Altiplano 4x4 Overland

Let us take you to an incredible desert-world that makes the gigantic volcanoes look even more majestic than they already are. Discover the Chilean Andean range on this extraordinary overland-tour through barren deserts and around salt lakes. Marvel at the rich fauna and flora and relax close to shady and fertile oases. A soothing bath in one of the many thermal springs will be the perfect ending of a perfect day.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
With our 4x4 pick-up we will drive through the Azapa-Valley where you see massive geoglyphs that are 1,000 to 1,400 years old. In the local museum you will find the worlds oldest mummies – the Chinchorro Mummies (8,000 years old) and an interesting display on Spanish conquest-history. From here, we drive to the Luta-Valley where we start our trip to the Altiplanos Highlands after lunch. On our way we visit the Pucara de Copaquilla (ancient Inca fortress) and the idyllic little village Socoroma. Our first day finds an end in Putre (elevation 3,500 m) where we stay in a guesthouse. (B/L/D)

Day 2
Today, you will see the famous Lauca National Park – a UNESCO-biosphere reserve. We will visit the volcano lake Lago Chungara (4,517 m) that is the highest navigable lake in the world. The Lauca National Park offers a splendid flora and a variety of exotic birds, llamas, alpacas, flamingos, vicunas (camel family) and vizcachas (chinchilla family) call the park their home. The snow-capped volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape, that are both over 6,000 m high, reflect miraculously on the water of Lago Chungara. From the Lagunas de Cotacotani, we hike for about two hours to Parinacota: the village’s church is famous for its frescoes. After lunch we will visit the thermal springs “Termas de Jurasi” and then head back to Putre where we stay at the guesthouse for another night. (B/L/D)

Day 3
After breakfast we travel south through the National Reserve Las Vicunas. On the horizon you can see the still active volcano Guallatire and marvel at hundreds of vicunas, lamas and alpacas. And if we are lucky, we can even find nandus, the South American cousins of the Australian ostrich. We will reach Salar de Surire where you can observe lots and lots of flamingos. After that, the thermal springs of Polloquere invite you to take a bath before we go on traveling, passing the Isluga National Park. We will spend the night in a rustic hostel in Colchane. (B/L/D)

Day 4 
We will leave the Altiplano Highlands heading down to the Panamericana. On our way, you will see another geoglyph - the Gigante de Atacama that measures 86 meters and is the worlds largest geoglyph discovered so far. Our trip leads us to the now derelict saltpeter works of Santa Laura and Humberstone. The rusting hulks of machinery and the deserted ghost towns give you an idea of Chiles industrial growth 150 years ago. After our visit there, we go on traveling to the seaport Iquique where we stay overnight at a hotel. (B/L/D).

Day 5
Transfer to the airport in Iquique. (B)

• Length of the journey: 5 days
• Season: from March to December 
• Start/End of journey: from Arica / to Iquique
  
• Group-Size: min. 2  - max. 12 members
  
  

Included in our services

• Accommodation: In Putre – immaculate guesthouse with private bathrooms, in Colchane – immaculate rustic hostel and in the cities 2** hotels

• Meals: Breakfast; lunch and dinner (appointed days)
• Guides: local bilingual English / Spanish speaking guide
• Transfers: All transfers with a cross-country 4x4 pick-up
• Entry Fees and Admission: For all National Parks

Not included in our services

• Travel insurance package
  
• Not appointed meals and beverages
  
• Single supplement
  
• Tips/gratuity
  
• Local payments
  
• Flight costs and airport charges
  

Please ask for dates and prices!

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