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4-Days Unique Experience at the Chilean High Plateau

4-Days Unique Experience at the Chilean High Plateau

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4 Days From

~~$1038~~

$989

4-Days Unique Experience at the Chilean High Plateau

4 Days Starting and ending in Arica, Chile

Visiting: Arica

Tour operator:

Signature DMC

Tour code:

420362

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

MODERATE

Age range:

0-99

Tour operated in:

English

From: $1038 $989 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$49

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a 4-day unique adventure through the Chilean High Plateau, where the coastline, desert, and Andean plateau converge to offer a diverse and thrilling experience. Begin your journey in Arica, exploring its rich history and stunning architecture, including the San Marcos Cathedral. Traverse the Lluta Valley, marvel at ancient geoglyphs, and visit the charming village of Socoroma. Discover the breathtaking Lauca National Park, home to the serene Chungara Lake and the majestic Parinacota volcano. Guided by indigenous communities, uncover the region's natural heritage and colonial churches, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guidance.

Highlights

A mixture of coastline, desert and high Andean plateau
Dive into history at the San Marcos Cathedral and visit the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum
Discover the beauty of the altiplano on a visit along ancient roads that reveal more than 30 colonial churches
Guided by the indigenous communities, get to know this natural heritage site that will take you back in time
Explore the Lluta Valley and its geoglyphs representing animals, humans, and abstract forms
Visit the National Park Lauca, a biosphere reserve with unique ecosystems and extraordinary flora and fauna
See the lake Chungara, one of the highest lakes in the world, and the volcanoes Payachata

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arica/Arrival

Location: Arica

Accommodation Name: Casa Beltran Hotel

Transfer Arica Airport / hotel in Arica (we recommend arrival around 1:00pm).

PM. Visit to a fascinating city that has a spectacular past which can be appreciated in its Achitecture designs and National Monuments the Cathedral San Marcos of Arica and the former customs building both built by Eiffel. The tour leads us to the Costanera (promenade avenue), then visit to former Isla del Alacràn ( scorpion´s island) and La Lisera Resort. The fishery industries are the heart of the commercial activity in the city.

Ascent to the historical hill, battlefield of one of the most relevant battles of the Pacific War. We visit (exterior) the soccer stadium Carlos Dittborn, Worldcup Host Stadium, 21 de Mayo avenue, handicraft Village ( souvenirs and handicrafts), Diego Portales Avenue, Costanera Norte, Chinchorro beach and resort, General Velásquez. Return to hotel.

Overnight at Casa Beltran Hotel.

Day 2 - Arica/Lluta Valley/Socoroma/Putre

Location: Arica

Accommodation Name: Qantati Hotel

The excursion starts along the international road to Bolivia and across the prodigious Lluta Valley, natural exit of the highlands to the ocean. The Lluta river is the only one in the region that leads to the ocean and originates in the high cordillera. Here you can get to know various geoglyphs that represent animals, humans and abstract forms.

During our trip, we will stop in the very first settlement of the valley, Poconchile. Small town surrounded by fields of alfalfa and well known for its church, Iglesia de San Gerónimo, which was declared national monument, due to its impressive beauty preserved since the 17th century. Our way leads us to a canyon named after its vegetation, the candelabra cactuses that are typical for the desert. This type of cactus only is to find at a height of 1.700 meters over sea level. The branches are usually to find on the upper part of the plant, therefor the name. Also, you will know one of the most important archaeological complexes in the area, the fort Pukara de Copaquilla, declared national monument and surrounded by an impressive canyon of about 150m of depth.

Continue through the north up to the village of Socoroma, outstanding for its architecture and its beautiful green terraces. Afterwards we will stop at the viewing point of Putre. Late afternoon, arrival at your hotel.

Overnight at Qantati Hotel.

Day 3- Putre/Lauca National Park & Chungara Lake/Putre/Arica

Location: Arica

Accommodation Name: Casa Beltran Hotel

The tour starts in the morning in Putre. Our highlight is the National Park Lauca with an expanse of 137.883 hectare, a biosphere reserve that covers the foothills and the highlands in the northeast of the region of Arica and Parinacota. To get to this wonderful world in the height, we start with a hike through the sector of the caves, where you can get to know the paradisiacal landscapes of the highlands, 4.300m over sea level, and you can observe the so called Vizcachas that come out at dusk and dawn. What makes this hike special is the mystical ambience that surrounds the region. It’s said that there are men living in this area that are over 9000 years old, and sometimes they are still seen, walking the ways of the highlands.

