Magic of the Altiplano

A tour discovering the furthest north of Chile, starting at Arica and the Azapa Valley before heading up to Putre, passing the hieroglyphs of Lluta Valley, the colonial village of Poconchile, and the candelabras cacti of Cardones Canyon. Continue to the altiplano and see the fascinating beauty of Lauca National Park, its spectacular scenery of exotic plants and wildlife like vicuñas, alpacas, rheas and Andean flamingos, Parinacota village and its beautiful church, and the highest lake in the world, Chungará Lake.

Day 1: Arrive in Arica - Azapa Valley
On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon we will have time to explore Arica where notable buildings such as the San Marcos Church or the former Customs Building - now a House of Art were built by the famous French architect Eiffel. Walking through Colon Square and the shopping streets will give you an idea of the modern life style in the city.

Afterwards you will visit sights of historical interest; first driving up to the historical Morro, a headland which was the scene of one of the greatest victories of the Chilean Army during the Pacific War. Afterwards we will visit the Azapa Valley and the "Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum." The museum collection includes sand-preserved mummies and pre-Incan relics dating back to 10.000 BC. Overnight in Arica.

Day 2: Arica - Putre
Breakfast at  hotel. Today we will leave Arica and take the road to the highland village of Putre. On our way we will enter the Lluta Valley where you will see many geoglyphs marking the old Inca Trail from the coast to the highland. During a stop in Rosario we will take the time to see a wall of geoglyphs, afterwards we will halt in Poconchile to visit the Church of San Gerónimo built in 1580 and its immense cemetery. In the area of the Cardones Canyon we look at the gigantic candelabra cacti scattered all over the terrain. Next, we will reach the Fort Pukara de Copaquilla and for a walk round the grounds.

We will take a short walk to the little village Socoroma, home of the Aymara people. On the main road we continue to Putre, located 3,500 m / 11,483 ft above sea level. You can adjust your body to the altitude while visiting the village - capital of the Parinacota province and dating back to pre-Hispanic times. You will have time to see the traditional colonial style houses, most of them built with carved stone portals and window frames made in the 17th century. A few kilometers outside the village we have a breathtaking view of the wide valley of Putre beneath the massive, snow-capped Putre peaks. Picnic-lunch will be provided on the way. You will have dinner in a nearby local restaurant. Overnight in Putre (Box Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Putre - Lauca National Park - Arica
Breakfast at  hotel. In the morning we depart to discover the fascinating beauty of Lauca National Park and its spectacular scenery of exotic plants and wildlife like vicuñas, alpacas, rheas and Andean flamingos among other species; is also a paradise for birdwatchers. We will visit the Parinacota village (4.392 m / 14.409 ft. above sea level) with its beautiful church dating back to the XVII century.

After that we will continue to the highest lake in the world, Chungará Lake. Here we will have time for a walk; before enjoying our packed lunch on the shore of the lake. We return to Arica in the afternoon. Arrival at hotel and overnight. (Box Lunch)

Day 4: Fly out from Arica
Breakfast at  hotel. Transfer to the airport to board your connecting flight.