Salar and Altiplano followed by climbing of Guallatiri

Visit of the historical center of Arica with the three buildings of Gustave Eiffel: the church of San Marcos, the house of the Governor and the house of the culture of the city. We continue towards the Azapa Valley and get acquainted with the archaeological history of the region. On the way, we observe the geoglyphs that testify to a llama caravan route in very ancient times. The Azapa Valley is surprisingly fertile: olives, tomatoes, mangos and papayas grow most of the year. We visit the museum of Azapa where we can see the oldest mummies in the world, which belong to the ”Chinchorro Culture”. We continue on our way to the Lluta Valley, the market garden of the province. From now on we take the international road leading to Bolivia and take the direction of the mountain range. From a belvedere on the side of the road, all you have to do is go down to Copaquilla, our first camp.

Transfers: by private vehicle (3 hours)
Number of hours of walking: 2 hours
Altitude difference: – 200 m
Accommodation: in a tent
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 2 850 m

We go back to the Laco-Cosapilla pass at 3,260 meters above sea level. A semi-desert landscape awaits us. Gradually we start to see different species of cactus including the cactus jumper, the hairy cactus and many other surprises! From this pass we descend to the Laco-Cosapilla valley at 3000 meters. After some passages of fords, a climb leads to the fortress of Caillama. This fortress testifies to a culture intermediate between that of Tiwanacu and the Incas in this region. It only remains to go down to our camp.

Number of hours of walking: 6 hours
Altitude difference: + 700 m / – 500 m
Accommodation: in a tent
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 3,050 m

Gradually the vegetation changes; more green, more birds. The path takes us to the village of Pachama (3,430 m). On the way, we admire the beautiful church of Pachama and its murals of the 18th century. Its doors are open because the village of Pachama may look like a ghost village with a glitzy past. A long climb leads us to the cross of Pachama. We alternate between an old Inca road and the historic road to the silver route. Sometimes it is possible to see tri-coloured buzzards, a species endemic to Latin America. The path winds between woody plants and cacti plants and here is the Apacheta de Belen. We settle in an inn with electricity and a hot shower.

Number of hours of walking: 6 hours 30
Altitude difference: + 600 m / – 350 m
Accommodation: in a local inn
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 3260 m

We start by crossing some oregano crops. Many terraces testify to the work of the elders and we notice the system that brings the water running through the mountain from the reservoir of Misaña to 3600 m. Gold and silver mines were once exploited in the region. We then pass by a Queñua wood, endemic Andean tree adapted to the climatic rigors of the altiplano. The camp offers a superb panoramic view and will allow to live a sumptuous sunset.

Number of hours of walking: 4 hours
Altitude difference: + 650 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 3 850 m
Accommodation: in a tent
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

After a night of rest we cross the impressive Pampa Belen which quietly brings us to the altiplano with its peat bogs, its fauna and flora so special. We cross directly to the peat bogs of Chuba in the reserve ”Las Vicuñas”. In Chuba we have lunch at a shepherd’s house. We take the measurement of the altiplano that we begin to cross by walking curiously on the dish. The herds of llamas and alpacas are legions grazing quietly in peat bogs. But it is also the kingdom of vicuña, a graceful animal with fine curves and a dazzling race. We sleep in the Lauca sheepfold at llama and alpaca breeders. Typical Andean meal after watching the herds return to the corral at the end of the day.

Number of hours of walking: 8 hours
Altitude difference: + 100 m / – 250 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 4 130 m
Accommodation: night in hostel (no electricity, cold shower)
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

A small transfer takes us to the Salar de Surire. The salar is an unusual water ecosystem. Bordered by peaks and volcanoes the basin receives the runoff that evaporates as a result of the dryness in the air and the intensity of solar radiation. It is the kingdom of flamingos (3 distinct species) and vicuñas. On the way we make a small nature walk to observe flamingos and vicuñas evolve on the Salar. After arriving at the scene you can not stop admiring nature. Near the camp, we take advantage of the Termes de Polloquere with a hot water bath in the open air under the eyes of vicuñas. Camp in a small wood of queñuas for two nights.

Transfer: in a private vehicle (3 hours, 50 km)
Altitude at the end of the day: 4500 m
Accommodation: in a tent
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

The sunrise is a magical moment on the altiplano, again noted by the geothermal activity of the place. Getting up early to enjoy the majestic sunrise is highly appreciated. Departure towards Chihuana, on the way we admire the small woods of queñua and also the incredible llareta that seem to bask with their green-back hard like stone. Then they are only pebbles. When you reach the summit you feel as if you are on the moon and you are suddenly aware of the immensity of the altiplano. Amazing view of Salar de Surire but also to Salar de Coipasa in Bolivia. The colours add to the atmosphere and an offering or at least a prayer to the Pachamama is required. The descent, fast, is done by a scree.

