Overlanding
expedition from the Pacific coast to the Altiplano
The Atacama Desert is often considered as the most arid on the planet.
Nevertheless, its highland physiognomy permits the existence of oasis
with abundant flora of astonishing colors, active volcanoes and a
variety of fauna. It is also a reserve of great wealth and countless
curiosities, such as geysers, natural hot springs, unusual geological
shapes, geoglyphs, etc. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful
and complete trips of the catalogue, and thanks to our 4X4 we can
access the most secluded places by camping in the wonderful spots
of this desert. Starting at Antofagasta, travelling all across the
Atacama Salt Plains in northern Chile, our journey comes to an end
by the Pacific coast, in Arica, a beach resort. |
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| DAY 01
ANTOFAGASTA - IMILAC SALT LAKE |
| Reception
at the airport of Antofagasta. Visit of La Portada, a fantastic natural
arch carved by the waves. Then, we get into the heart of the Atacama
Desert to the Imilac Salt Lake where we set our camp (3.000m). We
cam have a very nice view on Llullaillaco Volcano (6.723m). (L,D) |
| DAY 02
IMILAC SALT LAKE - MIÑIQUES LAGOON |
| We cross
the Atacama Salt Lake from to East and can see the lithium mine, the
flamingoes, and the strange salt formations the lake created. We visit
Peine where we can have a nice bath in the natural swimming pool.
In the afternoon, we climb to the heart of the cordillera, crossing
the altiplano and set up our camp on the shores of Miscanti and Miñiques
Lagoon. (CB,L,D) |
| DAY 03
MIÑIQUES LAGOON - LEJIA LAGOON - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA |
| Excursion
to the Lejia lagoon, located at the foot of the active Lascar Volcano.
We might observe there the pink flamingoes. We reach San Pedro de
Atacama, crossing the Jeria Valley and come into the Moon Valley at
sunset. Arrival at San Pedro de Atacama. Transfer to the hotel. (CB,L,D) |
| DAY 04
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - PURITAMA BATHS |
| Trekking
in the salty mountain range to look at some geological curiosity.
Visit of the archaeological museum of San Pedro and pre-inca forteress
of Quitor. In the end of the afternoon we go to Puritama thermal baths
(3.400m) where we set our camp and have a rest in the hot spring.
(CB,L,D) |
| DAY 05
PURITAMA BATHS - TATIO GEYSERS - CALAMA |
| We get
up very early to go the Tatio Geysers where have breakfast. Pictures
of the geysers and swim into the natural swimming pool. Then we drive
down to Calama. On the way, we visit Caspana, Chiu Chiu, Lasana and
the Loa geogyphs. Arrival at Calama (2250m). Transfer to the hotel.
(CB,L) |
| DAY 06
CALAMA - COPOSA SALT LAKE |
| A nice
ride leads us close to the bolivian border. We do a short walk at
the top of Puruña volcano, small crater emerging from the flat
areas. Then we follow along the border through a small and unconverted
altiplanic road. We set our camp at the Coposa Salt Lake. (CB,L,D) |
| DAY 07
COPOSA SALT LAKE - CHUSMISA |
| Long trip
down to Pica Oasis, where we have a relaxing bath in the natural swimming
pool of La Cocha. After a logistic stop we cross the desert to reach
the prealtiplanic village of Chusmisa. We camp close to the thermal
baths. (CB,L,D) |
| DAY 08
CHUSMISA - SURIRE SALT LAKE |
| We arrive
at the altiplano and enter the Isluga National Park where we appreciate
the altiplanic fauna (llamas, viscachas, ñandus, etc...) and
cross several typical villages. We arrive at the Surire Salt Lake,
one of the most impressive sites of this area; a white salted surface
where hundreds of animal live in perfect harmony with the nature.
We set our camp close to the hot springs and have a restful bath.
(CB,L,D) |
| DAY 09
SURIRE SALT LAKE - LAKE CHUNGARA |
| We drive
to the north to reach the famous Lauca National Park, that has been
classified as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It is surely, one
of the most beautiful regions of Chile . we appreciate the local fauna,
and visit Parinacota. Finally, we arrive at Lake Chungara, the highest
lake in the world, deep blue wild surface from where we have a fantastic
view on Parinacota (6342m) and Sajama (4500m). (CB,L,D) |
| DAY 10
LAKE CHUNGARA - ARICA |
| Long
ride down to Arica. We cross the Lauca National Park from Esat to
West and visit Putre and the Copaquilla Fortress. We see the strange
candelabrus cactus and the geoglyphs of the Lluta Valley. Later arrival
to Arica, and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon (beach). (CB,L) |
| DAY 11
ARICA |
| Excursion
to Azapa valley to observe dozens of geoglyphs. Transfer to Arica
airport. (CB,L) |
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Min. 4 Persons
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Ask Please
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| Note:
This program is also available as private trip from min. 2 people
for unscheduled departures at request. |
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INCLUDED :
- Private transportation the whole trip
- Lodging in hotels or camping based on sharing room or tent
- All meals in camping and half board in cities
- Entrances fees
- Specialized bilingual guides (Spain, English or French, others
upon request) and personal assistance
- Complete Camping equipment.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Any type of insurance
- Extra expenses of any type like: laundry, meals or drinks not
mentioned and other items not mentioned in the above program
- Personal equipment such as sleeping bag and pad
- Local air fares.
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