Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights: Arica - Lake Chungará – Salt Lake Surire - Volcano Islugan - Colchane - Iquique or Arica.
An outstanding region of impressive biological richness: The landscapes visited along this circuit through the North of Chile compose fascinating sceneries and combine the most beautiful places of the pre-cordillera and the Andean Altiplano. You will visit magical places in the Chilean highlands surrounded by volcanos, blue lagoons and holy mountains of the Aymara culture. Get to know the beautiful Altiplano of Chile!
Itinerary
Day 1._ Arica - Altiplano - Socoroma - Putre
We will pick you up at 09:00am from your accommodation. The tour starts with a visit of the city of Arica, also called city of eternal spring due to its warm climate all year round. It is still one of the lesser known places in the extreme Northern part of the country, yet a place that has much to offer to its visitors. You can discover some of the beaches of Arica that have the warmest waters along the Chilean shore and are famous for being one of the most important surfing spots on a global level. We will stop by the caves of Anzota which were formed by the tides of the ocean and form part of the ancient Chinchorro culture. Then we continue to the Terminal Asoagro of Arica, a typical food market of Northern Chile. Here you can get to know more about the taste of the region: Walk through the aisles of fruits and vegetables, try some local olives from the Azapa valley and take in the scent of fresh mangos or the guayaba – legend has it that whoever tried this fruit will stay in Arica, or at least will always come back.
After our stop at the market we will make our way through the fertile Azapa Valley. In this small oasis in the middle of the desert you will find numerous olive farms, fruits of which you probably already tried on the market before. You can also spot large geoglyphs on the hills around the valley. The most famous is “La Tropilla”, a relic from indigenous American tribes that represents camels guided by men and some dancers. In the valley, we will furthermore visit the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa, home to the Chinchorro mummies. These mummies are the oldest mummies in the world, having been preserved for more than 10.000 years. On the visit to the museum you have the opportunity to learn more about this incredibly ancient culture.
We then cross the hills over to the Lluta Valley, where on the way you can enjoy panoramic views of both green valleys. In the pre-Inca village Poconchile we stop to enter the small church of San Gerónimo. It was built in 1605, making it the oldest church in the region, and contains some of the most ancient and valuable artifacts of the village. Traveling further up into the highlands we will cross the Canyon of Cardones, where in the middle of the desert you will find hundreds and hundreds of giant cactus (cactus candelabros).
On this part of the route, we will pass the “magnetic zone”. A small sign lets you know that you enter this mysterious area, just before the road starts to notably climb up a little hill. On this part of the road, although it seemingly takes you up, if you take out the gear of the vehicle it will start to move upwards along the road as if it was a downhill ride. Until today, nobody has provided a valid explanation for this strange phenomenon. However, it is always worth to try it yourself and experience another one of the mysteries of the Chilean Altiplano.
Our next stop will be the Pukara de Copaquilla, an impressive fort that dates from pre-Inca times. From there, the route takes us to the magical village Socoroma. Located at 3.000m above sea level it forms part of the pre-cordillera. Socoroma enchants its visitors with intact colonial buildings that despite the passing of time resemble the old culture of the Norte Grande, the Great North of Chile. We will stop at the viewpoint of Putre, where you can enjoy panoramic views of this village at 3.500m, the capital of the province of Parinacota. This whole area might easily make feel like traveling back in time, given its buildings that date back to the 17th century. If you are lucky and visiting in the month of February, you can become part of the colorful carnival of Putre. As in every typical village of the Altiplano, in Putre these dates turn into a true cultural festivity. We arrive in Putre around 06:30pm and drop you off at your hotel.
Day 2._ Putre - National Park Lauca - Lake Chungará - Putre
We will start our second day in Putre at 08:30am to approach one of the most important and fascinating places of this tour, the Lake Chungará. Shortly after leaving Putre we enter the National Park Lauca, an area of great natural beauty, incredible landscapes and a wonderful flora and fauna. On an easy hike you can explore the bofedales (typical wetlands) and the region of the caves, habitat of wild vicuñas, families of vizcachas and a completely unique ecosystem within the Altiplano (viewpoint Bofedal of Parinacota). From here, you will also have great views on the majestic twin volcanoes Payachatas. Following the route a little further we finally reach the main attraction of the National Park Lauca, the impressive Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world (4.517m above sea level). It lies quietly below the two volcanoes Payachatas, creating an unbelievable scenery. Observe the more than 130 different bird species that have chosen the lake to become their habitat, like the Chilean flamingo, the guallata, the Andean condor and the giant tagua, or spot some of the other animals that frequent the area like the alpacas, vizcachas, guanacos, vicuñas, pumas, llamas or foxes.
