Gallery
Itinerary
Arica - Lauca National Park - Chungará Lake - Putre
The excursion starts at 08:00am. We will pick you up from your accommodation in Arica to start the tour through the impressive Lluta Valley. The valley is a rich archaeological treasure and you will be able to spot large geoglyphs dating from 1000 BC. Next, we will stop in the village of Poconchile where you can visit the beautiful little church San Gerónimo. It is one of the most valuable buildings in Poconchile as it contains some of the most ancient artifacts of the village. The church was built in the early 17th century, making it the oldest church of the region. As we continue to make our way up into the highlands you can not only explore historic places, but you will also get to know the singular flora and fauna of Northern Chile. We will cross the Canyon of Cardones, where in the middle of the desert you will find hundreds and hundreds of giant cactus (cactus candelabros).
On this part of the route, the Altiplano starts to surprise us as we pass the “magnetic zone”. A small sign lets you know that you enter this mysterious area, just before the road starts to notably climb up a little hill. On this part of the road, although it seemingly takes you up, if you take out the gear of the vehicle it will start to move upwards along the road as if it was a downhill ride. Until today, nobody has provided a valid explanation for this strange phenomenon. However, it is always worth to try it yourself and experience another one of the mysteries of the Chilean Altiplano.
Our next stop will be the Pukara de Copaquilla, an impressive fort that dates from pre-Inca times. From there, the route takes us along the Tambo de Zapahuira. The Tambo used to be a place of rest for travelers during the Inca imperium, and until today it remains a favorite stop to get some food and rest for those who travel the streets of the Altiplano on a daily basis. We will stop at the viewpoint of Putre to enjoy panoramic views of the Socoroma Valley and the picturesque village of Putre, the capital of the province of Parinacota. Take a minute to breath in the pure air of the magical Altiplano and take in the incredible views of the villages and snow covered peaks, the Nevados of Putre.
Continuing upwards we approach one of the most important and fascinating places of this tour, the Lake Chungará. Shortly after passing Putre we enter the National Park Lauca, an area of great natural beauty, incredible landscapes and a wonderful flora and fauna. On an easy hike you can explore the nature of the Altiplano and spot families of Vizcachas, one of the typical animals of the region, living in and around the highland caves. From here, you will also have great views on the majestic twin volcanoes Payachatas. And following the route a little further we finally reach the main attraction of the National Park Lauca, the impressive Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world (4.517m above sea level). It lies quietly below the two volcanoes Payachatas, creating an unbelievable scenery. Observe the more than 130 different bird species that have chosen the lake to become their habitat, like the Chilean flamingo, the guallata, the Andean condor and the giant tagua, or spot some of the other animals that frequent the area like the alpacas, vizcachas, guanacos, vicuñas, pumas, llamas or foxes.
After having explored the exceptional beauty of Lake Chungará, we will slowly start to make our way back. We will stop at the Lagoons of Cotacotani to appreciate their turquoise waters and visit the village of Parinacota. The church of the village was built on the 17th century and declared national monument. From there, we continue to the village of Putre where you can enjoy a walk through the charming streets and discover the local Aymara culture. Accommodation at your hotel.
Putre - National Reserve Las Vicuñas - Salt Lake Surire - Hot Springs of Polloquere - Arica
On our second day, we will leave Putre at 08:00am and make our way to the Salt Lake of Surire. An impressive scenery awaits you, located within the wide and fascinating National Reserve Las Vicuñas, which, as the name indicates, was created to preserve the species of the vicuña.
The routes takes us through the village of Ancuta, and old Aymara name for “white house”. The name likely was given because of the small white chapel that stands out against the brown colors of the highlands. We then enter the National Reserve Las Vicuñas, a place that allows you to discover and enjoy the incomparably beautiful landscapes and sceneries of Northern Chile. You will be surprised by the diversity of the native flora and fauna. Among the native species is the pretty and elegant vicuña, one of the mammals that inhabit the region.
We will pay a visit to the pre-Hispanic village Guallatire (“place of the guallatas” in Aymara). Like the village Ancuta, this place in the Northern part of Chile is located above 4.000m above sea level and has a charming little church in its center that dates back to the 17th century. The village lies at the foot of the volcano Guallatire. Around 12:00pm we then reach the highlight of the day, the impressive Salt Lake Surire. It was declared natural monument due to its enormous salt deposits and the important habitat it creates for valuable and rare species like the vicuña, the alpaca, the llama and three different types of flamingos.
You will experience that this place possesses a unique majesty. The contrasting colors of the blue water, the white salt deposits and the brown hills create an indescribable scenery that lucky is still untouched by mankind. It is truly a magical landscape that makes this place a unique destination, not only for nature lovers. Most of the time, a visit to the salt lake will be a solitary experience, allowing visitors a basically private adventure and unforgettable experience.
