Altiplano Experience Iquique – Arica

CODE ITHA 01: ALTIPLANO EXPERIENCE IQUIQUE – ARICA 

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Maximum Altitude: 5000 – 5300 m.a.s.l. / 16404 – 17388 ft.
Service Type: Private – All Inclusive
Activity Type: Trekking & Hiking (Landscape Observation)
Theme: History and Local Culture
Minimum Passengers: 1

Description
An interregional trekking and hiking experience connecting Tarapacá and Arica–Parinacota through the extreme landscapes of the Andean Altiplano. The route follows ancient caravan trails across salt flats, wetlands, active volcanoes, and ancestral villages. Gentle walks and optional, more demanding hikes allow exploration of protected areas such as Isluga, Surire, and Lauca National Park. This journey combines high-altitude nature, biodiversity, and living Aymara culture. A private, all-inclusive program designed for travelers seeking adventure, history, and a deep connection with Chile’s Norte Grande.

DAY 1: IQUIQUE – HUARA – COLCHANE
09:00 AM Departure from Iquique. Visit to the Santiago Humberstone Saltpeter Office, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, illustrating 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, then cross the Altiplano via the Aroma Gorge, known for 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 m.a.s.l. (18044 ft.). Stop at the village of Isluga to visit 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 of the Chilean Altiplano. We then visit the Polloquere Hot Springs, where you may enjoy a relaxing bath in a pristine natural setting. Picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, we arrive at a RAMSAR wetland, a key habitat for flamingos. A 1-hour walk allows observation of wildlife and high-altitude landscapes. We cross the Las Vicuñas National Reserve, where this protected camelid species thrives, passing through the village of Guallatire and its stone-and-adobe church surrounded by wetlands.
Continuation north to Putre at 3,500 m.a.s.l. (11482 ft.).

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

DAY 3: PUTRE – CAQUENA – LAUCA NATIONAL PARK – PUTRE
Breakfast
08:30 AM Excursion toward the village of Caquena, reaching Laguna Casiri, where we begin a 1-hour hike to Laguna El Toro at 4,900 m.a.s.l. (16076 ft.), with views of Kunturiri Volcano (5,736 m a.s.l. / 18818 ft) on the Bolivian border.
After descending, we visit the picturesque village of Parinacota, one of the most representative villages of the northern Chilean Altiplano, known for its colorful church and local legends. We then continue into Lauca National Park, reaching Lake Chungará at 4,500 m.a.s.l. (14763 ft.), with spectacular views of Parinacota Volcano and opportunities for walking and wildlife observation.
Return to Putre.

05:00 PM Arrival. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: PUTRE – SURIPLAZA – PUTRE
Breakfast
08:00 AM Departure north through the Arica & Parinacota Region, passing the foothills of Taapaca Volcano (5,860 m.a.s.l. / 19225 ft.) and enjoying panoramic views of the pre-cordillera and Altiplano. We observe ancient llareta plants at 4,760 meters (15616 ft.) before reaching Suriplaza, a volcanic area of striking red colors and dramatic landscapes above 5,000 meters (16404 ft.).
Hiking options:
– Option 1: Observation and soft hike / 1 hour / Max. altitude: 4,900 m.a.s.l. / 16076 ft.
– Option 2: Moderate hike / 2 hours / Max. altitude: 5,160 m.a.s.l. / 16929 ft.
– Option 3: High-demand hike / 4 hours / Max. altitude: 5,300 m.a.s.l. / 17388 ft.

Box lunch and trail rations.
Return to Putre.
Optional: Visit to the Jurasi Hot Springs.

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

DAY 5: PUTRE – SOCOROMA – ARICA
Breakfast
08:30 AM Departure to the village of Socoroma, a pre-cordillera valley that preserves its traditional agricultural terraces, where Chile’s most aromatic oregano is cultivated. Visit with local farmers, followed by a 2-hour trek to the mystical site of Phusiri Collo, a sacred place tied to local legends. Lunch.
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