Our journey continues to the viewing point of Chucuyo, which is located in the center of the National Park Lauca that contains a unique ecosystem and an extraordinary flora and fauna. Also, we will stop at the viewing point Cotacotani Lagoon, which consists on different lakes and vulcano islands that are evidence of the high volcanic activity of this zone. The viewing point is placed in the middle of the wetlands and is perfect to observe the great variety of plants and animals, such as the parinas, ducks, vicuñas, vizcachas and taguas.

After that, we will visit one of the most beautiful attractions of the National Park Lauca, the lake Chungara, which is located over 4.500 meters over sea level and is one of the highest lakes in the world. It’s magical beauty and the marvelous reflection of the volcano Parinacota. On the other side of the lake you can see the famous volcanoes Payachata (twins), about which many legends are told due to their mystical appearance. For example people say, that they house an old treasure of the Inca, and others say that they are a couple in love.

Later, we will visit the village of Parinacota, which was declared national monument; where you will discover the ancient architecture of the highlands. The old houses are all made of adobe and have a great historical value, for they contain relicts of the time of colonialism and are symbols of the Aymara-culture.

After enjoying all these different landscapes, we will return to the city of the eternal spring, Arica.

Overnight at Casa Beltran Hotel.

Day 4 - Arica/Departure

Location: Arica

In due time, transfer from the hotel to Arica Airport .

End of services.-

What's Included

Meals

Breakfast and lunch are included.
Accommodation

3 nights accommodation at 3-star hotels.
Transfers

All transfers by shared service with a Spanish-speaking driver.
Guided Excursions

Excursions by shared service with an English-speaking guide.
Entrance Fees

Entrance fee to the Archaeological Museum in Arica and Lauca National Park.
Portable Oxygen Tank

A portable oxygen tank is provided.

What's Not Included

Airfare

Air tickets and airport taxes are not included.
Gratuities

Gratuities are not included.
Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible, not stroller accessible, and no public transportation nearby.
Suitability

Not suitable for pets, infants must not sit on laps, not recommended for pregnant travelers, and not recommended for people with heart conditions.

Know Before You Go

Infant Seats AvailablePassport Required

Please Note

Not wheelchair accessibleNot stroller accessibleNot suitable for petsNo public transportation nearbyInfants must not sit on lapsNot recommended for pregnant travelersNot recommended for people with heart conditions

Mode of Transport

All transfers are provided by shared service with a Spanish-speaking driver, and excursions are conducted with an English-speaking guide.

Accommodation

Enjoy 3 nights of comfortable accommodation at 3-star hotels, including Casa Beltran Hotel in Arica and Qantati Hotel in Putre.

Check out our Q&As

What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

The tour includes 3 nights of accommodation at 3-star hotels. Specifically, you will stay at Casa Beltran Hotel in Arica and Qantati Hotel in Putre.
Are meals included in the tour package?

Yes, the tour package includes breakfast and lunch.
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

All transfers are provided by shared service with a Spanish-speaking driver. Excursions are conducted by shared service with an English-speaking guide.
Are there any entrance fees included in the tour?

Yes, the tour includes entrance fees to the Archaeological Museum in Arica and Lauca National Park.
Is there any special equipment provided during the tour?

Yes, a portable oxygen tank is provided during the tour.

What are some of the key activities and sites visited during the tour?

The tour includes visits to the San Marcos Cathedral, San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, Lluta Valley, Socoroma, Putre, Lauca National Park, Chungara Lake, and the village of Parinacota. You will also explore various geoglyphs, the fort Pukara de Copaquilla, and the Cotacotani Lagoon.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, not stroller accessible, and not suitable for pets. It is also not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with heart conditions.
Are there any specific health or safety recommendations for this tour?

Yes, the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with heart conditions. Additionally, infants must not sit on laps.
What should I know before going on this tour?

Infant seats are available, and a passport is required for this tour.
What is the recommended arrival time at Arica Airport on the first day?

It is recommended to arrive at Arica Airport around 1:00 pm on the first day.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

The tours are in small groups with the same interests. But it also depends on the operators at the destination.
How long has the tour company been trading?

