Aymara Region 6-day Tour

Embarking on a journey from Arica, this 6-day adventure will immerse you in the stunning vistas of the Aymara community in northern Chile, traversing some of the most captivating regions of the altiplano.

Aymara Region 6-Day Exploration

Day 1

At the scheduled time, our team will meet you at your accommodation in Arica and set off towards the Presencias Tutelares. This remarkable collection of sculptures created by local artist Juan Diaz Fleming, nestled in the Chilean desert, promises to leave you in awe.

After stopping at the breathtaking Apacheta viewpoint, we will proceed through the Aymara community region towards Codpa. There, you will have the chance to explore the Wine Museum and enjoy a picnic lunch to recharge. Following this, we’ll cross the Vitor ravine to reach the town of Guañacagua, where we will visit the charming church of San Pedro.

In the afternoon, the tour will descend into the valley, revealing various pear, guava, and other fruit crops. We'll also take the opportunity to see the petroglyphs of Cerro Blanco and marvel at the beautiful views from the Vizcachani ravine. This first day will conclude with dinner at the rural accommodation in the Caragua sector, where we will spend the night.

Day 2

Following a satisfying breakfast, we'll dedicate the morning to a trekking adventure in the vicinity. This hike, lasting between 6 and 8 hours, will lead us to various mountains significant to the Aymara for ceremonial practices. Notable sites include the Tangane and Pukare mountains, known for their cave paintings. During our exertion, a picnic break will allow for rest and rejuvenation.

We’ll return to the inn in the Caragua sector for a delightful picnic dinner and another overnight stay.

Day 3

Departing from Caragua, we’ll head to the Belén sector to explore its churches and the archaeological site of Guayguarane. Here, you will gain insights into the ancient lifestyles of the Andean foothills. Our exploration will continue to the Tambo sector, where we’ll encounter the age-old Zapahuira colcas.

Next, we’ll venture into the Socoroma sector, where a choice awaits between a trek along the Inca trail or Calvario hill.

The day will be completed with a flavorful traditional Aymara meal that features an array of local specialties before turning in for the night at a rural house in Socoroma.

Day 4

After breakfast in Socoroma, we will visit the viewpoint of Putre to soak in sweeping views of the town, followed by a short walk at its caves. Our journey takes us to the viewpoint of Chucuyo, from where we’ll view the volcanoes and lagoons sprawling across the vast Chilean altiplano.

Further, we’ll explore the Cotacotani Lagoons, one of the region’s natural wonders. Close by is Chungará Lake, where we will embark on a short trek to appreciate the vistas from its scenic viewpoints.

In the evening, we’ll arrive at a rural lodge in Parinacota or Chivatambo for the night.

Day 5

We will begin our day at the Chinchillani hill and Surire Salt Flats, taking in the beauty of both sites. Following this, we will journey to the stunning Chilcaya Lagoons, nestled in a breathtaking natural setting.

The highlight of the day includes a therapeutic soak in the Polloquere hot springs, often considered the most beautiful natural pools in northern Chile. Depending on our accommodation from the previous night, we will settle in for the evening at a rural lodging in Parinacota or Chivatambo.

Day 6

Our final day will lead us to the areas of Caquena and Cospilla, from where we will progress towards the spectacular colorful mountains of Suriplaza. You can choose to admire these colorful peaks from ground level or opt for a trekking expedition through the summits. For those opting to trek, be prepared for a journey divided into 3 stages, reaching altitudes of 16,732 feet (5,100 meters), 17,060 feet (5,200 meters), and 17,388 feet (5,300 meters) above sea level.

After a lunch break, we will explore the Cardones Ravine to see the remarkable candelabro cactus. Finally, we will view the geoglyphs and colcas in the Lluta sector before returning to your hotel in Arica, arriving in the late afternoon.

Accommodation and Meals

Your stay includes shared rooms in rural houses, with dinner and breakfast provided. Locations may adjust based on availability or weather conditions.

Lunches are included and consist of a picnic lunch served during midday breaks throughout the tours.

The tour encompasses 5 nights of lodging in the following destinations:

Days 1 & 2:

Depending on availability or weather, accommodations will be in one of the following locations in the Caragua sector:

• Caragua: Caragua Inn
• Codpa: Samkanjama Inn
• Ticnamar: Uta Ticnamar Inn

Day 3:

• Socoroma: Ensueño Socoroma Marka Inn

Day 4:

You will spend the night in one of the following villages:

• Parinacota: Uta Kala Inn
• Chivatambo: Lauca Cruzani Inn

Day 5:

Accommodations for this day will be finalized according to the previous night’s location, either in Parinacota or Chivatambo.