Altiplano Express Iquique – Arica

CODE ILA 01: ALTIPLANO EXPRESS IQUIQUE- ARICA  

Duration: 3 Days / 2 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 express tour connecting the Tarapacá Region with Arica & Parinacota, covering the highlights of the Altiplano of Northern Chile in just three days. The route follows ancient caravan trails, Andean villages, and historic nitrate landscapes that tell the story of the desert. Volcanoes, salt flats, and protected wetlands accompany the journey through unique areas such as Lauca National Park and the Salar de Surire. The experience emphasizes panoramic routes and gentle walks, allowing relaxed observation of the surroundings. A private journey ideal for travelers who want to see a lot in a short time without sacrificing authenticity.

DAY 1: IQUIQUE – HUARA – COLCHANE

09:00 AM Departure from the city of Iquique. Visit to the Santiago Humberstone Saltpeter Works, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the economy and society of the early 20th century in the Atacama Desert. Lunch.
In the afternoon, we observe the Atacama Giant,  the largest anthropomorphic geoglyph in South America. We ascend through the Tarapacá Gorge, and once on the Altiplano, pass through the Aroma Gorge with 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 stay.

DAY 2: COLCHANE – VOLCÁN ISLUGA NATIONAL PARK – SALAR DE SURIRE NATURAL MONUMENT – LAS VICUÑAS NATIONAL RESERVE – PUTRE

Breakfast
08:00 AM Departure toward the Lauca Biosphere Reserve we will cross through Volcán Isluga National Park, home to an active volcano rising to 5,500 m.a.s.l. (18044 ft.). We stop at the village of Isluga to admire its beautiful Spanish colonial-era church.
We continue north, crossing into the Arica & Parinacota Region, arriving at the Salar de Surire Natural Monument, a unique ecosystem in northern Chile. We then visit the Polloquere Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in a completely natural environment. 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 landscapes and wildlife 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 – ARICA

Breakfast
08:00 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, including a stop at the Cotacotani Lagoons Viewpoint.
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. 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 see the iconic candelabro cactus. A final stop offers panoramic views of the impressive Lluta Valley and its geoglyphs.
05:00 PM Arrival in the city of Arica.

End of service.

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