Biosphere Lauca & Mission Route

CODE ALA 03: BIOSPHERE LAUCA & MISSION ROUTE

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Maximum Altitude: 4,600 m.a.s.l. / 15091 ft.
Service Type: Private – All Inclusive
Activity Type: Soft trekking and landscape observation
Theme: History and local culture
Minimum Passengers: 1

DAY 1: ARICA – CODPA

09:00 AM Pick-up from your accommodation to begin a tour of the main heritage sites of Arica, the gateway to northernmost Chile. The visit begins at San Marcos Cathedral, designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, a symbol of the city’s republican history.
The tour continues to Morro de Arica, a historic landmark and natural viewpoint offering privileged panoramic views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and the coastal desert.
We visit a traditional and colorful local market, where Aymara culture and regional agricultural activity coexist.
We then head into the Azapa Valley to observe the Tropilla geoglyphs, archaeological remains located in a fertile valley in the heart of the Atacama Desert. We visit the Azapa Valley Archaeological Museum, where you can explore the cultural evolution of northern Chile and admire the Chinchorro mummies, whose ancient mummification techniques have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch.
We continue southeast across the pampas, stopping to observe the Presencias Tutelares, artistic installations representing elements of local culture. We then enter the ravines leading to the Codpa Valley (1,800 m.a.s.l. / 5905 ft.). Here we visit a traditional wine press (lagar) and enjoy a tasting of the typical Pintatani wine. Dinner and overnight in Codpa.

DAY 2: CODPA – SOCOROMA – PUTRE

Breakfast
09:00 AM Departure toward the pre-Andean range. Our first stop is a walk through the Ofragia petroglyph site, one of the areas with the highest concentration of petroglyphs in northern Chile.
We continue toward the village of Belén, passing through Timar, where we observe impressive Candelabro cactus growing along the ravines. We pass through the villages of Tignamar, Saxamar, and Lupica before arriving in Belén, one of the most important religious centers of the Spanish colonial period and a key stop along the Potosí–Arica Silver Route.
Upon arrival in Belén, there is time for lunch and to explore the village.
In the afternoon, we continue to the village of Socoroma, where we enjoy a 1-hour walk along a section of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon reaching the village, we observe its agricultural terraces, where the most aromatic oregano in Chile is cultivated. After the visit, we continue toward the village of Putre (3,500 m.a.s.l. / 11482 ft.).
06:00 PM Arrival in Putre. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: PUTRE – LAS VICUÑAS NATIONAL RESERVE – SALAR DE SURIRE NATURAL MONUMENT – PUTRE
Breakfast
08:30 AM Departure toward the Lauca Biosphere Reserve, heading to the Salar de Surire Natural Monument, a unique ecosystem in northernmost Chile. Along the way, we cross the Las Vicuñas National Reserve, where this emblematic camelid species is protected.
We arrive at a RAMSAR wetland, an ideal habitat for flamingos to live and breed. We enjoy a 1-hour walk surrounded by the landscapes and wildlife of the salt flat. We then continue to the Polloquere Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in a 100% natural environment. Picnic lunch.
Return to the village of Putre.
06:00 PM Arrival in Putre. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: PUTRE – LAUCA NATIONAL PARK – ARICA

Breakfast
08:30 AM Departure toward Lauca National Park. We enjoy a 1-hour walk to observe vizcachas, vicuñas, and ancient llareta plants. We then continue to Lake Chungará at 4,500 m.a.s.l. (14763 ft.) to admire the imposing Parinacota Volcano, walk around the area, and observe local wildlife.
We begin our return to the city of Arica, passing through the village of Parinacota, one of the most representative settlements of the Altiplano, where we visit its typical 18th-century church. Lunch.
We make a stop at the Copaquilla Gorge to visit its pre-Inca fortress, then descend to the Quebrada de Cardones Natural Monument to observe the impressive Candelabro Cactus. A final stop offers a panoramic view of the breathtaking Lluta Valley.
05:00 PM Arrival in the city of Arica.

End of service.

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