WONDERS OF NORTHEN CHILE

10 days – 9 nights

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Fixed Departure

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Chile, where ancient cultures, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and the world’s driest desert come together in one extraordinary experience.

From the high-altitude wonders of Lauca National Park to the spectacular scenery of the Atacama Desert, this itinerary reveals the diversity, beauty, and authenticity of Chile’s most remarkable northern regions. Along the way, discover vibrant traditions, unique wildlife, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and some of the most awe-inspiring natural settings in South America, creating a truly immersive and memorable travel experience.

Day 1
(--/--/--)
Santiago

Upon arrival and welcome by the Chile Concept team at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, followed by transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, at the scheduled time, visitors will embark on a captivating city tour through Santiago, Chile´s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital that perfectly blends tradition and modernity. The journey begins in the historic heart of Santiago at Plaza de Armas, surrounded by some of the city´s most emblematic buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and City Hall. The tour continues to La Moneda Palace, the iconic presidential palace and symbol of Chile’s political history, before exploring the traditional streets and neighborhoods that preserve the essence of old Santiago. After exploring Santiago’s old town, we continue to Barrio Lastarria, renowned for its cultural, heritage, and gastronomic offerings. The experience continues through Parque Forestal, a green oasis located in the heart of the bustling city center, and on to the bohemian Bellavista district. After this enriching introduction to Santiago, return to the selected hotel for overnight accommodation.

Day 2
(B/--/--)
Santiago - Valparaíso - Santiago - Arica

Breakfast at the hotel before departing for Chile´s pacific coast to visit the renowned cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, located approximately one and half hours from Santiago. The journey passes through the Casablanca Valley, with prestigious vineyards and world-class wines. A wine tasting may be arranged at one of the traditional wineries in the region (available for private services only). Upon arrival in the Fifth Region, the visit begins in Viña del Mar, known as the “Garden City” and recognized for its golden beaches, elegant architecture and beautifully maintained gardens, including the iconic Flower Clock. The excursion continues to Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003, famous for its colourful architecture, steep hills and vibrant culture heritage.The program includes entrance to la Sebastiana Museum, one of the former residences of poet Pablo Neruda, offering exceptional views across the bay and fascinating insights into the writer’s creative world. At the end of the excursion, transfer to Santiago Airport for the flight to Arica. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight at the selected hotel.