After having explored the exceptional beauty of Lake Chungará, we will slowly start to make our way back. We will stop at the Lagoons of Cotacotani to appreciate their turquoise waters and visit the village of Parinacota. The church of the village was built on the 17th century and declared national monument. A typical lunch in one of the local restaurants will show you the gastronomic traditions and customs of the Chilean highlands.
Before we return to Putre, you can choose to take an enriching bath in the volcanic natural pools. The Hot Springs of Jurasi are a great spot to relax after a long day. Also, they are said to have healing powers and help with rheumatic pains due to the concentrated minerals in the soil and water.
We return to Putre around 06:00pm approximately.
Day 3._ Putre - Andean Villages - Salt Lake Surire - National Park Isluga - Colchane
On this day, we will leave Putre at 08:30am and make our way to the Salt Lake of Surire. An impressive scenery awaits you, located within the wide and fascinating National Reserve Las Vicuñas, which, as the name indicates, was created to preserve the species of the vicuña.
The routes takes us through the village of Ancuta, and old Aymara name for “white house”. The name likely was given because of the small white chapel that stands out against the brown colors of the highlands. We then enter the National Reserve Las Vicuñas, a place that allows you to discover and enjoy the incomparably beautiful landscapes and sceneries of Northern Chile. You will be surprised by the diversity of the native flora and fauna. Among the native species is the pretty and elegant vicuña, one of the mammals that inhabit the region.
We will pay a visit to the pre-Hispanic village Guallatire (“place of the guallatas” in Aymara). Like the village Ancuta, this place in the Northern part of Chile is located above 4.000m above sea level and has a charming little church in its center that dates back to the 17th century. The village lies at the foot of the volcano Guallatire. Around 12:00pm we then reach the highlight of the day, the impressive Salt Lake Surire. It was declared natural monument due to its enormous salt deposits and the important habitat it creates for valuable and rare species like the vicuña, the alpaca, the llama and three different types of flamingos.
You will experience that this place possesses a unique majesty. The contrasting colors of the blue water, the white salt deposits and the brown hills create an indescribable scenery that lucky is still untouched by mankind. It is truly a magical landscape that makes this place a unique destination, not only for nature lovers. Most of the time, a visit to the salt lake will be a solitary experience, allowing visitors a basically private adventure and unforgettable experience.
Around the salt lake, we will visit the wetland of Chilcaya where you can discover more of the local flora and fauna. Then, we make a stop at the Hot Springs of Polloquere. The springs are located at 4.270m above sea level and offer a great spot to relax and take in the beautiful views. Enjoy a picknick at this incredible place above 4.000m and opt in for a relaxing bath in the turquoise thermal waters. The natural pools reach a temperature of up to 66°C and are said to help especially with rheumatic and other pains.
We continue to cross the National Park Isluga. This area is known for its many volcanoes that arise alongside the routes. On the shores of the many lagoons you will find a fabulous flora and fauna, as this region is one of the most biodiverse places of the Chilean Altiplano. From time to time we will pass sacred villages of the indigenous Aymara, some of which still inhabit the region.
Although this region is basically a desert, the different ecological ambiences create an incomparable beauty within the national park. We will pass the Lagooon Arabilla, surrounded by small wetlands and little queñua-woods, where you can get insights into the avifauna of the highlands. Also, we will drive through the villages of Enquelga and Isluga. Around 06:30pm we will arrive in the village Colchane at 3.800m above sea level. Here, you can contemplate the true Andean life and observe local farm life and the typical vegetation of the Altiplano.
Accommodation at your hotel.
