Overland Altiplano

Discover the most stunning sights around Atacama and the northern Lauca National Park, starting from Calama and reaching Arica in the north. This 9 day trip to the Chilean Altiplano drives at an average altitude of about 3,500m/11,480ft. The altiplano is vast and full of surprises; the flora and wildlife are plentiful and amazingly diverse. We will see mountains and volcanoes that rise up to 2,500m higher than the average altitude, and drive through three beautiful national parks, bathe in hot springs, encounter vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, guanacos, flamingos, wild geese, and condors.

Day 1: Calama - San Pedro de Atacama
Our guide will await you at Calama Airport and take you on a regular transfer to San Pedro de Atacama and the hotel. (B,L)

Day 2: San Pedro de Atacama - Puritama Hot Springs - Tatio Geysers
Today we go on a trek in the salt mountain range (Cordillera de Sal) to view some geological curiosities that this region offers. To learn about the history of this part of the Altiplano, we visit the archaeological museum of San Pedro and the pre-Incan fortress of Quitor. In the afternoon we will go to the Puritama hot springs (at 3,400 m / 11,155 ft) where we will enjoy a relaxing bath. We will continue our trip and arrive at a refuge close to the Tatio Geysers. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Tatio Geysers - Calama
We rise very early to hike to the Tatio Geysers and see the steaming fumaroles and small geysers. There will be time to take pictures of the geysers and have an optional swim in a natural pool. On our drive down to Calama we visit small indigenous villages like Caspana, Chiu- Chiu - home to the oldest church in Chile - and Lasana; as well as the Loa Geoglyphs, which will be another worthwhile stop. Arrival in Calama (2,250 m / 7,382 ft) and transfer to the hotel. (B,L)

Day 4: Calama - Huasco Salt Lake
Today's route will be close to the Bolivian border and passes the Puruña Volcano, a small crater emerging from the otherwise flat plain where we will go on a short hike. Then we follow the border to the North on a small Altiplano road. We set up our camp on the shores of Huasco Salt Lake, wich is also an excellent spot for birding and one of the less frequented salt lakes due to its remoteness. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Huasco Salt Lake - Ancuaque
Today we start off with a short trek along the Huasco Salt Lake before driving on through the Altiplano. At the tiny village of Lirima we enjoy a bath in natural hot springs. On dirt roads we continue onwards to the tiny village of Ancuaque and its natural springs. Camp over night. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Ancuaque - Surire Salt Lake
After breakfast, continue driving to the north through Colchane and enter the Isluga National Park. We will observe Altiplano fauna like llamas, viscachas, and ñandus, and pass through several typical Aymaran villages. When we arrive at the Surire Salt Lake, we will set up the camp on its shores, close to the hot springs. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Surire Salt Lake - Lake Chungara
Head north through the Las Vicuñas National Reserve to reach the famous Lauca National Park, designated World Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO; which is located in one of the most beautiful and fascinating regions of Chile. Arriving at Lake Chungará, the highest in the world, in the national park on the border with Bolivia, we will set up our camp close to this lake and enjoy a fantastic view of the volcanoes Parinacota (6,342 m / 20,807 ft) and Sajama (6,520 m / 21,390 ft). We will set up our camp close to the lake at an altitude of 4500 m / 14,760 ft. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Lake Chungara - Arica
Today we depart from the beautiful park and take the long ride down to Arica. Crossing the Lauca National Park from east to west, we visit Parinacota, one of the most beautiful and original villages of the Altiplano. Outside the park, Putre and Socoroma - both of pre-Colombian origin - are two other villages that we will not want to miss out on; from the remains of the Copaquilla Fortress, built in the XII century, there is a fascinating view. The bizarre candelabra cacti that we come across only grow at an altitude between 1,700 m - 3,000 m / 5,580 ft - 9,840 ft. Finally, after an already eventful day, we make a final stop at the huge geoglyphs of the Lluta Valley. Arrival in Arica and transfer to the hotel. (B,L)

Day 9: Arica - Airport
Today our guide takes you on a city tour of Arica that will include the El Morro, a headland that offers a spectacular view of the ocean and desert, where the Chilean and Peruvian armies clashed during the War of the Pacific. We continue our excursion to the Azapa Valley, a fertile oasis in this otherwise dry land, to see dozens of geoglyphs. Afterwards you will be transferred to the airport. (B,BL)