Journey to the Northern Highlands Holiday
8 days/7 nights
$1825
P/P Double Occupancy
This trip will take you to the best destinations in northern Chile. Here you will witness the wildlife that thrives in one of the most arid parts of the world. This “off the beaten path” trip will be an out of this world experience!
Day 01 Arrival to Arica
Upon arrival to Arica airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Arica is a small city lush with gardens, parks, and beautiful sunsets. In the afternoon you will enjoy a city tour to the many sites, such as the century old San Marcos Cathedral, the notable “Morro” reminiscent of the Pacific War in 1879, the archeological museum and the beaches. Lodging in Arica
Day 02 Arica / Putre (B, D, BB)
After breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to Putre, in the Andes highlands at 3500 meters above sea level (11 500 feet). Along the way you’ll see some interesting sites such as the Lluta Valley geoglyphs, Quebrada de Cardones (where you can see candelabrum cacti) and the old church in Poconchile. Then you’ll visit Parinacota and its historical church, as well as Lauca National Park and the beautiful Chungara Lake. Upon arrival to Putre, dinner will be served. Lodging in Putre
Day 03 Putre / Colchane (B, D, BB)
Today you’ll depart towards Las Vicuñas National Reserve, which preserves typical highland flora and fauna. Along the way you’ll pass trough Guallatire, a village located on the slopes of Guallatire Volcano. Then you’ll visit the immensely stunning Salar de Surire, where you’ll be able to see various highland species. Finally you’ll visit Enquelga National Reserve, a small traditional village. Lodging in Colchane
Day 04 Colchane / Iquique (B, BB)
Today you’ll be transferred to Iquique, and will visit a few highlights along the way. First you’ll see the agricultural village of Chuzmiza and the old town of San Lorenzo de Tarapaca. Then you’ll go to Unita Hill from where it’s possible to see the “Atacama Giant”, a man shaped geoglyph. Lodging in Iquique
Day 05 Iquique / San Pedro de Atacama (B, BB)
Today you’ll head towards San Pedro de Atacama, making a few interesting stops along the way. First, the now abandoned “nitrate town” of Humberstone will show you the old glories of this industry. Then you’ll pass through the Pampa Del Tamarugal National Reserve, where surprisingly, Tamarugo trees forests endure in this arid environment. Finally you’ll see Pintados Geoglyphs, an amazingly ancient array of figures representing humans, animals and abstract shapes. Before arriving to San Pedro de Atacama you’ll have lunch en route. Lodging in San Pedro de Atacama
Day 06 San Pedro de Atacama (B)
In the morning you’ll have an archeological tour in the city. You’ll see first the San Pedro Church and Gustavo Le Paige Archeological Museum. Then you’ll see Pukara de Quitor, a fortress built over 700 hundred years ago by the first inhabitants. Then you’ll see the ancient village of Tulor, made up of round stone houses that are mostly covered in sand. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Moon Valley, which features extraordinary stone and sand formations, dunes and salt crystals. The site is especially impressive at sunset! Lodging in San Pedro de Atacama
Day 07 Atacama Salt Lake and Meñique & Miscanti Lagoons (B, BB)
In the morning you will depart towards the Chaxa Lagoon in the Atacama Salt Lake. Here you will be able to see the pink flamingos that inhabit this area. Along the way you’ll visit the village of Toconao, built almost entirely from white volcanic stone and known for the handicrafts made from the same material. Then, you’ll head towards Meñique and Miscanti Lagoons where you will appreciate the clear waters that emerge from far beneath the ground as well as the display of wildlife they attract. (Note: This tour will take you to an altitude of 4500 meters over sea level (14800 feet), so it’s not recommended for people with heart problems) Lodging in San Pedro de Atacama
Day 08 El Tatio Geysers, Caspana, Lasana / Calama (BB, BL)
You’ll head before dawn to El Tatio Geysers, where you’ll witness the third largest geyser field in the world. The activity is strongest in the morning hours, and sometimes the water jets can be propelled several meters up into the air. After enjoying a box breakfast in the fields, you’ll have some time to bathe in the natural thermal pools. Then, you’ll continue towards Caspana an old agricultural village, and Chiu Chiu, where you’ll see the most beautiful church in the area. After lunch, you’ll continue along the edge of Loa River, Chile’s longest, until you reach Lasana, an ancient town and fortress located on a cliff. The village has been abandoned for several centuries now. (Note: This tour will take you to an altitude of 4500 meters over sea level (14800 feet), so it’s not recommended for people with heart problems) Afterwards you will be transferred to Calama airport for your flight out.
Prices Include
- All entrance fees on tours
- Transfers and excursions as mentioned, with local English speaking guide
- (The only shared services available are the transfers and excursions in San Pedro de Atacama. All the other services will be private)
- Accommodations in the hotels mentioned above, or similar
- Tips to porters at airport and hotels
- Lodging at the hotel on standard rooms or as mentioned above
- Meals as specified
Prices Do Not Include
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
- Extra transfers or meals not mentioned in the program
- Air tickets and airport taxes
- Tips to drivers and guides
Notes
- Rates are per person - double occupancy
- -The tour operates year round. During the Bolivian Winter (January-February usually) and winter (June-August), the itinerary is subject to weather conditions.
- -Rates are subject to change without notice
- -These are the shared airport transfer schedules:
- San Pedro de Atacama – Calama (departing from the hotel):
- Monday through Friday: 07:30 & 15:30 hrs
- Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 & 18:30 hrs
- -Rates are subject to change