Day 4._ Colchane - Cariquima - Atacama Giant - Nitrate Mines - Iquique or Arica
We leave Colchane in the morning at 08:30am. The last day of the tour takes us through the native forest of Giant Cactus, which form part of the native vegetation of the highlands. On a small hike you can get close to these giants that usually grow up to 4-5 meters of height, and some of them even reach up to 10 meters. Afterwards, we will visit the picturesque village Cariquima, a quiet settlement surrounded by cactus. It is known for its beautiful colonial church, which was even declared historical monument, and for its precious handicrafts and traditional fabrics. We then continue through the Canyon of Happiness, a canyon full of mysterious and creative rock formations. Along the way, we will come across various relics of the ancient Aymara culture, pass through mountain ranges and different canyons, until we reach the viewpoint of Chusmiza and Pachica. Enjoy a panoramic view of the incredible landscapes that this place has to offer.
The route takes us further along the flanks of the hill Unitas, home to the famous geoglyph of the Atacama Giant (representing a local chief). On his right side, you can spot a reptile (representing wisdom), and on the left side there is a scale (representing justice). The image of a puma mask dates back to 900AD. These archaeological remains are a true treasure of the pre-Hispanic past and add on to the richness of this unique destination.
Not far from the Atacam Giant we will stop in Huara, where we will have lunch. After having strengthened ourselves with some food, the tour continues through the dry Pampa of Tamarugal. In this area the former nitrate mine of Humberstone is located. Nowadays, Humberstone is a ghost village that still reminds its visitors of the prosperous days of the 19th century. It has turned into a touristic attraction and every day, people walk through the dusty roads and visit the ruins, forming an important part of the culture and history of the place. Finally, we will return to Iquique or Arica (as preferred) around 05:00pm.
Drop off at your hotel. End of the tour.
Gallery
Main attractions
Arica - Where the Sun Always Shines
Arica, also known as the city of eternal spring, is a city of contrasts. It is the place where the Pacific Ocean meets the wide desert, and where the Morro, the local landmark mountain, sits impressively above the city. Arica enjoys a privileged climate throughout the year, making it a beautiful destination to visit all year round. Read more
Beaches of Arica - Sand, Ocean and Sun
In Arica it never rains, and the sun shines almost every day of the year. This calls for a visit to the beaches of the city, frequented by tourists as well as locals. Read more
Cuevas de Anzota (Caves of Anzota) - A Place Desgined by Wind and Waves
12km south of Arica you can find the Caves of Anzota, a geological rock formation shaped by the ocean. Centuries ago, the caves were the home of fishermen of the Chinchorro culture. They were the first humans to worship their ancestors and their deaths in form of mummification. Later, during the 19th century, the importance of the area was derived from the rocky coast, of which “guano” (plant fertilizer) for the Lluta and Azapa Valleys was extracted. At the caves, there are small paths for hiking and biking called “Paseo Cuevas de Anzota”, and stairways to enter the caves. In addition, you can find different level climbing routes. Read more
Terminal Asoagro de Arica (Agricultural Market of Arica) - The Tastes of the Region
When leaving the city of Arica towards the Azapa Valley, you will pass a place that combines all colors, smells and tastes of the freshest fruits and vegetables of the region. Guava, mango and passion fruit are only some of the tropical fruits to be found. Especially famous are also the Azapa olives. Without doubt, this market is one of the most beautiful ones of Chile. Read more
Valle de Azapa (Azapa Valley) - Precious Ancient Culture
Located only 5km away from the city center of Arica, the Azapa Valley grows the famous Azapa olives and a great variety of tropical fruits. One of the major attractions of the valley is the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa, which displays ancient relics of the Chinchorro culture. Read more
Geoglyph “La Tropilla” - Figures and Magic Made of Stone
“La Tropilla” is a beautiful arrangement of stone images located in the area of Cerro Sombrero. Probably they are one of the easiest to reach. The geoglyphs show a group of lamas and anthropomorphic figures. The lamas are guided by two characters, which are said to represent spirits leading the caravan to the coast. Read more
Archaeological Museum San Miguel de Azapa - Cultural Heritage in the Region of Arica and Parinacota
Home to a precious cultural heritage and more than ten thousand years of history, the Museum of Apaza is one of the major archaeological attractions in the region. Read more
Valle de Lluta (Lluta Valley) - Archaeological Treasure in the North
In Aymara “muddy, covered in mud”.