Number of hours of walking: 7 hours
Elevation gain: + 800 m / – 800 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 4500 m
Accommodation: in a tent
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

We start the day with a transfer of a little more than one hundred kilometres which sees us passing in splendid places. We cross the border with Bolivia on the international road, the only access to the sea for Bolivians. Going through Guallatire we follow the eponymous volcano. The track goes up to 4,800 m and the view is panoramic: Lake Chungara with volcanoes Pomerape and Parinacota, the Sajama deeper in the south, always on the border here is the Acotango and Guallatire. The colours are unique and the wedding is consumed with Aymara history and mythology.

Transfer: by private vehicle (4 hours, 120 km)
Number of hours of walking: 1 hour
Altitude at the end of the day: 4500 m
Accommodation: under a tent
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Trek at the foot of Parinacota volcano (6,342 m) to admire the last traces of eruptions of the volcano, dating from – 7,000 years. At the foot of the majestic volcano, we get acquainted with the local vulcanology by touching the lava long formed by the pyroclastics of the volcano. Detour by the north shore of Lake Chungará. Back to camp.

Number of hours of walking: 5 to 7 hours
Altitude difference: + 300 m / – 300 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 4,500 m
Accommodation: in a tent
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Passage by some lava flows of the volcano. Through the lagoons of Cotacotani we reach the beautiful village of Parinacota and its peat bog below. We can observe, taguas (coots), guallas, Andean gulls but the festival will continue with the varieties of flamands and many other animals. We arrive in the village of Parinacota that owes its name, as the summit at Parinas, flamingos.

Number of hours of walking: 6 hours
Altitude at the end of the day: 4,400 m
Accommodation: in a family inn (with electricity and hot showers)
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Transfer to the village of Cosapilla. From there we climb up the Suriplaza plateau, located at 4,750 m. During trekking, we see forests of queñua (tree of the altiplano), fields of Llareta (moss rock). Suriplaza is a plateau surrounded by mountains over 5000 m in rust colour. We undertake the ascent of Cerro Iquilla (5,300 m).

Transfer: by private car (2 hours, 90 km)
Number of hours of walk: 5 to 6 hours
Accommodation: in a hostel
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 4060 m

Today the day is dedicated to the pleasure of easy walking in peat bogs full of animals along the Caquena River. We walk with the permanent presence of the elegant Parinacota. We cross one of the last lava flows spewed by the Parinacota 8000 years ago then we follow the south face and finally south-west before reaching the large peat bogs of Caquena. Passage to the edge of Cotacotani secondary lagoons formed 6000 years ago following the last eruption. The large peat bogs are a paradise for wildlife lovers. The animals are there in a wonderful place and well supplied with water. Half a day to stroll quietly to daydream or take pictures and we take the vehicles that lead us to Parinacota.

Transfer: by private vehicle (1 hour, 85km)
Number of hours of walking: 4 to 5 hours
Accommodation: in a hostel
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 4,500 m

We drive to the base camp of Guallatiri. The view is superb! Installation of the camp for the night. Rest and acclimation.

Accommodation: under tent
Meal: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 5 100 m

Very early departure for the ascent of Guallatiri, active volcano with sulfur fumaroles. The temperature can go down to -10 ° or -20 °. It will be almost 10 hours round-trip, depending on ice conditions. The ascent is on a dirt road and rock. It is only around 6,000 m that we reach the ice section and put the crampons (no technical difficulty, no slope). Summit before noon always. The view of the Altiplano and the neighbouring Parinacota and Sajama is exceptional. Back to base camp. The transfer to Parinacota.

Transfer: by private car (2 hours, 90 km)
Number of hours of walking: 8 to 10 hours
Elevation: + 980 m / – 980 m
Accommodation: in a hotel
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 4,400 m

Transfer to Arica, making a detour to Jurasi hot springs. Well deserved bath and rest then transfer to Arica through quebrada cactus candelabra, the fertile valley of Lluta and the coastal desert. Visit on the way of the village of Socoroma.

Transfer: by private vehicle (1 hour, 45 km)
Accommodation: in hotel
Meal: free breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 3,500 m 

In the morning we walk for 2 to 3 hours along the cliffs of the south coast of Arica. This will allow us to visit the old ”Guaneras”. We then go to the harbour to enjoy a seafood meal. Free afternoon.

Transfer: by private vehicle (20 hours)
Accommodation: in a hotel
Meals: breakfast / lunch / free dinner

Transfer: private car (1/2 hour)
Meals: breakfast

—– END OF THE PROGRAM —–

For unpredictable reasons such as poor health of the participants, natural accidents or other unforeseen incidents your guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary, for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.