Discover the magic of the altiplano - the magnificent Highlands in the far north of Chile. At an average altitude of 13 000 ft above sea level you are surrounded by imposing snowcapped Andean volcanoes, standing guard over the starkly beautiful landscape. Despite the arid, inhospitable environment pre-Incan artefacts and well-preserved mummies prove that this region has been inhabited since about 5000 BC. Pre-Columbian fortresses, ancient settlements and petroglyphs are silent monuments of a bygone age when caravans of Incan traders used this route to carry goods from the coast up into the highlands.

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 Volcano Isluga National Park, Salar de Surire Natural Monument and Las Vicuñas National Reserve. 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: Iquique

Upon arrival at the airport of Iquique you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Iquiqui is one of the most important port town of Chile - historically the port from which most of the world's supply of nitrate was shipped to the four corners of the earth. Nitrate once brought riches to northern Chile - today only ghost towns in the surrounding desert and the charms of faded glory are reminders of these times. Iquiqui has managed to survive by turning to fishery instead. Iquiqui is one of the more attractive towns of northern Chile, with both, a well preserved colonial and modern section. We will spend the afternoon to explore the city, visiting the colonial old town and the beaches.
Overnight in Iquique. (no meals included)

Day 2: Iquique - Humberstone - Pintados - Puchuldiza hot springs, Volcano Isluga - Colchane

After breakfast we will set off from Iquique to explore the surrounding areas. About 45 km / 28 mi outside the city we will stop to visit the Humberstone Nitrate Works and the accompanying village. Once a thriving industrial complex, where most of the world'd nitrate was mined, it is now listed on the UNESCO "List of World Heritage in Danger" Sites. The industry declined when chemists discovered a way of producing nitrate artificially. The appalling working conditions in the mines also gave rise to early political uprisings as workers organized themselves to fight for their rights.

To the south, we will visit Pintados in the National Reserve Pampa del Tamarugal, where we'll see geoglyphs spread over 4 km /2,5 mi. After that we return north and begin our ascent up to the Andes and the Altiplano. On our way we make a stop at Puchuldiza in the Volcano Isluga National Park to enjoy the hot springs (not equipped) and to marvel at the geyser. Box lunch will be served along the way. We will arrive at the frontier village of Colchane and stay overnight at our small hostel with comfortable but simple rooms and shared bathrooms. (B, BL, D)

Day 3: Colchane - Salar de Surire - Guallatiri - Putre

The road from Colchane to Putre will be the highlight of our tour with the passage through four protected areas - the previously menitioned Volcano Isluga National Park, the Salar de Surire Natural Monument, the Las Vicuñas National Reserve, and the Lauca National Park. All these areas are of spectacular natural beauty and contain a diverse wildlife. Leaving Colchane, we first pass little villages like Enquelga, Arabilla, Vilacoyo, Mucomucone, and others where time seems to be standing still and the mainsource of income is raising llamas and alpacas. "Bofedales" - swampy alluvial grasslands - and "queñoas" wood - native trees adapted to the cold and dry Highland weather will line our way to the Salar de Surire. This place is a popular nesting ground for flamingos and a natural habitat for a lot of Andean birds; American ostriches (ñandú) and mammals like the vicuñas can frequently be seen throughout our journey. Stonebuilt Aymara towns like Viluviom, Guallatire, and Ancuta will give us an idea about local culture and architecture; they are overshadowed by the towering and constantly fuming Guallatiri volcano, one of the prominent Andean volcanoes. We will reach our destination, Putre, located just outside the Lauca National Park. Accommodation in a cozy colonial Andean style hostel at 3.500 m / 11,483 ft above sea level. You will have dinner at a nearby local restaurant.
(B, BL, D)

Day 4: Putre - Lauca National Park - Arica

Morning departure to discover more of the fascinating beauty of the Lauca National Park with its spectacular scenery of exotic flora and wild fauna. 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 Chungará Lake, the highest lake in the world. We will have time for a walk and eat our picnic-lunch on the shore of the lake. Drive to Arica in the afternoon. Arrival at hotel and overnight. (B, BL)

Day 5: Arica

Transfer to the airport to board your connecting flight. (B)

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

Rates for 2008/2009

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

Please note: It could very well be necessary that participants have to share bedrooms and bathrooms at the Hostel in Colchane. There is no power supply after midnight in Colchane. Due to weather conditions, especially during the Highland-Winter (December to March), this program can be modified without previous notice.

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

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

HOTELS USED FOR THIS ITINERARY:

Hotel Terrado Suites**** Terrado Suites is the best hotel in town. A tall, modern building, situated on the Cavancha Peninsula, right on the Pacific Ocean. It is located 35 km / 22 miles from Iquique airport and only a five minute drive from downtown Iquique. The hotel offers 91 airconditioned suites, fully equipped and featuring hightech security. The hotel also has plenty of additional amenities, like a heated pool, a sauna and a complete health center with hydro massage, a good restaurant and a bar are also available.

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.

Hotel Arica (sup room)**** Hotel Arica is a modern hotel with spacious rooms. Located 20 km / 12 mi from the airport, it sits right on the Pacific Coast at the base of El Morro hill, the famous site of an historic battle between Peru and Chile. Hotel Arica has 114 rooms categorized as as suites, junior suites, superior, standard rooms and cabins, most of which have an ocean view. The rooms are equipped with cable TV, telephone, mini bar, music, safe deposit box. Additional services are: two swimming pools, tennis court, mini golf, restaurant and bar; easy access to the beach, room service.