6) Lauca National Park 2 days/ 1 night (Accommodations and meals included)

(Declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco)

6 Ecological Zones: coastline, valleys, canyons, sierra, altiplano & snow capped volcanoes.

(exchange rate: US$ 1.00= $ 500)

Hotel Options:

Hostal Pachamama or La Paloma

Hotel Las Vicuñas *** (Free Internet)

Hotel Qantati *** (New Hotel out in the country side surrounded by mountains approx 1 km from Putre, with very comfortable big beds, breakfast included)

1st Day Hotel pick up time 9:00 a.m.We go towards the north by the coastline until the mouth of the Lluta river where we can observe the avifauna such as: Pelicans, Cormorants, Egrets, Oyster Catcher, Baird’s Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Whimbrel (Hudsonian Whimbrel), Lesser Yellowlegs, Franklin Gull, Artic Tern, Elegant Tern, Black-belllied (Grey) Plover, American Golden Plover, Sanderling and Vultures. Then we take the international route N° 11 to Bolivia, which goes through the Lluta Valley, from where you will be able to appreciate the geoglyphs (pre Inca designs on slopes of hills) and visit the Colcas de Huaylacan which are underground storage deposits while the Incas were ruling (aprox 1430-1530 A.D ). You will also observe the fertile valley and the different crops, such as corn, alfalfa, onions and garlic. Then we reach the pre Inca village of Poconchile, with its old adobe church St. Jerome built in the 17th Century and an old cemetery in the back. We continue to drive up through canyons, from where you will have a spectacular view and contrast of the green valley against the Atacama dessert, driest in the world. Further on you will be able to observe the famous Candelabra Cactus (Browningia candelaris - unique species). We make a stop at the Pukara de Copaquilla (pre-Inca fortress) and view point where you will be able to appreciate the amazing geological landscape of the Andean Sierra. We continue towards the Tambo of Zapahuira (Inca construction used as a refuge, storage and a tax collection station) and stop for breakfast and Coca tea at the small hamlet of Zapahuira. Then we visit the small and picturesque pre-Inca village of Socoroma, well known for its oregano terraces, Inca Trail and lovely Church of the 16th Century. Guanacos are seen at this altitude, which are beautiful to look at, and we can observe that there is more vegetation due to the fog and dew that comes from the highlands. We will finally reach Putre, the capital of the province of Parinacota, a beautiful town which lies at the foothills of the Andean Mountains. It has a lot of farming land and canals of running water. It also has a first aide center, colonial church, municipality, primary school, army barracks, police station, bank, internet and some local and typical hostels. Here we shall have dinner, rest and get used to the altitude by spending the night in a hostel or hotel whichever you decide.

2nd Day Breakfast at Putre and continue to Lauca National Park, observing the llaretas (unique vegetation of the altiplano), vicuñas, llamas, alpacas and the vizcachas (rodent of the Chinchillidae family) at Las Cuevas. Then we reach a View point called “Wind Instruments” (modern sculpture) of an andean flute from where you can see a chain of magnificent volcanoes like the Payachatas (two volcanoes together) and the Guallatire. We can observe the typical marshland called the Bofedales (running water) where the vicuñas like to graze. We continue to the hamlet of Chucuyo and small town of Parinacota (pre-hispanic), which has a beautiful church of the 17th Century with frescoes painted by the Aymaras, (declared a national monument). There is also a small handicrafts market. We finally reach the highlight of the day, Lake Chungara (4517 m a.s.l.), the highest lake in the world, surrounded by snow capped volcanoes, flamingos and birdlife, as well as unique fauna and flora. On our way back we shall pass by the beautiful Cotacotani lagoons and shall visit the Jurassi thermal baths (optional). We shall have lunch in route and then return to Arica at approx 5:30 p.m.

Note: Because of the high altitude, this tour is not recommended for anyone with heart, respiratory or high blood pressure problems. Oxygen is supplied for altitude sickness.