Altiplano Wildlife
Destination
Latin America
Duration
5 days
Activity Level
Active
The Altiplano is a flat plateau located on top of the Andes at an average altitude of 13,000 feet. Its extraordinary natural wonders include active and dormant slender-coned volcanoes, clear blue lakes with abundant bird life, extensive steppes supporting diverse populations of llamas, vicunas, guanacos, and alpacas, immense sparkling white salt deposits, hidden hot springs, and the occasional tiny rustic village with picturesque colonial churches.
Despite its beauty, the Altiplano plateau is a desolate and arid land where living conditions are extreme. Oxygen contained in the atmosphere above 13,000 feet is half of what it is at sea level; temperatures can drop 30ºC/86ºF from day to night; and, there are areas that have never registered any rainfall. All wildlife and native peoples have adapted to survive here, and modern travelers can appreciate this by venturing into this silent land.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arica
Arrive in Arica (flights not included). Meet the guide for lunch and a trip briefing. Then enjoy a walk around the city and along the beautiful sandy beaches. Overnight at a local hotel in Arica.
Meals
Lunch
Lodging
Local Hotel in Arica
Day 2 Arica/Putre
You begin your day with a visit to the fertile Azapa valley and a local museum. Later, drive to Putre (90 miles, 11,500 feet) to see amazing prehistoric drawings. Enjoy some wonderful Andean flora and have your first encounter with the Altiplano wildlife. Head back to Putre for dinner and your overnight stay. Spend the next 3 nights at a local hotel in Putre.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Local Hotel in Putre
Day 3 Lauca National Park
Today you travel to Lake Chungará (14,500 feet), a lake which is crowned by the 20,000-foot-high volcanoes, Parinacota and Pomerape. The lake teems with wildlife, including tagua-tagua, vizcachas, vicunas, black and white geese, and flamingos. All of these animals dwell in the lake’s shallows, so you are sure to have some wonderful wildlife viewing. Enjoy a box lunch in the midst of beautiful Lauca National Park. Later this afternoon, visit the town of Parinacota for a stroll around the lakes before you return to Putre for your overnight stay.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Local Hotel in Putre
Day 4 Surire National Park
Today you head south to the Surire Salt Flat. Along the way you pass below the great Guallatiri volcano. Arrive at Surire National Park, a sanctuary for Andean birds. The park hosts three of the five species of flamingos along with ducks, suris, or lesser rea, and Andean avocets. Vicunas, foxes, and vizcachas are also commonly seen throughout the park. After a day of wildlife viewing, you return to Putre for your overnight stay.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Local Hotel in Putre
Day 5 Putre/Arica
Today you leave Putre for your drive to Arica. Arrive at the airport in time for your outbound flight. Note: Your trip can continue to La Paz, Bolivia either by bus from Putre (6 hours) or by plane from Arica (1 1/2 hours).
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
What to Expect
Duration 5 days
Privately anytime (Rainy season is February to March)
Activity Level
Active
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.