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Chile Tours and Travel

Suggested Packages / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises / Fiord Cruises
Biking / Treks / Self-Drive / Sea Kayaking / Wine Tours

Atacama Desert & Altiplano Tours

Descending from the Altiplano to the Atacama Desert - the driest desert on earth, stretching along the Chilean coast to the south - one encounters
contradictory and unusual manifestations of water (?). Among the highlights, the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama is an absolute „must“ to visit; it was the centre of a Paleolithic culture that built impressive rock fortresses on the steep mountains encircling the green valley. It contrasts with the eerily silent landscape of the nearby Moon Valley with its tiny but beautiful salt ponds and the backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes. It
is a unique experience to view the vast plain of salt crusts with its octagonal- shaped crystals and to admire the lagoons reflecting the towering
volcanoes of the huge Atacama Salt Lake, a former inland sea formed millions of years ago and the surrounding landscape. The El Tatio Geysers are another highlight; they are a geothermal field of fumaroles, small geysers, multi-coloured craters with nearby hot springs inviting to take a comforting bath after walking the crater landscape. Another rewarding destination is the Los Flamencos Natural Reserve at 100 km / 65 mi south of San Pedro with its pleasant highland lagoons Miscanti and Miniques; flocks of flamingos and rare birds can be observed on their breeding grounds.

Magic of Atacama

Day 1: Calama - San Pedro and the Moon valley
Arrival at the airport of Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro is an unusually colourful village located 2.440 m / 8.000 ft above
sea level in the middle of a green oasis. In the afternoon you will be taken into the mystifying Valle de la Luna, the famous Moon Valley. At sunset you can see how the light intensifies the impression of a moonscape. We will climb a sand dune to watch this spectacle and then return to the hotel. Overnight in San Pedro.

Day 2: San Pedro, Toconao and the Atacama Salt Lake
After breakfast you will visit San Pedro de Atacama - the centre of a Palaeolithic civilization that built impressive rock fortresses on the mountains encircling the green valley. The colonial church was constructed in 1577 and is the largest and most beautiful church of the region. The extraordinary archaeological museum (closed on Mondays) of Padre Gustavo Le Paige shows, among its many archaeological pre-Hispanic artefacts, several amazingly well preserved mummies, including one known as "Miss Chile.“ After this visit you drive 4 km / 2.5 mi to reach the
pre-Columbian village Tulor with an approx. age of 3000 years. The archaeological remains are the oldest evidence of human settlement in the valley. We will then continue our morning tour to Pukara de Quitor a fortress, which was conquered in 1540 by the Spanish conquistadores defeating the Incan troops who, in turn, had captured it from the pre-Incan cultures and extended the fortification. In the afternoon you will start your tour to Toconao, a village where locals dedicate themselves to the manufacture of white volcanic stone sculptures. We continue to the huge Atacama Salt Lake, an inland sea formed millions of years ago. The vast emptiness with the white salt crusts stretched out in front of you as far as the eyes can reach is overwhelming. It simply is one of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes in Chile. Return to the hotel. Overnight in San Pedro. (B, BL)

Day 3: El Tatio and Machuca
In the morning you will depart early at 4:00 am to reach the El Tatio Geysers at an altitude of 4.300 m / 14.108 ft before sun-rise. In a remote setting it
is the highest geothermal field in the world and offers a spectacular scenery. Make sure to bring warm clothes because it is very cold in the morning at this altitude. At dawn, powerful spurts of steam shoot up from various blowholes. The steaming ponds are encrusted with brilliant
salt crystals reflecting the metal-blue sky at dawn. You will have enough time to enjoy this beautiful natural wonder before we return and drive to the village Machuca where the ancient llama caravans used to rest from their travels on the „Inca Highway“. Today only few people live here. Afterwards, we will return to San Pedro de Atacama. Leisure time in the afternoon. Overnight in San Pedro. (B)

Day 4: San Pedro - Calama
After breakfast, a transfer takes you to the airport to board your departure flight. (B)

Note: We can also book other hotels such as Alto Atacama, Tierra Atacama, Awasi Lodge etc. if you prefer

