Lauca Biosphere Connection SPA

CODE ALTHS 01: Lauca Biosphere Connection SPA

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Maximum Altitude: 5300 m.a.s.l. / 17388 ft.
Service Type: Private – All Inclusive
Activity Type: Trekking & Hiking (landscape observation)
Theme: History and local culture
Minimum Passengers: 1

Description
An expedition designed for travelers seeking trekking and hiking in the most extreme landscapes of northern Chile, from the Pacific coast to the Atacama Desert. The program combines progressive walks along the Qhapaq Ñan, high-altitude trekking in the Lauca Biosphere Reserve, and hiking in unique volcanic settings such as Suriplaza, above 5,000 meters (16404 ft.). Lagoons, wetlands, salt flats, and volcanoes exceeding 6,000 meters (19685 ft.) accompany each day. A private journey that blends physical challenge, safe acclimatization, and living Andean culture, connecting Arica with San Pedro de Atacama.

DAY 1: ARICA – SOCOROMA – PUTRE
09:00 AM Pick-up from your accommodation to begin a tour of the main heritage sites of Arica, gateway to Chile’s far north. The visit starts at San Marcos Cathedral, designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, a symbol of the city’s republican history.
The tour continues to the 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 of intense caravan activity between the Altiplano and the coast. Upon reaching 3,400 meters above sea level, we begin an interpretive walk of 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 enjoy a 2-hour trek to Phusiri Collo (3,500 m.a.s.l. / 11482 ft.), a sacred site for the local community, associated with ancient legends. This hike follows old valley paths around Socoroma and offers views of the terraced fields where Chile’s finest oregano is grown. After the hike, we continue ascending to the village of Putre, located in the pre-cordillera 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.

 DAY 2: PUTRE – COTACOTANI LAGOONS TREKKING – PUTRE
Breakfast
08:00 AM, We begin a full day excursion to Lauca National Park, a high-altitude ecosystem recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, protecting the biodiversity of the Chilean Altiplano with volcanic landscapes and highland lakes. We arrive at Lake Chungará (4,529 m.a.s.l. / 14858 ft.), home to local wildlife and offering impressive views of Parinacota Volcano (6,342 m.a.s.l. / 20807 ft.).
We then continue to the Cotacotani Lagoons, where we start an 11 km. trekk (approximately 4 hours) at 4,600 m.a.s.l. (15091 ft.), heading toward the village of Parinacota (4,440 m.a.s.l. / 14566 ft.). The route crosses lagoons and wetlands, with frequent sightings of vizcachas, camelids, and the twin volcanoes Payachatas (Parinacota and Pomerape). This trekk connects natural landscapes, wildlife observation, and local culture within a protected wilderness area.
Arrival at Parinacota, one of the most representative villages of the Altiplano, known for its beautiful and colorful 18th-century church. Return to Putre.

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

DAY 3: PUTRE – SURIPLAZA – PUTRE
Breakfast
08:00 AM Departure toward the northern sector of the Arica & Parinacota Region, passing the foothills of Taapaca Volcano (5,860 m.a.s.l. / 19225 ft.). Enjoy panoramic views of the pre-cordillera and Altiplano, observing ancient llareta plants at 4,760 meters (15616 ft.). We continue to Suriplaza, a volcanic area with striking red hues—an extraordinary natural setting above 5,000 meters (16404 ft.)—where hiking activities take place.
Optional Hiking Options:
– Option 1: Observation and soft hike / 1 hour / Max altitude: 4,900 m. / 16076 ft.
– Option 2: Moderate-level hike / 2 hours / Max altitude: 5,160 m. / 16929 ft.
– Option 3: High-demand hike / 4 hours / Max altitude: 5,300 m / 17388 ft.

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

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

DAY 4: PUTRE – LAS VICUÑAS NATIONAL RESERVE – SALAR DE SURIRE – COLCHANE
Breakfast
08:00 AM Departure toward the Lauca Biosphere Reserve, heading to the Salar de Surire Natural Monument, a unique ecosystem in northern Chile. In route, 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.
We arrive at a RAMSAR wetland, an ideal habitat for flamingos. A 1-hour walk allows us to experience 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 pristine natural environment. Picnic lunch.
We continue south, crossing into the Tarapacá Region and entering Volcán Isluga National Park, home to an active volcano rising to 5,500 m.a.s.l. (18044 ft.)
On the way to Colchane, we stop at the village of Isluga to admire its beautiful colonial-era church.

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

DAY 5: COLCHANE – CARIQUIMA – HUARA – HUMBERSTONE – IQUIQUE
Breakfast
08:00 AM Departure toward Iquique, passing through the village of Cariquima, known for its giant columnar cacti. We descend through the Tarapacá Gorge to visit the Giant of Tarapacá, the largest anthropomorphic geoglyph in South America. Lunch.
Visit to the Santiago Humberstone Saltpeter Office, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the economy and society of the early 20th century in the Atacama Desert. We then continue to Iquique.

05:00 PM Arrival in Iquique and transfer to your accommodation.

DAY 6: IQUIQUE – PINTADOS GEOGLYPHS – QUILLAGUA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Breakfast
09:00 AM Departure toward San Pedro de Atacama. Along the route, we visit Pintados, the largest geoglyph complex in northern Chile, evidence of human and caravan development dating back to the 11th century. The panels depict aspects of Andean culture and its connection with the lowlands and the coast, guided by stars central to their worldview.
After a 1-hour guided observation, we continue south toward the Quillagua checkpoint. Lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue to San Pedro de Atacama, observing abandoned nitrate offices along the way, as well as the modern era of copper mining, one of the desert’s main economic activities.

05:00 PM Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama and transfer to your accommodation.

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