Magic of the Altiplano - Nayax Marka
Discover the Secrets of the Highlands
4 Days / 3 Nights
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Discover the Chilean Atiplano at an average altitude of 4,000 m/13,000 ft above sea level in northern Chile. Here, sand-preserved mummies and pre-Incan artifacts prove human inhabitation dating back to 5,000 BC; pre-Columbian fortresses, settlements and geoglyphs mark the Inca's caravan route from the coast to the highlands. The incomparable beauty of the Lauca National Park forms the setting for this land lost in time with its magnificent scenery of exotic flora and wildlife - vicuñas, alpacas and Andean flamingos, among other species - it is a fascinating travel destination and a birdwatcher's paradise. Breathtaking natural attractions also include clear blue and emerald lakes, extensive steppes, immense sparkling white salt deposits, hidden hot springs and amazing geysers.
Day 1 Arica & Azapa Valley
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon we will have time to explore Arica where notable buildings such as the San Marcos Church or the former Customs Building - now a House of Art - were built by the famous French architect Eiffel. Walking through Colon Square and the shopping streets will give you an idea of the modern life style in the city. Afterwards you will visit sights of historical interest; first driving up to the historical Morro, a headland which was the scene of one of the greatest victories of the Chilean Army during the Pacific War. Afterwards we will visit the Azapa Valley and the "Miguel de Azapa Archaeolo-gical Museum." The museum collection includes sand-preserved mummies and pre-Incan relics dating back to 10.000 BC. Overnight in Arica.
Day 2 Arica-Putre
Today we will leave Arica and take the road to the highland village of Putre. On our way we will enter the Lluta Valley where you will see many geoglyphs marking the old Inca Trail from the coast to the highland. During a stop in Rosario we will take the time to see a wall of geoglyphs, afterwards we will halt in Poconchile to visit the Church of San Gerónimo built in 1580 and its immense cemetery. In the area of the Cardones Canyon we will have a look at the gigantic Candelabras cacti scattered all over the terrain. Next, we will reach the Fort Pukara de Copaquilla and will have time to walk the grounds. We will take a short walk to the little village Socoroma, home to the Aymara natives. On the main road we will continue to Putre, located 3.500 m / 11.483 ft above sea level. You can adjust your body to the altitude while visiting the village - capital of the Parinacota Province dating back to pre-Hispanic times.(Breakfast/Lunchbox/Dinner)
Day 3 Putre-Lauca National Park-Arica
In the morning we will depart to discover the fascinating beauty of Lauca National Park and its spectacular scenery of exotic plants and wildlife like vicuñas, alpa- cas, rheas and Andean flamingos among other species; it is also a birdwatcher's paradise. We will visit the Parinacota village (4.392 m / 14.409 ft. above sea level) with its beautiful church dating back to the XVII century. After that we will continue to the highest lake in the world, Chungará Lake. Here we will have time for a walk; before enjoying our packed lunch on the shore of the lake. We return to Arica in the afternoon. Arrival at hotel and overnight.(Breakfast/Lunchbox)
Day 4 Arica
Transfer to the airport to board your connecting flight.(Breakfast)
Extension: This program can be easily extended to a 5 days / 4 nights itinerary with a full day visit to the Surire Salt Lake and National Park Las Vicuñas (Inti Wasi package).
| Season (mm/dd/yyyy) | Categories | Double | Sgl Supl | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2010 - 04/30/2010 | USD 579 | USD134 |
| Season (mm/dd/yyyy) | Categories | Class |
Double | Sgl Traveller | Sgl Supl | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2010 - 04/30/2010 | USD 789 | USD 149 |
Program includes:
- 2 overnights with breakfast in Arica (first/last night),.
- 1 overnight with breakfast and dinner in Putre.
- transfers and excursions with driver and bilingual guide, entrance fees, lunch box included in full day excursions.
Extension: This program can be easily extended to a 5 days / 4 nights itinerary with a full day visit to the Surire Salt Lake and National Park Las Vicuñas (Inti Wasi package).