The Altiplano
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Your journey to natural beauty and environmental extremes starts at the snow-capped Andean volcanoes of the Altiplano - or Highlands - at an average altitude of 4,000 m/13,000 ft above sea level in northern Chile. Here, sand-preserved mummies and pre-Incan artefacts prove human inhabitation dating back to 5,000 BC; pre-Columbian fortresses, settlements and geoglyphs mark the Inca‘s caravan route from the coast to the highlands. The incomparable beauty of the Lauca National Park forms the setting for this land lost in time with its magnificent scenery of exotic flora and wildlife - vicuñas, alpacas and Andean flamingos, among other species - it is a fascinating travel destination and a birdwatcher‘s paradise. Breathtaking natural attractions also include clear blue and emerald lakes, extensive steppes, immense sparkling white salt deposits, hidden hot springs and amazing geysers. In the occasional tiny rustic village with a picturesque colonial church, indigenous Aymara shepherds herd their animals and grow their crops. Then there is Chungará, the highest lake in the world. Beautiful and yet the land is desolate and arid with difficult
living conditions to which both humans and animals have adapted to survive. Iquique, the coastal city south of Arica was home to one of the most prosperous industries: nitrate mining at the end of the XIX century. Nitrate was an essential element for agriculture around the world - and also played an all-important role in the social, political and economical development of Chile. Humberstone and Santa Laura were two of the main nitrate companies; the homonymous villages - authentic ghost towns - are today national monuments and the ruins still hold traces of their former splendour. The empty streets and abandoned factories still evoke a memorable atmosphere. The „Far North“ of Chile invites you to an unforgettable experience: enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Andes Mountain Range and the rich local history and culture of its people.

Magic of The Altiplano

Day 1: Arica & Azapa Valley
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon we will have time to explore Arica where notable buildings such as the San Marcos Church or the former Customs Building - now a House of Artwere built by the famous French architect Eiffel. Walking through
Colon Square and the shopping streets will give you an idea of the city’s modern life style. Afterwards you will visit sights of historical interest; first driving up to the historical Morro, a headland which was the scene of one of the greatest victories of the Chilean Army during the Pacific War. Afterwards we will visit the Azapa Valley and the "Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum.“ The museum collection includes sand-preserved
mummies and pre-Incan relics dating back to 10.000 BC. Overnight in Arica.

Day 2: Arica - Putre
Today we will leave Arica and take the road to the highland village of Putre. Entering the Lluta Valley on our way you will see many geoglyphs marking the old Inca Trail from the coast to the highland. During a stop in Rosario we will take the time to look at a wall of geoglyphs closer, afterwards we will make a halt in Poconchile to visit the Church of San Gerónimo, built in 1580 and its immense cemetery. In the Cardones Canyon area we will have a look at the gigantic Candelabras cacti scattered all over the terrain. When we reach the Fort Pukara de Copaquilla we will have time to walk the grounds. We will take a short walk to the little village Socoroma, home to the Aymara natives to, afterwards, continue on the main
road to Putre, located 3.500 m / 11.483 ft above sea level. While visiting the village- capital of the Parinacota Province dating back to pre-Hispanic times- your body can adjust to the altitude. You will have time to see the traditional colonial style houses, most of them built with carved stone portals and window frames made in the 17th century. A few kilometres outside the village a breathtaking view of the wide Putre valley beneath the massive, snow-capped Putre Peaks will present itself to us. Picnic-lunch will be provided on the way. You will have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Putre. (B, BL, D)

Day 3: Putre - Lauca National Park - Arica
In the morning we will depart to discover the fascinating beauty of Lauca National Park and its spectacular scenery of exotic plants and wildlife, like vicuñas, alpacas, rheas and Andean flamingos among other species; it is also a birdwatcher‘s paradise. We will visit the Parinacota village (4.392 m / 14.409 ft. above sea level) with its beautiful church dating back to the XVII century. After that we will continue to the highest lake in the world, Chungará Lake, to take a walk before enjoying our packed lunch on the shore of the lake. We return to Arica in the afternoon. Arrival at hotel and overnight. (B, BL)

Day 4: Arica
Transfer to the airport to board your connecting flight. (B)

EXTENSION: This program can be easily extended to a 5 days / 4 nights itinerary with a full day visit to the Surire Salt Lake and national park Las Vicuñas

Price per person in US$

Program includes: 2 overnights with breakfast in Arica (first/last night), 1 overnight with breakfast and dinner in Putre, transfers and excursions with driver and bilingual guide, entrance fees, lunch box included in full day excursions.
Regular: Service is with English or German speaking driver-guide (Minimum 2 passengers)

THE HIDDEN VALLEYS (5 days / 4 nights)

