5 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 Architecture 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, World Cup 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 at your hotel in Putre,  which is an example of high Andean culture and  also an excellent place to stay before taking any tour, to have a good acclimatization to the altitude. The journey continues to the  National Reserve of the Vicuñas which as its name implies, was created to preserve the vicuña. The flora and fauna of this place are very attractive as they offer a great variety species, besides being surrounded by beautiful scenery of the Chilean Altiplano. Furthermore, in the National Reserve Vicuña you'll discover majestic sceneries and the towns of  Ancuta, consisting of just 5 houses, and  Guallatire, located at 83 km of Putre at the foot of the  volcano Guallatiri. Here you can enjoy the beautiful view of it’s peak white of snow.  Then, we will continue to the most captivating destination of this tour, the Surire Salt Flat. It is located at 4,200 m above sea level, and was declared national monument and is characterized by its enormous majesty.  The monument is 11,298 square hectares (24,855 sq. acres) and it is home to many species of rare wildlife, including the ñandú, flamingos, Andean avocets, crested ducks, and species of llama including vicuñas and alpacas. Temperature oscillates between -15ºC (5ºF) at night and 5ºC (41ºF) during the day. The geography corresponds almost completely to the salt content, clearly seen in the central Oquealla hill with a height of 4,322 m (14,126 ft). The name Surire comes from the word "suri" o ñandú, a species of Chilean ostrich that lives in the zone and can be observed during your visit. After enjoying this wonderful ambience we will have a picnic lunch at the  thermal baths of Polloquere. Here you may enjoy a relaxing bath. Finally, when we have gained new strength with a thermal bath, late afternoon,  we will return back to  Putre. Overnight at Qantati Hotel.