Lauca Biosphere & Mission Route

CODE ALTHI 01: Lauca Biosphere & Mission Route

Duration: 5 Days / 4 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 active journey along ancient Andean paths and territories of the historic Silver Route (Ruta de la Plata), where trekking and hiking unfold across the extreme landscapes of northern Chile. The route ascends from fertile valleys and colonial villages to the Lauca Biosphere Reserve, including Suriplaza, a spectacular volcanic setting of intense colors located above 5,000 m.a.s.l. (16404 ft.). Progressive hikes cross high-altitude lagoons, wetlands (bofedales), and ancestral sections of the Qhapaq Ñan, surrounded by volcanoes rising over 6,000 meters (19685 ft.). A private experience that combines physical challenge, Altiplano biodiversity, and the living culture of the Andean highlands.

DAY 1: ARICA – CODPA
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.
We visit a traditional and colorful local market, where Aymara culture and regional agricultural activity coexist.
We then head into the Azapa Valley to observe the Tropilla geoglyphs, archaeological remains in a fertile valley in the heart of the Atacama Desert. We visit the Azapa Valley Archaeological Museum, where you can explore the cultural evolution of northern Chile and admire the Chinchorro mummies, whose ancient mummification techniques are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch.
We continue southeast across the pampas, stopping to observe the Presencias Tutelares, artistic installations representing local culture. We then enter the ravines leading to the Codpa Valley (1,800 m.a.s.l. / 5905 ft.). Here we visit a traditional wine press (lagar) and enjoy a tasting of the typical Pintatani wine.

Dinner and overnight in Codpa.

DAY 2: CODPA – SOCOROMA – PUTRE
Breakfast
09:00 AM Departure toward the pre-Andean range. Our first stop is a walk through the Ofragia petroglyph site, one of the areas with the highest concentration of petroglyphs in northern Chile.
We continue toward the village of Belén, passing through Timar, where we observe impressive Candelabro cactus growing along the ravines. We pass through the villages of Tignamar, Saxamar, and Lupica before arriving in Belén, one of the most important religious centers of the Spanish colonial period and a key stop along the Potosí–Arica Silver Route.
Upon arrival in Belén, there is time for lunch and an ascent to Cerro Calvario. After the visit, we continue toward the village of Putre (3,500 m.a.s.l. / 11482 ft.).

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

DAY 3: PUTRE – LAUCA NATIONAL PARK – PUTRE
Breakfast
08:00 AM Departure for a full-day excursion to Lauca National Park, a high-altitude ecosystem recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. The park protects the biodiversity of the Chilean Altiplano and features volcanic landscapes and high-Andean lakes.
We arrive at Lake Chungará (4,529 m.a.s.l. / 14858 ft.), home to diverse wildlife and offering stunning views of the Parinacota Volcano (6,342 m.a.s.l. / 20807 ft.).
We then continue toward the Cotacotani Lagoons, where we begin an 11 km trekking route (approximately 4 hours) at an average altitude of 4,600 m.a.s.l. (15091 ft.), heading toward the village of Parinacota (4,440 m.a.s.l. / 14566 ft.). The trek crosses lagoons and wetlands, with frequent sightings of vizcachas and Andean camelids, always accompanied by the twin Payachata Volcanoes (Parinacota and Pomerape). This experience combines natural landscapes, wildlife observation, and local culture within a protected wilderness area.
Arrival in Parinacota, one of the most iconic villages of the Altiplano, home to its beautiful and colorful 18th-century church. Return to Putre

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

DAY 4: PUTRE – LAS VICUÑAS NATIONAL RESERVE – SALAR DE SURIRE – VOLCÁN ISLUGA NATIONAL PARK – COLCHANE
Breakfast
08:30 AM Departure toward the Lauca Biosphere Reserve, heading to the Salar de Surire Natural Monument, a unique high-altitude ecosystem. in route, we cross the Las Vicuñas National Reserve, where this emblematic 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 to live and breed. We enjoy a 1-hour walk surrounded by the landscapes and wildlife of the salt flat, followed by a visit to the Polloquere Hot Springs, where you can relax in a 100% natural setting. 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 meters (18044 ft.).
On the way to Colchane, we stop at the village of Isluga to admire its beautiful colonial-era church. We then continue to Colchane.

Dinner and overnight in Colchane.

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

05:00 PM Arrival in Iquique 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