Lauca Biosphere Arica – Arica

CODE ALTA 02: LAUCA BIOSPHERE ARICA – ARICA 

Duration: 3 Days / 2 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 – SOCOROMA – PUTRE
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.
From the coast, the journey ascends through the Lluta Valley, where the Giant and Eagle geoglyphs stand out—ancestral expressions that reveal the intense caravan activity between the Altiplano and the coast. Upon reaching 3,400 m.a.s.l. (11154 ft.), we begin an interpretive walk (approximately 1 hour) along a section of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail), the ancient Andean Road network, leading to the traditional village of Socoroma, known for its Andean architecture and agricultural terrace systems. Lunch.In the afternoon, we continue ascending to the village of Putre, located in the pre-Andean range at 3,500 m.a.s.l. (11482 ft.). Free time to settle into the accommodation and enjoy a gentle walk through the village, appreciating its church, traditional streets, and natural surroundings.

06:00 PM Arrival in Putre. Dinner and overnight in Putre.

DAY 2: 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, a vital habitat where flamingos find ideal conditions to live and breed. We enjoy a 1-hour walk surrounded by the striking 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 setting. Picnic lunch.

Return to the village of Putre.
06:00 PM Arrival in Putre. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: 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 the 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.

Other Routes
– Altiplano Express Arica -Iquique Panoramic
– Biosphere Lauca & Misssion Route Panoramic
– Lauca Biosphere Arica – Arica Soft Trekk
– Lauca Biosphere Connection SPA Trekk & Hike