The incomparable beauty of 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. Clear blue and emerald lakes, extensive plains, immense sparkling white salt deposits, hidden hot springs and amazing geysers compose this surreal landscape. This itinerary also visits Salar de Surire Natural Monument, Azapa and Codpa Valleys. Scattered across the altiplano are tiny rustic villages with picturesque colonial churches where indigenous Aymara shepherds graze their animals and grow their crops.

Then there is Chungara, the highest lake in the world. Despite its beauty the land is desolate and arid - harsh living conditions to which both humans and animals had to adapt in order to survive.

The "Far North" of Chile offers an unforgettable experience: enjoy the awesome landscapes of the Andes, the rich local history and culture of its people.

Day 1: Arica - Codpa Valley

Today we will meet at Arica's airport or local hotel and start our journey through one of the least exploited and yet most beautiful areas of northern Chile. Rich in history and linking point for many ancient cultures such as the Incas and the intriguing Chinchorro. Our first destination will be the colourful Azapa Valley and its archaeological museum, this beautiful valley is located 13 Km/ 8 mi from the district's capital. Thanks to its unique climate, a great variety of exotic agricultural products can be harvested all year around.

At the museum one can witness the Chinchorro mummies, considered the oldest ever found with 7600 years of age. After lunch we will drive south towards the Codpa Valley to arrive in the small oasis of Codpa (1.855 m / 6.078 ft. above sea level), probably the main connecting point for both pre-Columbian and colonial route networks. The valley is irrigated with the waters of the Vítor River and known for its unique local Pintatani wine of high alcohol percentage. We will visit the old church and then reach our final destination: right above the wet fog influence from the sea (Camanchaca) and the frosts of the Andes the cosy and charming Codpa Valley Lodge makes it a perfect location to explore in depth the environment of the Andean Highlands, rich in scenery, wildlife, traditions and history. Dinner and overnight at Codpa Valley Lodge. (L, D)

Day 2: Codpa Valley Lodge

This morning and after a great breakfast you can choose one of the optional excursions on offer at the lodge and explore the beautiful landscapes of this area. By doing so, one can imagine the endless caravans that travelled this immense territory, participating in the trade of different products that went as far as Cuzco, the Incan capital. After lunch you will have the afternoon off to truly experience the peace and quiet of this distant region. A good suggestion for the evening is to enjoy the clear skies opportunity that this region offers to contemplate an incredible amount of stars while tasting a delicious Chilean wine. Overnight in Codpa. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Codpa - Putre

Today we will visit Ofragia's petroglyphs, an extraordinary evidence of the presence of humans in this region, which goes back to 10.000 years. The paintings also portrait the violent awakening of the old civilizations that once fought to obtain control over this territory. Then we take the road to visit some basic and typical Andean villages; where one can see how people live in this abrupt geography, these villages are Timar, Tignamar and Saxamar. After a short hike we will reach the Chitune hot-springs where you can reward yourself soaking in these mineral waters. After lunch we will follow the drive to Belen, Chaquipiña and Zapahuira, a strategically important trading post for the Inca Empire. Finally we reach Putre (3.500 m. / 11.400 ft.); an important village at the base of the remarkable Tarapaca Volcano. This peaceful village presents a typical Andean settlement with irrigation canals that go along the streets, surrounding agricultural terraces where alpacas roam. The rest of the day you are free to explore the village on your own or just relax. Overnight in Putre (B)

Day 4: Putre - Salar de Surire - Putre

After breakfast we will get in our vehicles and start our climb up towards the Surire Salt Flats. We will cross several Andean villages that will give you a good perspective on what life is like up here before arriving to our destination. The Surire is a salt flat with a surface of 11.298 hectares/27.900 acres located at 4322 m / 14100 ft above sea level. Here you can observe 3 of the 6 flamingo species that exist in the world as well as vicuñas and suris - name given to the ñandu or South American ostrich- which is also the source for the name of this unique place. (B, BL, D)

Day 5: Lauca National Park - Lake Chungara - 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, alpacas, rheas and Andean flamingos among other species; it is a birdwatcher's paradise. We will visit the quaint and picturesque village of Parinacota (4.392 m / 14.409ft. above sea level) which with its 149 inhabitants and beautiful church dating back to the XVII century has been declared National Monument. After that we will continue to the highest lake in the world, Chungara Lake. Apart from the remarkable scenery, Chungara Lake impresses with its unique wildlife and ecosystem with over 130 native species, including flamingos and rheas. Here we will take a walk before enjoying our packed lunch on the shores of the lake. Once we are done we will start driving down to coastal Arica to be transferred to a hotel or the airport (only flights after 7 pm). (B, BL)

Please Note: Due to weather conditions this program can be modified without previous notice.

Rates per person for 2011/2012

Includes:

4 overnights with breakfast, 3 lunch boxes, 2 dinners, transfers and excursions with driver and bilingual guide.

Not Included:

International or domestic air fares, meals not specified in the itinerary, personal expenses, tips or gratuities, travel insurance of any kind

Recommendations:

Both light and warm clothes; trekking shoes; sun hat, woolly hat, windbreak, lip balm, strong sun-block; sun glasses; swimsuit

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

HOTELS USED FOR THIS ITINERARY:

Codpa Valley Lodge Codpa Valley Lodge invites you to discover Arica's region from a different angle. Thanks to its welcoming infrastructure you can explore the entire region with the depth and diversity that nobody else can match. Ideally located within easy reach of the area's main tourist attractions, it is also blessed with an exceptional microclimate, lying just above the coastal fogs (camanchaca) but below the high plateau’s low temperatures. At 1950 m above sea level its altitude is pleasant and acceptable for everyone. The capacity is 30 people in 15 Cabins DBL or SGL, restaurant open all year round, and swimming pool.

Hotel Qantati** This new and comfortable hotel was built in local Andean style, mostly using stones from the region. It is located on a plain just outside of Putre, offering great views across the Andes mountain range. It features 10 comfortable guest rooms with private bathroom. Hotel facilities also include cable TV, telephone and Internet access and parking.