The Lluta Valley is located 10km North of Arica. It developed due to the river of the same name which runs through the valley and terminates in the Pacific Ocean. In the valley of Lluta, you can find huge geopglyphs (ancient stone images and wall paintings) on the flanks of the hills. They are said to date back to the years between 1100 until 1400 a.C., the time in which the region and local culture started to develop. Read more
Poconchile - Precious Heritage of the North
In Aymara “type of pasture land”.
Poconchile is a small village located 37km east of Arica. It developed from a pre-Inca farm settlement on the bank of the Lluta River, surrounded by wide alfalfa fields. Originally, its purpose was twofold: It served as a place of rest for travelers along the route to the Altiplano and at the same time was used a storage place for works on the railway tracks leading to Bolivia. Read more
Quebrada de Cardones (Canyon of Cardones) - Blossoming Altiplano
The Quebrada de Cardones is located between 2.000 and 2.700m above sea level within the Arica and Parinacota Region, about 65km away from Arica. Read more
Pukará Copaquilla (Copaquilla Fort) - Fascinating Archaeology in the Altiplano
In Aymara “relic of the moon (due to the grey color of its soil)”.
This archaeological complex is located in the municipality of Putre, about 100km northeast of Arica and at 3.000m above sea level within the region of Arica and Parinacota. Copaquilla, which in Quechua means “grey dust”, was built during the 12th century for defense purposes. The fort sits on the edge of a cliff, protected by a stone wall. Read more
Socoroma - Secluded and Quiet Colonial Village
This beautiful and small Andean village of pre-Columbian origin is located 30km away from Putre, in the Arica and Parinacota Region at 3.060m above sea level. It is known for its colonial architecture and for having been a stop-over of the Spanish who traveled between Arica and Potosí. Read more
Mirador de Putre (Viewpoint of Putre) - Unforgettable Views and Acclimatization
The viewpoint “Mirador de Putre” signals the arrival to the Andean village of Putre at an altitude of 3.500m above sea level. Observe the idyllically placed village between green fields of oregano, called “green gold” by the locals. In the back, the “Nevados de Putre” (snowy peaks of Putre) rise high into the sky. Read more
Parinacota - Legendary Village
In Aymara “Lagoon of Parinas or Flamingos”.
This small settlement in the Andean Altiplano belongs to the municipality of Putre, located in the 15. Region Arica and Parinacota. It is known for the bofedal (typical wetland) that surrounds the village. Read more
Putre - Colonial Treasure in the Andean Altiplano
In Aymara “murmuring water”.
Located in the Altiplano about 145km from Arica lies the village of Putre. With its numerous buildings dating back to the 17th century, for example the picturesque church, this place will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. Read more
National Park Lauca - Nature Paradise of the Chilean Altiplano
The National Park Lauca was created in the year 1970. It covers a surface of 137.883 hectares across the pre-cordillera and the Altiplano. Administratively, it belongs to the municipality of Putre in the province Parinacota, Region of Arica and Parinacota. In 1981 is was declared integral part of the Global Network of World Biosphere Reserves. Read more
Lago Chungará (Lake Chungará) - Unforgettable Landscape in the North of Chile
In Aymara, “moss on the stone”.
The lake is located in the province of Parinacota, Region of Arica and Parinacota, in the extreme Northern part of Chile. Read more
Volcanes Payachatas (Payachatas Volcanoes) - Two Soulmates in the Altiplano
In the Lauca National Park, right next to the Lago Chungará and 192km away from the city of Arica, two volcanoes form an impressive backdrop. The Parinacota (6.342 above sea level) and the Pomerape (6.282 above sea level) are to volcanoes with perfectly picturesque flanks, softly inclining by not more than 45°. Read more
Lagunas Cotacotani (Cotacotani Lagoons) - Magical Reflections in the Water
In Aymara “complex of lagoons”.
