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| Overlanding
and easy hikes in the Andean foothills and altiplano
This trip through the north of Chile includes three ecological
levels between sea and mountains: coast, foothills and altiplano.
It begins in Arica, Chile's northernmost city, and ends in the city
of Iquique, after crossing deserts, national parks, lakes, volcanoes
and hot springs. On the way, we'll see a wide variety of Andean
fauna, including llamas, vicuñas, condors, ostriches, and
three types of flamingoes.
We'll also visit native villages, joined of old by the famous Inca
Trail. These villages are still inhabited by descendants of the
original Aymará people, who preserve many of their ancestral
traditions intertwined with elements of Spanish culture in a rich
mixture whose most colorful expression is found in colorful practices
related to their ardent Catholic faith. We invite you to share with
us this unforgettable experience.
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| DAY
1 ARICA |
| Welcome
reception at the airport of Arica. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon
visit to the historic city centre with the San Marcos Cathedral, the
old train station of the Arica-La Paz railway line, the Morro rock
and the coast with its beaches. After continue to the Archeological
tour in the afternoon, visiting the Azapa Valley with its geoglyphs
of the Cerro Sagrado, the fortress San Lorenzo and the tombs, ending
in the Archeological Museum of San Miguel where you can find some
of the worlds oldest mummies of the Chinchorro people. Return to hotel,
meals on your own. Overnight. |
| DAY 2
ARICA - SOCOROMA - CHUNGARA LAKE - PUTRE |
| Breakfast.
In the morning we drive towards Lluta Valley to visit archaeological
sites, geoglyphs and petroglyphs of Rosario. After, our visit continues
to the Devil's Canyon, to arrive to Poconchile, with exceptional view
over the Lluta Valley. Along the way it is possible to see the Candelabro
Cactus (Browningia candelaris), unique from this area. Visit to Copaquilla
village and its fortress. Picnic lunch. From Copaquilla starts the
trekking toward Socoroma village, where it is possible to see ancient
techniques of cultivation in terraces of corn and potatos. From here
the excursion continues to visit the town of Parinacota Ceremonial
Village. Then visit to Lauca National Park, the Chungara Lake, (elevation
14,815 ft), in Lauca National Park, is our first contact with the
altiplano's magnificent scenery, intense blue sky, and profound silence.
Arrival in Putre, dinner and accommodations. (B, L, D) |
| DAY 3
PUTRE - GUALLATIRE - SURIRE - COLCHANE |
| During
this day visit to 2 protected areas: Las Vicuñas National Reserve
and Surire Salt lake Natural Monument, full of native wildlife such
as ñandues, vicuñas and flamencos. Visit to the Aymara
towns of stones, such as Ancuta, Guallatire, Viluvio, embedded on
the feet of the Andean volcanos, like Guallatire with its fumaroles
in constant activity. Picnic lunch during excursion. We reach the
Surire (means: place of suris; suri = ñandu) Salt Flats, nesting
place for flocks of rosy flamingos. After, we continue towards Colchane.
The road pass through the typical "bofedales" and forest
of "queñoas" (trees that lives very high and in dry
climatic conditions). Visit to Mucomucone, Vilacollo, Arabilla, ancient
towns, where the inhabitants practice millenarian rituals looking
for the equilibrium among the nature and the man. Arrival in Colchane.
Lodging and dinner in hostel with shared bathroom. (B, L, D) |
| DAY 4
COLCHANE - IQUIQUE |
| After breakfast,
we head back down towards the coastal desert, where we find the Cerro
Unita geoglyphs (8the Atacama Giant). Picnic lunch. From the road
it is possible to see Chuzmiza and San Lorenzo de Tarapaca, ancient
center to stock the caravans that were crossing the desert, before
coming to the end of out expedition in the city of Iquique. Accommodation
in the hotel. Dinner on your own. (B, L) |
| DAY 5
IQUIQUE |
| Breakfast.
At agree times transfer to the airport. (B) |
Notes:
· B = Breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
· Daily departures on request min. 2 people.
· We include the last night in Iquique, but it is also possible
to reach a later flight on day 4 to Santiago as you prefer.
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Valid up to
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December 2006
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December 2007
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2 - 4 people
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US$ 890
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US$ 960
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5 - 9 people
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US$ 690
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US$ 750
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10 - 14 people
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US$ 600
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US$ 690
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Single Supplement
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US$ 110
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US$ 120
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INCLUDED
:
- All private support transportation during trip.
- All airport transfers.
- Vehicles equipped with supplemental oxygen in case of need
.
- 3 nights lodging in hotels of Arica, Putre and Iquique with
breakfast.
- 1 night in B&B in Colchane, in double room with shared
bathroom.
- All meals from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 5.
- Expert bilingual guide.
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NOT
INCLUDED :
- Sleeping bags and air mattresses (please bring this personal
equipment).
- Any form of personal insurance.
- Tips, extra expenses such as laundry, meals and drinks not
mentioned in the itinerary, other expenses.
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| ADDITIONAL
NIGHTS: Prices may changed without previous notice. |
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| REQUIREMENTS:
The hikes are relatively easy, though some will be in Andean heights
of the altiplano. Participants should be in good physical condition,
but no special abilities are necessary. In the mountains, the climate
is cold at night, while the deserts will be very hot during the day. |
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