5-Day Itinerary through Arica and the Chilean Altiplano
LANDSCAPES:
DESERT AND ALTIPLANO
Updated on 31 de July, 2026
A Journey to the Surreal North
5 DAYS
This 5-day itinerary in Arica will allow you to discover the diversity of Chile’s far north through landscapes that combine desert, altiplano, agricultural valleys, and coast. It’s an adventure that will take you through the Azapa and Codpa valleys, as well as natural sanctuaries like the Las Vicuñas National Reserve and Chungará Lake. Get ready for a magical journey!
SEASON
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Arica Must-Sees
We begin our itinerary by settling into Arica. After checking into our accommodation and having lunch, our first activity will be to visit the Azapa Valley, located just 20 minutes from the city center, where we’ll taste its famous olives.
Here we will visit the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum. Among its exhibits are the famous Chinchorro Mummies: the oldest mummies in the world (even older than those in Egypt).
Our last experience will be the Morro de Arica, which offers spectacular views of the city. If we manage to arrive before 8:00 PM, we can visit its museum to learn more about the history of the War of the Pacific.
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Arica Must-Sees
We begin our itinerary by settling into Arica. After checking into our accommodation and having lunch, our first activity will be to visit the Azapa Valley, located just 20 minutes from the city center, where we’ll taste its famous olives.
Here we will visit the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum. Among its exhibits are the famous Chinchorro Mummies: the oldest mummies in the world (even older than those in Egypt).
Our last experience will be the Morro de Arica, which offers spectacular views of the city. If we manage to arrive before 8:00 PM, we can visit its museum to learn more about the history of the War of the Pacific.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Codpa Valley
After checking out of Arica, we’ll dedicate our second day to visiting the fascinating Codpa Valley. To do this, we’ll travel 27 km to see the Presencias Tutelares, a set of monumental statues. These are two large structures that evoke desert guardians and the memory of the indigenous peoples.
Then we’ll travel about 80 km to reach the town of Codpa, where we’ll explore its historic streets, visit its church, check into our accommodation, and have lunch at one of its restaurants.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the vineyards to learn about Pintatani, one of Chile’s oldest wines, which still uses ancestral methods. Its production in the world’s driest desert is a unique phenomenon! Finally, we’ll head to our accommodation before the third day.
Photography: Chile es TUYO Arica y Parinacota.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Codpa Valley
After checking out of Arica, we’ll dedicate our second day to visiting the fascinating Codpa Valley. To do this, we’ll travel 27 km to see the Presencias Tutelares, a set of monumental statues. These are two large structures that evoke desert guardians and the memory of the indigenous peoples.
Then we’ll travel about 80 km to reach the town of Codpa, where we’ll explore its historic streets, visit its church, check into our accommodation, and have lunch at one of its restaurants.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the vineyards to learn about Pintatani, one of Chile’s oldest wines, which still uses ancestral methods. Its production in the world’s driest desert is a unique phenomenon! Finally, we’ll head to our accommodation before the third day.
Photography: Chile es TUYO Arica y Parinacota.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
The Altiplano
We’re heading into the heart of the altiplano! Today we’ll leave the Codpa Valley to travel towards Putre, venturing into the Las Vicuñas National Reserve, a territory of breathtaking beauty.
The landscape will transform into an endless Andean postcard, home to herds of vicuñas, vizcachas, and rheas. Our main stop will be the mystical town of Guallatiri, located at the foot of its imposing active volcano. Here you can capture spectacular content with its historic 17th-century church and the volcano’s fumarole in the background, one of the most authentic postcards of the north.
In the afternoon, we’ll descend to Putre (3,500 masl) to check in. This will be the ideal time to rest, enjoy a restorative dinner, and allow your body to peacefully adapt to the altitude for tomorrow’s journey.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
The Altiplano
We’re heading into the heart of the altiplano! Today we’ll leave the Codpa Valley to travel towards Putre, venturing into the Las Vicuñas National Reserve, a territory of breathtaking beauty.