Around the salt lake, we will visit the wetland of Chilcaya where you can discover more of the local flora and fauna. Then, we make a stop at the Hot Springs of Polloquere. The springs are located at 4.270m above sea level and offer a great spot to relax and take in the beautiful views. Enjoy a picknick at this incredible place above 4.000m and opt in for a relaxing bath in the turquoise thermal waters. The natural pools reach a temperature of up to 66°C and are said to help especially with rheumatic and other pains.
Afterwards we return to Arica, where we arrive around 08:00pm. End of the excursion.
Main attractions
Valle de Lluta (Lluta Valley) - Archaeological Treasure in the North
In Aymara “muddy, covered in mud”.
The Lluta Valley is located 10km North of Arica. It developed due to the river of the same name which runs through the valley and terminates in the Pacific Ocean. In the valley of Lluta, you can find huge geopglyphs (ancient stone images and wall paintings) on the flanks of the hills. They are said to date back to the years between 1100 until 1400 a.C., the time in which the region and local culture started to develop. Read more
Poconchile - Precious Heritage of the North
In Aymara “type of pasture land”.
Poconchile is a small village located 37km east of Arica. It developed from a pre-Inca farm settlement on the bank of the Lluta River, surrounded by wide alfalfa fields. Originally, its purpose was twofold: It served as a place of rest for travelers along the route to the Altiplano and at the same time was used a storage place for works on the railway tracks leading to Bolivia. Read more
Quebrada de Cardones (Canyon of Cardones) - Blossoming Altiplano
The Quebrada de Cardones is located between 2.000 and 2.700m above sea level within the Arica and Parinacota Region, about 65km away from Arica. Read more
Pukará Copaquilla (Copaquilla Fort) - Fascinating Archaeology in the Altiplano
In Aymara “relic of the moon (due to the grey color of its soil)”.
This archaeological complex is located in the municipality of Putre, about 100km northeast of Arica and at 3.000m above sea level within the region of Arica and Parinacota. Copaquilla, which in Quechua means “grey dust”, was built during the 12th century for defense purposes. The fort sits on the edge of a cliff, protected by a stone wall. Read more
Tambo Zapahuira - Ancient Archaeology
The “Tambo de Zapahuira”, located 20km away from the international route to Bolivia, dates back to the 16th century. It was constructed in the process of southward expansion of the Inca empire. The archaeological complex consist of several stone rooms that are connected through small doors and covered with saddle roofs. Not far away one can find two towers made out of adobe which were used for funerals, as well as round and rectangular farm buildings. The ruins were declared National Monument in 1983 as they represent the Inca architecture. Read more
Mirador de Putre (Viewpoint of Putre) - Unforgettable Views and Acclimatization
The viewpoint “Mirador de Putre” signals the arrival to the Andean village of Putre at an altitude of 3.500m above sea level. Observe the idyllically placed village between green fields of oregano, called “green gold” by the locals. In the back, the “Nevados de Putre” (snowy peaks of Putre) rise high into the sky. Read more
Parinacota - Legendary Village
In Aymara “Lagoon of Parinas or Flamingos”.
This small settlement in the Andean Altiplano belongs to the municipality of Putre, located in the 15. Region Arica and Parinacota. It is known for the bofedal (typical wetland) that surrounds the village. Read more
National Park Lauca - Nature Paradise of the Chilean Altiplano
The National Park Lauca was created in the year 1970. It covers a surface of 137.883 hectares across the pre-cordillera and the Altiplano. Administratively, it belongs to the municipality of Putre in the province Parinacota, Region of Arica and Parinacota. In 1981 is was declared integral part of the Global Network of World Biosphere Reserves. Read more
Lago Chungará (Lake Chungará) - Unforgettable Landscape in the North of Chile
In Aymara, “moss on the stone”.
The lake is located in the province of Parinacota, Region of Arica and Parinacota, in the extreme Northern part of Chile. Read more
Volcanes Payachatas (Payachatas Volcanoes) - Two Soulmates in the Altiplano
In the Lauca National Park, right next to the Lago Chungará and 192km away from the city of Arica, two volcanoes form an impressive backdrop. The Parinacota (6.342 above sea level) and the Pomerape (6.282 above sea level) are to volcanoes with perfectly picturesque flanks, softly inclining by not more than 45°. Read more
Lagunas Cotacotani (Cotacotani Lagoons) - Magical Reflections in the Water
In Aymara “complex of lagoons”.
The Lagoons of Cotacotani are located in the very North of Chile, within the Chilean Altiplano and close to the village of Putre in the National Park Lauca. Read more
