ALTIPLANO ARICA – IQUIQUE EXPEDITION

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