AYMARA CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

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

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