Altiplano Classic Iquique – Arica

CODE ILA 02: ALTIPLANO CLASSIC IQUIQUE – ARICA 

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Maximum Altitude: 4,600 m.a.s.l. / 15091 ft.
Service Type: Private – All Inclusive
Activity Type: Landscape Observation
Theme: History and Local Culture
Minimum Passengers: 1

Description
An interregional experience linking Tarapacá with Arica & Parinacota through Altiplano landscapes, Andean history, and the cultural heritage of northern Chile. The route follows ancient caravan trails, historic nitrate works, geoglyphs, and living Andean villages. Active volcanoes, salt flats, wetlands, and protected areas such as Isluga, Surire, and Lauca National Park define the journey. The program emphasizes panoramic travel and gentle walks in environments of high biodiversity. A private, all-inclusive journey, ideal for understanding the cultural and natural connections of the Chilean Altiplano.

 DAY 1: IQUIQUE – HUARA – COLCHANE
09:00 AM Departure from the city of Iquique. Visit to the Santiago Humberstone Saltpeter Office, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the economy and society of the early 20th century in the Atacama Desert. Lunch.
In the afternoon, we observe the Giant of Tarapacá, the largest anthropomorphic geoglyph in South America. We ascend through the Tarapacá Gorge, and once on the Altiplano, pass through the Aroma Gorge and its striking rock formations. Arrival at the village of Cariquima, where we visit its church and admire the giant columnar cacti. Continuation to Colchane.

06:30 PM Arrival in Colchane. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: COLCHANE – VOLCÁN ISLUGA NATIONAL PARK – SALAR DE SURIRE NATURAL MONUMENT – LAS VICUÑAS NATIONAL RESERVE – PUTRE
Breakfast
08:00 AM Departure toward Volcán Isluga National Park, home to an active volcano rising to 5,500 meters above sea level. Stop at the village of Isluga to admire its beautiful Spanish colonial-era church.
We continue north, crossing into the Arica & Parinacota Region, reaching the Salar de Surire Natural Monument, a unique ecosystem in northern Chile. We then visit the Polloquere Hot Springs, where you may enjoy a relaxing bath in a 100% natural setting. Picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, we arrive at a RAMSAR wetland, a perfect habitat for flamingos. A 1-hour walk allows us to observe the wildlife and landscapes of the salt flat. We cross the Las Vicuñas National Reserve, where this camelid species is protected, passing through the village of Guallatire and its stone-and-adobe church surrounded by wetlands.

Continuation north to the village of Putre at 3,500 m.a.s.l. (11482 ft.)
06:30 PM Arrival in Putre. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: PUTRE – LAUCA NATIONAL PARK – PUTRE
Breakfast
08:30 AM Excursion to Lauca National Park. We enjoy a 1-hour walk to observe vizcachas, vicuñas, and ancient llareta plants. We continue to Lake Chungará at 4,500 meters above sea level (14763 ft.), with views of the imposing Parinacota Volcano. Time for walking and wildlife observation.
Visit to the picturesque village of Parinacota, one of the most representative villages of the northern Chilean Altiplano, known for its colorful church and local legends. Return to Putre.

05:00 PM Arrival in Putre. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: PUTRE – SOCOROMA – ARICA
Breakfast
08:30 AM Departure toward the village of Socoroma, a pre-cordillera valley that still preserves its traditional agricultural terraces, where the most aromatic oregano in Chile is cultivated. Visit with local farmers. Lunch in the Zapahuira area.
In the afternoon, we stop at the Copaquilla Gorge to visit its pre-Inca fortress, then descend to the Cardones Gorge Natural Monument to observe the iconic candelabro cactus. A final stop offers panoramic views of the impressive 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