Day 1: Arica - Codpa Valley
Today we will meet at Arica’s airport or local hotel and start our journey through one of the least exploited and yet most beautiful areas of northern Chile. Rich in history and linking point for many ancient cultures such as the Incas and the intriguing Chinchorro. Our first destination will be the colourful Azapa Valley and its archaeological museum, this beautiful valley is located 13 Km/ 8 mi from the district’s capital. Due to its unique weather, a great variety of exotic agricultural products can be harvested all year around. At the museum one can witness the Chinchorro mummies, considered the oldest ever found with 7600 years of age. After lunch we will drive south towards the Codpa Valley to arrive in the small oasis of Codpa (1.855 m / 6.078 ft. above sea level), probably the main connecting point for both pre-Columbian and colonial route networks. The valley is irrigated with the waters of the Vítor River and known for its unique local Pintatani wine of high alcohol percentage. We will visit the old church and then reach our final destination: right above the wet fog influence from the sea (Camanchaca) and the frosts of the Andes the cosy and charming Codpa Valley Lodge makes it a perfect location to explore in depth the environment of the Andean Highlands, rich in scenery, wildlife, traditions and history. Dinner and overnight in Codpa Valley Lodge. (L, D)

Day 2: Codpa Valley Lodge
This morning and after a great breakfast you will be able to choose one of the optional excursions the lodge offers in order to explore the beautiful landscapes of this area. By doing so, one can imagine the endless caravans that travelled this immense territory, participating in the trade of different products that went as far as Cuzco, the Incan capital. After lunch you will have the afternoon off to truly experience the peace and quiet of this distant region. A good suggestion for the evening is to enjoy the clear skies opportunity that this region offers to contemplate an incredible amount of stars while tasting a delicious Chilean wine. Overnight in Codpa. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Codpa - Putre
Today we will visit Ofragia’s petroglyphs, an extraordinary evidence of the presence of humans in this region, which goes back to 10.000 years. The paintings also portrait the violent awakening of the old civilizations that once fought to obtain control over this territory. Then we take the road to visit some basic and typical Andean villages; where one can see how people live in this abrupt geography, these villages are Timar, Tignamar and Saxamar. After a short hike we will reach the Chitune hot-springs where you can reward yourself soaking in these mineral waters. After lunch we will follow the drive to Belen, Chaquipiña and Zapahuira, a strategically important trading post for the Inca Empire. We then
will arrive to Putre (3.500 m. / 11.400 ft.); an important village at the base of the remarkable Tarapaca Volcano, this peaceful village is a typical Andean settlement with irrigation canals that go along the streets, surrounding agricultural terraces where alpacas roam. The rest of the day you are free to explore the village on your own or just relax. Overnight in Putre (B)

Day 4: Putre - Salar de Surire - Putre
After breakfast we will get in our vehicles and start our climb up towards the Surire Salt Flats. We will cross several Andean villages that will give you a good perspective on what life is like up here before arriving to our destination. The Surire is a salt flat with a surface of 11.298 hectares/ Codpa Lodge 27.900 acres located at 4322 m / 14100 ft above sea level. Here you can observe 3 of the 6 flamingo species that exist in the world as well as vicuñas and suris - name given to the ñandu or South American ostrich- which is also the source for the name of this place. (B,BL, D)

Day 5: Lauca National Park - Lake Chungara - Arica
In the morning we will depart to discover the fascinating beauty of Lauca National Park and its spectacular scenery of exotic plants and wildlife, like vicuñas, alpacas, rheas and Andean flamingos among other species; it is a birdwatcher’s paradise. We will visit the quaint and picturesque village of Parinacota (4.392 m / 14.409 ft. above sea level) which with its 149 inhabitants and beautiful church dating back to the XVII century has been declared National Monument. After that we will continue to the highest lake in the world, Chungara Lake. Besides its remarkable scenery, the Chungara Lake impresses with a unique wildlife and eco system with over 130 native species, among these flamingos and rheas. Here we will take a walk before enjoying our packed lunch on the shores of the lake. Once we are done we will start driving down to coastal Arica to be transferred to a hotel or the airport (only flights after 7 pm). (B, BL)

Note: Due to weather conditions, especially during the months of January and February the itinerary might be modified without prior notice.

Program includes: 2 overnights in Codpa with breakfast, lunch and dinner, 2 overnights with breakfast in Putre and 1 dinner, 2 lunch boxes transfers and excursions with driver and bilingual guide, entrance fees.
Note: Due the weather conditions, specially during the months of January and February the itinerary might be modified without prior notice

PLEASE, TAKE IN CONSIDERATION ON DAY 5 YOU MUST TAKE A FLIGHT DEPARTING FROM ARICA AFTER 19:00 HS, OTHERWISE YOU SHOULD ADD AN EXTRA NIGHT IN ARICA

Tip: Due to the close distance this package is ideal to combine with itineraries in Southern Peru (only 40 minutes from Arica by plane to Arequipa!) or/and Bolivia.