Day 3
(B/L/D)
Arica - Putre
Breakfast at the hotel before beginning a panoramic tour of Arica, taking in it beaches, lively fishing piers frequented by pelicans and sea lions, San Marcos Cathedral and the house of culture, both designed by Gustave Eiffel. The visit continues with an ascent to the Morro de Arica, offering spectacular views over the city and coastline. The journey then continues towards Putre, located approximately 145 km from Arica at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. Lunch is served in route. Along the way, there is an opportunity to admire the geoglyphs of the Lluta Valley, the impressive candelabra cacti of the Cardones Ravine and, weather permitting, enjoy a short walk at the Pukara of Copaquilla. Arrival in Putre and overnight at the selected hotel.
Day 4
(B/L/--)
Putre- Parc National Lauca - Arica
Breakfast at the hotel before departure for a full-day excursion to Lauca National Park, renowned for its remarkable Andean wildlife. Vicuñas, llamas, alpacas and rheas can often be observed, while lucky visitors may also spot condors soaring above the Altiplano. The park has been designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The excursion continues to the village of Parinacota, known for its church, declared National Monument, and its distinctive adobe bell tower. The route then leads to Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world, situated 4,500 meters above sea level and framed by the imposing Parinacota (6,330 m) and Pomerape (6,240m) volcanoes. Picnic lunch by the lakeshore. In the late afternoon, descent along a spectacular road through Andean landscapes to reach Arica. Arrival in Arica and overnight at the selected hotel.
Day 5
(B/L/--)
Arica - Iquique
Breakfast at the hotel before departing south towards Iquique, located approximately 300 km from Arica. The journey takes across the vas landscapes of northem Chile and into the heart of the desert, where we visit the Pampa del tamarugal National Reserve, home to the remarkable tamarugo forests unique trees perfectly adapted to thrive in the region´s dry and saline soils. Along the way, we stop at Cerro Unita to admire the impressive Atacama Giant, an 86-meter anthropomorphic geoglyph believed to represent a Tiwanaku chief and considered one of the largest prehistoric geoglyphs in the world. Our exploration continues to the historic nitrate towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Once at the center of Chile´s booming nitrate industry, these abandoned settlements offer a fascinating glimpse into a prosperous era when nitrate exports fueled economic growth and connected northern Chile with markets in Europe and the United States. Thanks to the region´s exceptionally dry climate, many of the original structures remain remarkably preserved. The visit focuses particularly on Humberstone, where its museum vividly recounts the history of life in the nitrate fields. We will also see former residential quarters, the market, theater, church, and swimming pool. Lunch will be served during the excursion. Upon arrival in Iquique, enjoy a city tour showcasing the city’s rich architectural heritage and coastal charm. Highlights include the church, Cavancha Beach, Baquedano Street, the elegant Astoreca Palace built in 1904, Plaza Prat, the iconic Clock Tower dating back to 1877, the 19th-century Municipal Theater, the Cathedral, the historic Rimac Palace (former Customs House), the fishing village, Prat Pier with its sea lions and pelicans, and Paseo Lynch. Overnight at the selected hotel.
Day 6
(B/L/--)
Iquique - Tocopilla - Calama - San Pedro de Atacama
Breakfast at the hotel before setting out toward San Pedro de Atacama along one of the northern Chile´s most scenic route. Following the Pacific coastline, this spectacular journey offers breathtaking ocean views and the opportunity to discover several traditional fishing villages that reflect the authentic character of the region. The route continues to Tocopilla, a historic mining port known for its unique atmosphere and strong connection to Chile’s industrial heritage. Lunch will be served here before the journey turns inland. As we leave the coast behing, the landscape gradually transforms into the dramatic scenery of the legendary Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. Endless desert vistas an striking geological formathe drive toward the Altiplanico. In the late afternoon, arrival in San Pedro de Atacama, a charming oasis village of adobe houses nestled amidst the desert and surrounded by volcanoes. This enchanting destination serves as the perfect gateway to the wonders of the Atacama region. Overnight at the selected hotel
Day 7
(B/L/--)
San Pedro de Atacama
Breakfast at the hotel. Today’s excursion takes us south of San Pedro de Atacama, ascending to more than 4,000 meters above sea level to discover the stunning high-altitude lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes, these striking blue lagoons create one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Chilean Altiplano and provide a habitat for Andean birdlife, including flamingos. We then continue to Socaire, a traditional Atacameño village of pre-Hispanic origin, renowned for its ancient terraced agricultural system and characteristic stone houses with earth and wooden roofs. On the return journey, we visit the Atacama Salt Flat, a protected area managed by CONAF. This extraordinary landscape of salt crusts and saline lagoons supports a unique ecosystem where flamingos and other specially adapted bird species thrive. The excursion continues to Toconao, a picturesque colonial village distinguished by its beautiful liparite stone architecture and the historic San Lucas Church. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before returning to San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight at the selected hotel.
Day 8
(B/--/--)
San Pedro de Atacama
An early morning departure takes us into the heart of the Andes Mountains to reach the El Tatio Geysers geothermal field, located at an altitude of 4,321 meters above sea level and associated with the Tatio Volcano. Arriving at dawn, we witness one of the Atacama Desert’s most extraordinary natural spectacles, as columns of steam rise dramatically from boiling geothermal pools. At this time of day, geothermal activity is at its most intense, with steam jets reaching heights of up to six meters. After exploring the geothermal field on foot, breakfast will be served outdoors in the surrounding area. A short walk provides opportunities to observe native Andean wildlife, including vicuñas, as well as the distinctive vegetation adapted to these high-altitude environments. On the return journey, we visit the Machuca wetland (bofedal), an important ecological area where it is possible to observe regional wildlife such as ducks, flamingos, vicuñas, and llamas. Return to San Pedro de Atacama and overnight at the selected hotel.
Day 9
(B/--/--)
San Pedro de Atacama - Calama - Santiago
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free morning to experience San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace. Stroll through its charming streets, browse local artisan shops, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this unique desert oasis. At the time scheduled time, transfer to Calama Airport for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival meet and greet you at Santiago Airport followed by a transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the selected hotel.
Day 10
(B/--/--)
Santiago
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight

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  2. Itineraries
  3. >
  4. Big North and Altiplano
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  6. Wonders of northen Chile
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