The landscape will transform into an endless Andean postcard, home to herds of vicuñas, vizcachas, and rheas. Our main stop will be the mystical town of Guallatiri, located at the foot of its imposing active volcano. Here you can capture spectacular content with its historic 17th-century church and the volcano’s fumarole in the background, one of the most authentic postcards of the north.
In the afternoon, we’ll descend to Putre (3,500 masl) to check in. This will be the ideal time to rest, enjoy a restorative dinner, and allow your body to peacefully adapt to the altitude for tomorrow’s journey.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
Lauca National Park
Today you’ll see one of the most impressive landscapes in northern Chile! We’ll start the day early with breakfast and check-out in Putre, with our bodies already adapted to the altitude.
We’ll delve deep into Lauca National Park, crossing wetlands inhabited by alpacas, vicuñas, and vizcachas. Our star stop will be the majestic Chungará Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, where we’ll enjoy views of the imposing Parinacota Volcano and the reflection of flamingos in the water. We’ll also visit the historic town of Parinacota and its 17th-century church.
After a picnic lunch amidst the Andean landscape, we’ll begin our final return to the coast via Route 11-CH, gradually descending until we reach Arica to spend the night by the sea.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
Lauca National Park
Today you’ll see one of the most impressive landscapes in northern Chile! We’ll start the day early with breakfast and check-out in Putre, with our bodies already adapted to the altitude.
We’ll delve deep into Lauca National Park, crossing wetlands inhabited by alpacas, vicuñas, and vizcachas. Our star stop will be the majestic Chungará Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, where we’ll enjoy views of the imposing Parinacota Volcano and the reflection of flamingos in the water. We’ll also visit the historic town of Parinacota and its 17th-century church.
After a picnic lunch amidst the Andean landscape, we’ll begin our final return to the coast via Route 11-CH, gradually descending until we reach Arica to spend the night by the sea.
Attractions included on this day
Day 5
Water Sports for Farewell
It’s the last day of our itinerary. We’ll take advantage of the morning to go to the beach, either to sunbathe or enjoy water sports: you can go kayaking, surfing, or stand-up paddleboarding along the Pacific Ocean.
This marks the end of our trip. You can return home by air or land, or continue exploring Arica and its surroundings, which always have something new to discover. We hope you enjoyed this tour of northern Chile!
Attractions included on this day
Day 5
Water Sports for Farewell
It’s the last day of our itinerary. We’ll take advantage of the morning to go to the beach, either to sunbathe or enjoy water sports: you can go kayaking, surfing, or stand-up paddleboarding along the Pacific Ocean.
This marks the end of our trip. You can return home by air or land, or continue exploring Arica and its surroundings, which always have something new to discover. We hope you enjoyed this tour of northern Chile!
What you should know
How to get there by air
Arica has direct air connections from Santiago with flights lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to Chacalluta International Airport (ARI), located about 18 kilometers from the city center. From there, you can reach the urban center by taxi, transfer, or rental car in about 25 to 30 minutes.
How to get there by land
Arica has direct air connections from Santiago with flights lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to Chacalluta International Airport (ARI), located about 18 kilometers from the city center. From there, you can reach the urban center by taxi, transfer, or rental car in about 25 to 30 minutes.
Climate and clothing
Northern Chile presents a great climatic diversity within the same trip. On the coast of Arica, warm and stable temperatures prevail throughout the year, while in the altiplano, temperatures can vary sharply, with sunny days and cold nights that can drop below 0°C.
It is recommended to dress in layers, including light clothing for the day, thermal wear for high altitudes, a windbreaker, hat, UV-protected sunglasses, and sunscreen. For altiplano activities, comfortable, closed-toe footwear is also important.
Must-Know Tips
It is recommended to consider the altitude in the Altiplano, staying well-hydrated and avoiding sudden strenuous efforts. Bring layered clothing, a windbreaker, hat, sunglasses, and UV blocker. Cash for rural areas, a portable charger due to low signal, and comfortable footwear for hiking. For the coast, include a swimsuit and a change of clothes.
