Wonders of Lauca and Las Vicuñas National Parks

"Chile"

The vast plateau of the Altiplano in northern Chile consists of vast meadows, crossed by deep gorges, dotted with lagoons, dark lava stripes and occasional white sparkling saltpans with giant active and dormant volcanoes as backstage. The climate is severe. Temperatures range between 30C during the day and -15C during the night. Rain is very scarce in this region, but more abundant in the north during the Bolivian winter. The thin air contains only half the oxygen level found at sea level. In these extreme conditions, many life forms, including the native Aymaras, struggle for survival. We study and explore the rich ecosystems of Lauca National Parks declared World Biosphere Reserves and Las Vicuñas National Park
Lauca National Park, with its impressive array of mountains and volcanoes, the deep blue Chungara Lake and various smaller turquoise Cotacotani Lagoons and the Lauca River, forms an enormous potential for observing outstanding fauna in a beautiful and pristine scenery, hosting more than 130 bird species and 21 species of mammals. Las Vicuñas National Park, famous for the Surire Saltflat and the outstanding population of flamingos that inhabit the area. Of the 5 species of flamingos, 3 populate the park; Andean, Chilean and James flamingo. In summer, many shallow lagoons emerge due to the rains. They supply the flamingos with all the micro organism they need for their nutrition. At the end of the dry season, the lagoons vanish completely and change in the salt flats.

The Itinerary

DAY 1: ARICA - TIGNAMAR - PUTRE
Reception at Arica airport and drive to the pre-altiplanic region. En route, visit of the typical pre-altiplanic Aymara Villages of Tignamar, Belen, Chapiquiña, etc... We discover the history and daily life of the inhabitants of this scarcelly known region. Arrive and overnight in Putre. (L)

DAY 2: PUTRE - SURIRE SALT LAKE - PUTRE
Drive to to Surire Salt Lake. "Surire" means ostrich in the local Aymara language. Actually, it is possible to see ñandus (Andean ostriches) and other animals like lamas, vicuñas, pink flamingoes or even condors. We have an unforgettable bath in the Surire hot springs surrounded by a fantastic Andean landscape. Drive back to Putre. (BL)

DAY 3: PUTRE - LAKE CHUNGARA - ARICA
Drive to Lake Chungarà, the highest one in the world (4500m) with its deep blue wild foreground. It is located at the base of Parinacota Volcano (6342m), one of the nicest mountains in Chile. We appreciate the local fauna and the breathtaking sceneries before crossing the Lauca National Park (declared a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO), visit Parinacota village and Lake Cotacotani. Long ride back to Arica on the Pacific coast, visiting en route Lluta Valley and its cactus. Overnight in Arica (BL)

DAY 4: ARICA
Excursion to Azapa Valley to observe dozens of geoglyphs and transfer to Arica Airport for your flight back to Santiago. (B L)

General Information

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Departure dates
2006: January 14 - February 4 & 25 - March 18 - April 12 - May 3 & 24 - June 14 - July 12 - August 2 & 23 - September 13 - October 4 & 25 - November 15 - December 6 & 27

2007: January 17 - February 7 & 28 - March 21 - April 11 - May 23 - June 13

Tour Tariff
N° of Participants	2	3	4	5	6	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 1103	$ 824	$ 824	$ 824	$ 706	$ 107
EUR	€ 915	€ 684	€ 684	€ 684	€ 586	€ 88
GBP	£ 617	£ 461	£ 461	£ 461	£ 395	£ 59

(*) 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.

Included: Lodging and meals as specified, transport and transfers, experienced bilingual guides, entrance fees

Not included: flight to/from Arica, meals not mentioned, drinks