Chile Holidays: Altiplano & Atacama Overland

The Altiplano is a flat terrace placed on top of the Andes at an average altitude of 4000 m/13000 ft above sea level. Its extraordinary natural attractions include active and dormant volcanoes, clear blue and emerald lakes with abundant bird life, extensive steppes supporting diverse populations of cameloids (Llama, Vicuna, Guanaco and Alpaca), immense sparkling white salt deposits, hidden hot springs and amazing geysers and occasionally the tiny rustic villages with picturesque colonial churches where Aymara Indian shepherds graze their animals and grow their crops. Despite its beauty, it is a desolate and arid land with difficult life conditions to which wildlife and natives have adapted to survive.
Finally, we venture into the driest desert on earth, the Atacama, and discover the species of fauna and flora that live in perfect harmony among the many oases and lakes of the desert. The volcanoes crowning the Atacama Desert are amongst the tallest and earth and their summits used to be sacred sanctuaries for the ancient Incas.

DAY 1: Antofagasta - Imilac Salt Lake
Reception at the airport of Antofagasta a coastal city in northern Chile and Visit of La Portada, a fantastic natural arch carved by the waves. We cross the Atacama Salt Lake from West to East past the lithium mine, observing flamingos and the strange salt formations created by the lake. We set our camp in Tilomonte Oasis. (L D)

DAY 2: Imilac Salt Lake - Miniques Lagoon
We visit Peine and have a nice bath in natural swimming pool. In the afternoon, we climb to the heart of the cordillera, crossing the altiplano and set up our camp on the shores of Miscanti and Miniques Lagoon. (B L D)

DAY 3: Miniques Lagoon - San Pedro de Atacama
Excursion to the Lejia Lagoon, located at the foot of the active Lascar Volcano. We might observe pink flamingos. We reach San Pedro de Atacama, crossing the Jeria Valley and explore the mighty Moon Valley at sunset. Arrival at San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight in hotel. (B L D).

DAY 4: San Pedro de Atacama - Puritama Thermal Baths
Trekking into the salty mountain range where we discover some geological curiosity. Then, visit of the archaeological museum of San Pedro and the pre-Inca fortress of Quitor. In the late afternoon we drive to Puritama thermal baths (3400m) and we reach El Tatio Geysers and overnight in a refuge. (B L D).

DAY 5: Puritama Thermal Baths - Calama
We get up very early to discover the Tatio Geysers where we have breakfast. We have the chance to observe the geysers at dawn and swim into naturally warm swimming pools. Then, we drive down to Calama. On the way, we visit Caspana, Chiu-Chiu, Lasana and the Loa geoglyphs. Arrival at Calama (2250m). Overnight in hotel. (B L).

DAY 6: Calama - Huasco Salt Lake
A nice ride leads us close to the Bolivian border. We do a short walk at the top of Puruna Volcano, a small crater emerging from the flat areas. Then, we follow the border along and uncovered altiplanic road. We set our camp on the shore of Huasco Salt Lake. (B L D).

DAY 7: Huasco Salt Lake - Chusmisa
Long trip down to Pica Oasis, where we have a relaxing bath in the natural swimming pool of La Cocha. After a logistic stop, we cross the desert to reach the prealtiplanic village of Chusmisa. We camp close to the thermal baths of Valley Escondido. (B L D).

DAY 8: Valley Escondido - Surire Salt Lake
We arrive into the altiplano and enter the Isluga National Park where we appreciate the altiplanic fauna (llamas, viscachas, nandus, etc...) and cross several typical villages. We arrive at the Surire Salt Lake, one of the most impressive sites of this area; a white salted surface where hundreds of animals live in perfect harmony with nature. We set our camp close to the hot springs and have a restful bath. (B L D).

DAY 9: Surire Salt Lake - Lake Chungara
Drive to the North to reach the famous Lauca National Park, classified as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It is surely, one of the most beautiful regions of Chile. We appreciate the local fauna, and visit Parinacota. Finally, we arrive at Lake Chungara, the highest lake in the world, deep blue wild surface from where we have a fantastic view on Parinacota (6342m) and Sajama (6520m). We set our camp near the lake (4500m). (B L D).

DAY 10: Lake Chungara - Arica
Long ride down to Arica. We cross the Lauca National Park from East to West and visit Putre and the Copaquilla Fortress. We see the strange candelabrus cactus and the geoglyphs of the Lluta Valley. Arrival at Arica. Transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon (beach). (B L).

DAY 11: Arica - Santiago
Excursion to Azapa Valley to observe dozens of geoglyphs. Transfer to Arica airport and flight back to Santiago. (B L).

Rated: Easy/Moderate

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Departure dates
2006: January 14 - February 4 & 25 - March 18 - April 8 & 29 - May 20 - June 10 - July 8 & 29 - August 19 - September 9 & 30 - October 21 - November 11 - December 2 & 23
2007: January 13 - February 3 & 24 - March 17 - April 7 & 28 - May 19 - June 9

Tour Tariff
N° of Participants	2	3	4	5	6	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 2452	$ 1970	$ 1970	$ 1970	$ 1745	$ 160
EUR	€ 2035	€ 1635	€ 1635	€ 1635	€ 1448	€ 133
GBP	£ 1373	£ 1103	£ 1103	£ 1103	£ 977	£ 89

(*) Price last updated on 12 March 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) All fixed departures are shared. We also organise private departures at other dates upon request.
(***) 15% Discount for departures between April and June

Included: Lodging in hotels, hostels or camp, meals as specified, transport and transfers, bilingual experienced guides, common camping equipment

Not included: Other meals, tips, drinks whereas in urban centre, Flight to Antofagasta and from Arica, sleeping bags

Altiplano and Atacama Overland

"Chile"