4 Days Unique Experience @ Chilean High Plateau (Chilean Alt

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.

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.

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.