts who proudly keep their heritage alive. Discover ancient trails, live the Andean lifestyle, and connect with nature in a way that only the Altiplano can offer. day 1 – arica to socoroma (3,000 m) | acclimatization & local traditions Pick-up from your hotel. Begin with a panoramic view of the coast from the Morro de Arica, then head to the fertile Azapa Valley. Admire the geoglyphs of La Tropilla, silent witnesses of caravan routes, and visit the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, home to the Chinchorro mummies, UNESCO World Heritage since 2021. Lunch in the valley before traveling along Route 11-CH through the Lluta Valley. Stop for the Candelabro Cactus Trail in the Quebrada de Cardones Natural Monument and the Copaquilla Pukara viewpoint. Arrive in Socoroma, a traditional agricultural village, where a local host will guide you through the cultivation of its aromatic oregano and share her way of life. Dinner and overnight in a rural guesthouse. Day 2 – Socoroma to Lauca Cruzani (4,200 m) | Inca Trail & Andean Lifestyle In the morning, trek a section of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once traveled by messengers, traders, and Inca warriors. In Socoroma, admire traditional adobe houses that have stood for centuries. In the afternoon, travel into the Altiplano to reach Lauca Cruzani Ranch. Stop at the Chua homestead to meet Andean shepherds and their herds of llamas and alpacas, learning about their connection with the land. Dinner and overnight at Lauca Cruzani rural lodge. Day 3 – Lauca Cruzani to Surire Salt Flat (4,200 m) – Return to Arica Start the day accompanying your Aymara host as she tends her herd of alpacas and llamas, leading them to graze in the highland wetlands. Discover her handmade crafts before traveling to the Salar de Surire, a stunning salt flat home to flamingos. Take a guided walk along the lagoons and enjoy a refreshing soak in the Polloquere natural hot springs. In the afternoon, return to Arica through the scenic Parcohaylla route. INCLUDED

Authorized tourist transport
Local Aymara guide
1 night accommodation in Socoroma
1 night accommodation at Lauca Cruzani ranch
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Oregano experience in the precordillera
Llama and alpaca experience in the Altiplano
Water throughout the tour
Souvenir

Hot infusions: tea, mate, coffee
A glass of wine with dinners
Entrance to San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum
Aymara local hosts

NOT INCLUDED

Additional beverages
Anything not specified in the program

SACRED LAGOONS TREKKING

Experiencies

From: $730.000

Discover the magic of the Chilean Altiplano on this 4-day trekking adventure through three national parks, where sacred lagoons, ancient trails, and Andean culture come together. Located at more than 4,000 meters above sea level, these lagoons are home to unique highland wildlife, including giant coots, puna ducks, Andean gulls, and flamingos. The surrounding landscapes are inhabited by herds of vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas, while the native vegetation features queñoas, llaretas, tola shrubs, and vast wetlands. To ensure proper acclimatization, the journey begins with a cultural hike along the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca trail recognized by UNESCO in 2014. Over the following days, travelers will explore the Chucuyo Lagoons, Lake Chungará, the turquoise Cotacotani Lagoons, the mystical Casiri Lagoons, and the breathtaking Surire Salt Flat. This is more than just a trek: it is an immersion into the ancestral landscapes and traditions of the high Andes. Day 1 – Arica to Socoroma (3,000 m / 9,840 ft) From your hotel in Arica, the adventure begins with a visit to Cerro Sombrero in the Azapa Valley, where geoglyphs such as La Tropilla illustrate the caravans of camelids that once crossed the Andes. At the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, you will learn about the world-famous Chinchorro mummies, declared UNESCO World Heritage in 2021. Gradually ascending through ecological zones, you will walk the Candelabra Cactus Trail, the Pucará de Copaquilla, and the ancient Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail). Dinner and overnight in the charming Aymara village of Socoroma. Day 2 – Socoroma – Lake Chungará – Putre (3,500 m / 11,480 ft) The second day explores Lauca National Park, one of Chile’s most beautiful reserves. Highlights include trekking the Las Cuevas Trail, the lagoons of Chucuyo, and a visit to the traditional village of Parinacota, with its colonial church and the legend of La Mesa. Continue with a hike around the Cotacotani Lagoons, admire the immense Lake Chungará, and relax at the Jurasi Hot Springs. Dinner and camping overnight in Putre. Day 3 – Putre – Caquena – Casiri Lagoons – Chivatambo (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) After breakfast, the trek continues toward Caquena, home to the largest highland wetland in the region. From here, ascend to the mystical Casiri Macho and Casiri Hembra Lagoons, located near the Chile–Bolivia border. After a rewarding trek, continue toward the remote Churigualla hot springs and the pastoral community of Chivatambo, where Andean shepherds still live traditionally. Dinner and camping overnight in Chivatambo. Day 4 – Chivatambo – Surire Salt Flat – Arica The final day explores Las Vicuñas National Reserve and the Surire Salt Flat Natural Monument. Walk along the Misitune wetlands and the Diablo Marka trail, cross the Lauca River, and enjoy panoramic views of the Surire Salt Flat. Spot flamingos and other highland wildlife before bathing in the wild thermal waters of Polloquere. The expedition concludes with the return to Arica via Parcohaylla, dropping you off at your hotel. INCLUDED

Authorized tourist transportation
Local Aymara trekking guide (WFR – WAFA certified)
1 night in Socoroma
1 night camping in Putre
1 night camping in Chivatambo estancia
High-mountain tent (The North Face)
Down sleeping bag (RAB)
Insulating mat (Therm-a-Rest) + inflatable mat (Tatoo)
Camping light
Full board (breakfasts, box lunches/trekking meals, dinners)
Hot infusions (tea, mate, coffee)
A glass of wine with dinners
Mineral water during treks
Souvenir gift
Trekking insurance
Gourmet local dinner at La Casona del Rey (Putre)
Optional trekking poles
Entrance tickets: Cotacotani Lagoons, Jurasi Hot Springs, San Miguel de Azapa Museum

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Oxygen
Oximeter
Satellite phone
First aid kit
Motorola DEP450 radios

NOT INCLUDED

Additional beverages
Personal expenses not specified in the program

IMPORTANT

Minimum: 2 participants
Discounts available for groups over 4 persons

TREKKING QHAPAQ ÑAN – UNESCO (INCA TRAIL)

Experiencies

From: $800.000

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:

2 people

IMPORTANT:

Discounts available for groups over 4 persons

TREKKING LAUCA BIOSPHERE RESERVE