The Lagoons of Cotacotani are located in the very North of Chile, within the Chilean Altiplano and close to the village of Putre in the National Park Lauca. Read more
Termas de Jurasi (Hot Springs of Jurasi) - Thermal Baths with Healing Powers
About 10km west of the village of Putre and at an altitude of 4.000m above sea level, you can find the Hot Springs of Jurasi. They are located on the Northeastern flanks of the Jurasi canyon, easily accessible via a 3km side road to the route CH-11 (Arica – Tambo Quemado). Read more
Salt Lake Surire - A Paradise of Flora and Fauna in High Altitude
At an altitude of more that 4.200m above sea level, this salt lake hides in the middle of the driest desert in the world and fascinates visitors with its intensely white color and bright blue lagoons. Read more
National Reserve Las Vicuñas - Richness and Diversity in the Chilean Altiplano
The National Reserve Las Vicuñas is located in the Altiplano within the region of Arica and Parinacota and the community of Putre. It was created in 1983 based on the decree n.° 29 of the agricultural ministry of Chile. The reserve covers a Surface of 209.131 hectares and forms an integral part of the Lauca Biosphere Reserve. Read more
Ancuta - Small Andean Treasure
In Aymara, “janq’uuta” means “white house”. The village is located northeast of Guallatire, within the National Reserve Las Vicuñas. Read more
Guallatire - Living Heritage
Guallatire - in Aymara, the place of “guallatas” (Andean goose) – is a pre-Hispanic village located 83km away from Putre. It comprises around 50 houses and lies on the plain below the volcano Guallatiri. The houses are arranged in narrow alleys, and the village structure is dominated by the picturesque church which dates back to the 17th century. Read more
Termas de Polloquere (Hot Springs of Polloquere) - Warm and Healing Waters
The Hot Springs of Polloquere, located on the shore of the Salt Lake Surire, offer a great stop for a revitalizing bath. Read more
National Park Volcano Isluga - Volcanos, Lagoons and Holy Hills
The National Park Volcano Isluga is administratively located in the communities of Colchane and Huara, within the province of Tamarugal. It covers a surface of 174.744 hectares at an average altitude of over 4.000m above sea level. The park was created in 1967 as a touristic national park. In 1985, its size was adjusted to the actual size of today, an area of almost 175.000 hectares. Read more
Arabilla Lagoon - Mirror of the Flamingos
In the National Park Volcano Isluga, at an altitude of 3.800m above sea level, you can find the lagoon of Arabilla. The clear waters beautifully reflect the numerous flamingos that live here, as well as a great variety of other avifauna. Read more
Enquelga - Place of Ashes
This Altiplano village belongs to the community of Colchane and is located directly in the National Park Volcano Isluga (3.850m above sea level) in the region of Tarapacá. It consists of 90 houses that are arranged around a green wetland. As a traditional Andean community, it maintains the approach of cooperative work and land ownership. It is estimated that Enquelga dates back to 1850. Read more
Isluga - Traditional Aymara Village
Declared as “Zona Típica” (“typical zone”, Chilean classification of unique and outstanding rural or urban areas), Isluga preserves one of the most beautiful religious complexes in the highlands. It is one of the rare traditional villages, characterized by the culture of Altiplano shepherds. Read more
Colchane - Village of Mountains and Volcanos
Colchane is a village, municipality, administrative center and border town, inhabited by 1.649 people and located 262km northeast of Iquique. It is surrounded by mountains and volcanos like the Tata Sabaya and the Isluga. The town was originally created to exert a greater power over the Chilean-Bolivian border. Read more
Cariquima - Precious Aymara Culture
This Altiplanic village is located only a few kilometers south of Colchane in the region of Tarapacá, beautifully set on the flanks of the peak Nevado Cariquma or “Mama Huanapa”. It is the main cultural center for the indigenous Aymaras. Read more
Gigante de Atacama (Atacama Giant) - The Biggest Anthropomorphic Geoglyph in the World
Located in the community of Huara, province of Tamarugal, region of Tarapacá, the Atacama Giant is the biggest human-representing geoglyph on earth. Read more
Huara - Star in the Desert
In the Pampa of Tamarugal, region of Tarapacá, you can find the capital of the community of Huara. The name means “star” in Aymara. Huara is the civic center of the area and provides basic services like a police station, medical assistance or a pharmacy. Read more
Pampa del Tamarugal - Endemic Beauty of the Desert
The National Reserve Pampa de Tamarugal is located in the communities of Pozo Almonte and Huara. It covers a Surface of 100.650 hectares. Read more
Saltpeter Mines of Humberstone and Santa Laura - National Monument and Cultural Heritage
The surroundings of Iquique portray a history that is characterized by the saltpeter extraction. Humberstone and Santa Laura are now ghost towns that were declared National Monument and World Cultural Heritage. Read more