For over 15 years we have been taking travelers to visit South America, we have always been committed to being there for our travellers.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

No, We do not operate this option.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes, the accommodation will include meet local health and safety regulations.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

No, You don't contributing to any charity by booking the tour.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

Services and hotels can be changed up to 15 days before your trip., except for services and hotels with prepaid. Changes in flights are subject to a penalty fee.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Before your trip, you will receive the voucher with the booked services.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

It all depends de the tour and the operator. Usually, you can not join the tour once it has departed.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Biosecurity protocols all along the journey according to the local Sanitary Authorities The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test

Reviews of this operator

Hope Wu (Google Reviewer)

One of the best travel...

10-Dec-2024

One of the best travel companies to work with. I booked a trip to San Pedro de Atacama, Easter Island, and Puerto Natales with them. Marilda was extremely easy to work with and was constantly checking in with me to make sure everything was going okay. The hotels we stayed at were amazing and conveniently located. Would highly recommend this tour company for trips to Chile.

Zoe S. (Google Reviewer)

I had a fabulous time...

16-May-2024

I had a fabulous time with this organization, specifically Caro! Her warmth, knowledge, and Argentinian flair made my time SO wonderful. 10/10 would recommend—you will have a great time!

stan s (Google Reviewer)

I must say I think...

14-May-2024

I must say I think I had the most amazing time in years. I’ve been to Argentina before, but I never enjoyed my time this much. I get anxious when traveling sometimes, but all went as planned. Kudos.

Sage Behr (Google Reviewer)

I had a marvelous experience...

14-May-2024

I had a marvelous experience visiting Argentina, and Signature DMC was a huge part of that! The whole team at this company is exceptional. They offer tailored experiences, so I felt super catered to! Overall just had such a great experience. Thank you Signature DMC! Super recommend!

Antonis (Google Reviewer)

Very Reliable touristic office: they...

09-Dec-2024

Very Reliable touristic office: they are professionals. They organised my trip very well. In addition, i would like to highlight that when everything is fixed and the trip starts, they are still “here” via WhatsApp to advise and solve any unpredictable problem that may occur. They “follow” you during the whole trip and thus, you feel safe and this is the best part of all. Many thanks to Agustin who organized my trip with professionalism and was “with me” when I needed him. Highly recommended

Sebastián Fernández Aebert (Google Reviewer)

I had an incredible experience...

13-May-2024

I had an incredible experience in Argentina. Most of it thanks to the excellent service provided by this company. Everything went as planned and the service was amazing. I would definitely recommend it. Thanks again for everything.

Delos Aumock (Google Reviewer)

Many thanks to Signature Tours...

06-Dec-2024

Many thanks to Signature Tours and especially Agustín López. He was great- a pleasure working with him. He stayed in touch the entire trip and made sure airport pickups and transfers were timely and professional. As I usually arrange these things myself, it was a pleasure and eliminated a lot of stress especially with the language barrier. Also, great guides on all of our private excursions.

Lisa Lee (Google Reviewer)

I just finished my 9...

25-Dec-2024

I just finished my 9 day tour with Signature DMC. My tour focused on Atacama (the desert) and Easter island. The itinerary is very well organized with diversity and all highlights. In Atacama, I saw the beautiful moon valley, Tatio, Flamingos, experienced the driest desert of the world and star gazing and more. In Easter Island, the tour covers all the main Moai sightseeings and the history. I especially like the hotels the agency chose. It is clean, comfortable, and has the best kitchen on Easter Island. Maltida from the agency offered me great support. She is always available for all questions and checked immediately if anything needs to be confirmed. I would further recommend Signature DMC!

Andresa Cardoso (Andy) (Google Reviewer)

Very nice experience! Carol was...

13-May-2024

Very nice experience! Carol was very friendly, explaining with details about everything me and my group of friends needed to know. We had good times and good memories from this trip!

Charn Bakhda (Google Reviewer)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently had the pleasure...

25-Jul-2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently had the pleasure of working with Signature DMC for my holiday in South America, and I can't recommend them highly enough. From the very start, the level of professionalism and attention to detail was outstanding. A special shoutout to Agustin lopez, who truly went above and beyond to ensure my trip was perfect. He meticulously planned every aspect of my journey, ensuring I was safe and well taken care of throughout. Agustin's dedication and commitment to his work are evident in the way he handled all my travel arrangements. Whether it was arranging transport, booking accommodations, or providing local tips, he made sure everything was seamless. Thanks to Agustin and the team at Signature DMC, I was able to enjoy a worry-free and unforgettable holiday in South America. If you're looking for a travel agency that genuinely cares about your experience, look no further than Signature DMC and ask for Agustin Lopez.

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~~$1038~~ $989 (USD)