4-Days Unique Experience at the Chilean High Plateau
Tour Overview
Embark on a 4-day unique adventure through the Chilean High Plateau, where the coastline, desert, and Andean plateau converge to offer a diverse and thrilling experience. Begin your journey in Arica, exploring its rich history and stunning architecture, including the San Marcos Cathedral. Traverse the Lluta Valley, marvel at ancient geoglyphs, and visit the charming village of Socoroma. Discover the breathtaking Lauca National Park, home to the serene Chungara Lake and the majestic Parinacota volcano. Guided by indigenous communities, uncover the region's natural heritage and colonial churches, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guidance. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARICA/ARRIVAL
Location: Arica
Accommodation Name: Casa Beltran Hotel
Transfer Arica Airport / hotel in Arica (we recommend arrival around 1:00pm).
PM. Visit to a fascinating city that has a spectacular past which can be appreciated in its Achitecture designs and National Monuments the Cathedral San Marcos of Arica and the former customs building both built by Eiffel. The tour leads us to the Costanera (promenade avenue), then visit to former Isla del Alacràn ( scorpion´s island) and La Lisera Resort. The fishery industries are the heart of the commercial activity in the city.
Ascent to the historical hill, battlefield of one of the most relevant battles of the Pacific War. We visit (exterior) the soccer stadium Carlos Dittborn, Worldcup Host Stadium, 21 de Mayo avenue, handicraft Village ( souvenirs and handicrafts), Diego Portales Avenue, Costanera Norte, Chinchorro beach and resort, General Velásquez. Return to hotel.
Overnight at Casa Beltran Hotel.
DAY 2 - ARICA/LLUTA VALLEY/SOCOROMA/PUTRE
Location: Arica
Accommodation Name: Qantati Hotel
The excursion starts along the international road to Bolivia and across the prodigious Lluta Valley, natural exit of the highlands to the ocean. The Lluta river is the only one in the region that leads to the ocean and originates in the high cordillera. Here you can get to know various geoglyphs that represent animals, humans and abstract forms.
During our trip, we will stop in the very first settlement of the valley, Poconchile. Small town surrounded by fields of alfalfa and well known for its church, Iglesia de San Gerónimo, which was declared national monument, due to its impressive beauty preserved since the 17th century. Our way leads us to a canyon named after its vegetation, the candelabra cactuses that are typical for the desert. This type of cactus only is to find at a height of 1.700 meters over sea level. The branches are usually to find on the upper part of the plant, therefor the name. Also, you will know one of the most important archaeological complexes in the area, the fort Pukara de Copaquilla, declared national monument and surrounded by an impressive canyon of about 150m of depth.
Continue through the north up to the village of Socoroma, outstanding for its architecture and its beautiful green terraces. Afterwards we will stop at the viewing point of Putre. Late afternoon, arrival at your hotel.
Overnight at Qantati Hotel.
DAY 3- PUTRE/LAUCA NATIONAL PARK & CHUNGARA LAKE/PUTRE/ARICA
Location: Arica
Accommodation Name: Casa Beltran Hotel
The tour starts in the morning in Putre. Our highlight is the National Park Lauca with an expanse of 137.883 hectare, a biosphere reserve that covers the foothills and the highlands in the northeast of the region of Arica and Parinacota. To get to this wonderful world in the height, we start with a hike through the sector of the caves, where you can get to know the paradisiacal landscapes of the highlands, 4.300m over sea level, and you can observe the so called Vizcachas that come out at dusk and dawn. What makes this hike special is the mystical ambience that surrounds the region. It’s said that there are men living in this area that are over 9000 years old, and sometimes they are still seen, walking the ways of the highlands.
Our journey continues to the viewing point of Chucuyo, which is located in the center of the National Park Lauca that contains a unique ecosystem and an extraordinary flora and fauna. Also, we will stop at the viewing point Cotacotani Lagoon, which consists on different lakes and vulcano islands that are evidence of the high volcanic activity of this zone. The viewing point is placed in the middle of the wetlands and is perfect to observe the great variety of plants and animals, such as the parinas, ducks, vicuñas, vizcachas and taguas.
