On this tour from Arica, we'll travel for 6 days through the beautiful landscapes of the Aymara community region of northern Chile, crossing one of the most spectacular areas of the altiplano.
Aymara Region 6-day Tour
Day 1
At the indicated time, we'll pick you up at your hotel in Arica and drive to the Presencias Tutelares. This set of sculptures in the middle of the Chilean desert made by local artist Juan Diaz Fleming is sure to surprise you.
After a stop at the spectacular Apacheta viewpoint, we'll continue our route through the Aymara community region of northern Chile towards Codpa. There, we'll visit its Wine Museum and replenish our strength with a picnic lunch. We'll then cross the Vitor ravine to visit the town of Guañacagua and the picturesque church of San Pedro.
In the afternoon, we'll go down to the valley to see its different crops of pears, guavas, and other fruits. In addition, we'll check out the petroglyphs of Cerro Blanco and enjoy the views from the Vizcachani ravine. We'll conclude this first day by having dinner at the rural lodging in the Caragua sector, where we'll spend the night.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we'll dedicate the morning to a trekking route through the area. Throughout the hike, which will last between 6 and 8 hours, we'll visit different mountains used by the Aymara for ceremonial offerings. Among them, the Tangane and Pukare mountains and their cave paintings stand out. We'll also have time to have a picnic and rest during the excursion.
Finally, we'll head to the inn in the Caragua sector to enjoy a delicious picnic dinner and spend the night.
Day 3
We'll leave Caragua behind and go to the Belén sector to visit its churches and the archaeological site of Guayguarane. There, we'll learn what life was like in this area of the Andean foothills thousands of years ago. We'll continue discovering more vestiges of the past in the Tambo sector, where we'll see some very ancient constructions: the Zapahuira colcas.
The route will continue in the sector of Socoroma, where we'll undertake a trekking route along the Inca trail or the Calvario hill. You'll get to choose!
We'll fuel up with a delicious traditional Aymara meal that includes several local specialties, and we'll finish this special day by having dinner and spending the night in a rural house in Socoroma.
Day 4
After breakfast in Socoroma, we'll go to the viewpoint of Putre to enjoy magnificent views of the town and take a short walk next to its caves. The next stop will be at the viewpoint of Chucuyo, where we'll be able to see the volcanoes and lagoons that extend across the vast Chilean altiplano.
We'll also stop at the Cotacotani Lagoons, another of the natural jewels of the region. Nearby is Chungará Lake, where we'll embark on a short trekking route to enjoy the views from its viewpoints.
Finally, we'll head to a rural lodge in Parinacota or Chivatambo.
Day 5
We'll leave for Chinchillani hill and the Surire Salt Flats to enjoy both places. Then we'll go to the Chilcaya Lagoons, which are located in a spectacular natural environment.
We'll complete the tour of these fascinating landscapes by taking a dip in the Polloquere hot springs, considered the most beautiful natural pools in northern Chile. Finally, depending on the previous night's stay, we'll conclude the day in a rural lodging in Parinacota or Chivatambo.
Day 6
We'll start this last day heading to the area of Caquena and Cospilla and, from this place, we'll continue towards the famous colorful mountains of Suriplaza. You'll be able to admire these mountains from their base or enjoy a trekking route through these peaks, depending on your preference. If you opt for the latter alternative, please note that the trek will be divided into 3 stages in which we'll reach 16,732, (5,100), 17,060 (5,200), and 17,388 feet (5,300 meters) above sea level.
After a break for lunch, we'll go to the Cardones Ravine to see the famous candelabro cactus. Finally, we'll see the geoglyphs and colcas of the Lluta sector and we'll return to your hotel in Arica, arriving in the late afternoon.
Accommodation and meals
All stays are in shared rooms in rural houses, where dinner and breakfast are included. Lodging places may vary according to availability or weather conditions.
Lunches are also included and will consist of a picnic lunch that will take place during one of the midday breaks during the tours.
The tour includes 5 nights' accommodation in the following locations:
Days 1 & 2:
Depending on availability or weather, we'll stay in one of the following villages in the Caragua sector:
- Caragua: Caragua Inn
- Codpa: Samkanjama Inn
- Ticnamar: Uta Ticnamar Inn
Day 3:
- Socoroma: Ensueño Socoroma Marka Inn
Day 4:
You'll spend the night in one of the following villages:
- Parinacota: Uta Kala Inn
- Chivatambo: Lauca Cruzani Inn
Day 5:
Depending on the previous day's stay, this day's accommodation will be in one of the establishments indicated above in Parinacota or Chivatambo.
