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
Read our customers' feedback about this journey.
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
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