After that, we will visit one of the most beautiful attractions of the National Park Lauca, the lake Chungara, which is located over 4.500 meters over sea level and is one of the highest lakes in the world. It’s magical beauty and the marvelous reflection of the volcano Parinacota. On the other side of the lake you can see the famous volcanoes Payachata (twins), about which many legends are told due to their mystical appearance. For example people say, that they house an old treasure of the Inca, and others say that they are a couple in love.
Later, we will visit the village of Parinacota, which was declared national monument; where you will discover the ancient architecture of the highlands. The old houses are all made of adobe and have a great historical value, for they contain relicts of the time of colonialism and are symbols of the Aymara-culture.
After enjoying all these different landscapes, we will return to the city of the eternal spring, Arica.
Overnight at Casa Beltran Hotel.
DAY 4 - ARICA/DEPARTURE
Location: Arica
In due time, transfer from the hotel to Arica Airport .
End of services.-
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfast and lunch are included.
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Accommodation
3 nights accommodation at 3-star hotels.
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Transfers
All transfers by shared service with a Spanish-speaking driver.
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Guided Excursions
Excursions by shared service with an English-speaking guide.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fee to the Archaeological Museum in Arica and Lauca National Park.
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Portable Oxygen Tank
A portable oxygen tank is provided.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
Air tickets and airport taxes are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities are not included.
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Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible, not stroller accessible, and no public transportation nearby.
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Suitability
Not suitable for pets, infants must not sit on laps, not recommended for pregnant travelers, and not recommended for people with heart conditions.
Know Before You Go
- Infant Seats Available
- Passport Required
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Mode of Transport
All transfers are provided by shared service with a Spanish-speaking driver, and excursions are conducted with an English-speaking guide.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights of comfortable accommodation at 3-star hotels, including Casa Beltran Hotel in Arica and Qantati Hotel in Putre.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights of accommodation at 3-star hotels. Specifically, you will stay at Casa Beltran Hotel in Arica and Qantati Hotel in Putre.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes breakfast and lunch.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transfers are provided by shared service with a Spanish-speaking driver. Excursions are conducted by shared service with an English-speaking guide.
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Are there any entrance fees included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes entrance fees to the Archaeological Museum in Arica and Lauca National Park.
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Is there any special equipment provided during the tour?
Yes, a portable oxygen tank is provided during the tour.
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What are some of the key activities and sites visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to the San Marcos Cathedral, San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, Lluta Valley, Socoroma, Putre, Lauca National Park, Chungara Lake, and the village of Parinacota. You will also explore various geoglyphs, the fort Pukara de Copaquilla, and the Cotacotani Lagoon.
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Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, not stroller accessible, and not suitable for pets. It is also not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with heart conditions.
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Are there any specific health or safety recommendations for this tour?
Yes, the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with heart conditions. Additionally, infants must not sit on laps.
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What should I know before going on this tour?
Infant seats are available, and a passport is required for this tour.
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What is the recommended arrival time at Arica Airport on the first day?
It is recommended to arrive at Arica Airport around 1:00 pm on the first day.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The tours are in small groups with the same interests. But it also depends on the operators at the destination.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 15 years we have been taking travelers to visit South America, we have always been committed to being there for our travellers.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, We do not operate this option.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, the accommodation will include meet local health and safety regulations.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No, You don't contributing to any charity by booking the tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Services and hotels can be changed up to 15 days before your trip., except for services and hotels with prepaid. Changes in flights are subject to a penalty fee.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Before your trip, you will receive the voucher with the booked services.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It all depends de the tour and the operator. Usually, you can not join the tour once it has departed.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Biosecurity protocols all along the journey according to the local Sanitary Authorities The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test
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Low Deposit
Signature DMC requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 50 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of signature dmc charges.
Up to 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 49 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
4-Days Unique Experience at the Chilean High Plateau
4 Days Starting and ending in Arica, Chile
Visiting: Arica
Tour operator:
Tour code:
420362
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-99
