Multi-sport | Horseback riding | Sea Kayaking | Skiing | Trekking |
Suggested itinerary:
CALAMA / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / ANTOFAGASTA
Day 01 CALAMA
Upon arrival at the airport, assistance and transfer to Hotel . Accommodation in rooms with private bath and breakfast included.
Day 02 Morning visit of Chiu-Chiu , small village known for boasting one of the oldest, if not the first church built by the Spanish conquerors in the XVI century. Continue towards the impressive Fortress of Pucara de Lasana , partially rebuilt to observe the conditions of the walls protecting the indians from their enemies in ancient times. Afternoon tour to Chuquicamata , the world's largest open pit copper mine, for a two hour comprehensive public visit.
Day 03 Drive through the Moon Valley with its eerie silence and moonscape towards San Pedro de Atacama . Arrival at the Hosteria San Pedro . Accommodation in rooms with private bath including breakfast.
San Pedro is an unusually colourful village at up 7,000 ft. (2,000 Mts.), surrounded by a green oasis, which many years ago was the centre of a Palaeolithic civilization that built impressive rock fortresses up on the steep mountains encircling the green oasis valley. Its narrow streets have the same old style dating back to the period of the Spanish conquerors and its colonial church constructed in 1577. The village is the centre of the indian culture of Atacama, where mummies and artifacts have been recovered in the unique Father Le Paige Museum . Over 4,000 skulks, innumerable mummies, weapons, stones and pottery are on display. Pucara de Quitor , an indian fortress dating back to more that 700 years. Visit also Toconao , village devoted to sculptures of white volcanic stone.
Day 04 Leave San Pedro de Atacama and visit Toconao , village devoted to sculptures of white volcanic stone, and of the huge Atacama Salt Lake , an inland sea dating back millions of years, a unique experience to view this doubtlessly driest desert in the world, depending on road conditions, you may cross through the gorge of Tambores , a natural clay canyon. Proceed through the nitrate ghost villages, alongside the road up to Antofagasta . Arrival at Hotel . Accommodation in rooms with private bath including breakfast. The busy port of Antofagasta is the gateway to the world's richest copper mining region. Wide beaches, a variety of sea birds and spectacular rock formations outline the Pacific coast both North and South of the city.
Day 05 Morning city tour of Antofagasta. Leave your hotel driving through downtown and the commercial area to reach Caleta Coloso , South of the city. Afterwards proceed to the Huanchaca Ruins , an old silver smelter. The Main Square with its lovely Bell Tower and City Hall will also be viewed, a trademark of all towns of Chile. To end this tour, you will border the coastline to reach La Portada , a natural rock monument that identifies Antofagasta.
In due time, transfer to the airport to board your departure flight.
NOTE : Chuquicamata mine visit subject to schedule.
Tour operators offering this trip:
Chile Tours and Travel : www.latintrails.com