Excursion The highland ancestors villages tour at Arica

This tour is a wonderful first-hand experience visiting the Andean valleys and a small historical village located in the Altiplano.

Leave the pier to drive towards Lluta Valley (40 minutes). En route observe some interesting geoglyphs designed on the hills by the ancient inhabitants of the region. Stop at a rustic inn to have a Coca leaf tea to avoid feeling sick because of the altitude, as Aymara people still do up to these days. Continue your trip to a viewpoint where you observe the Pukara de Copaquilla, the archaeological remains of an old fortress built originally to protect the surroundings.

Proceed to Putre (75 minutes), the capital of the Parinacota Region, to see its interesting church, its plaza and neighboring architecture. Although it dates back to pre-Hispanic times, much of its charm comes from its intriguing traditional colonial style houses featuring carved stone portals and window frames from the 17th century. Putre is one of the few village towns perched in the Andean Mountain Range in Chile.

Participate on a slow-paced, short walking guided tour to explore the village. At the end of the walking tour there is some free time to stroll around the village and explore on your own. Enjoy an Aymara folkloric demonstration and a Pachamama ceremony.

Continue to Socoroma village for a catered lunch set in the middle of what used to be an ancient Inca road, with a privileged view of the valley and the Socoroma village. Taste some local Andean flavors before continuing on your journey.

Return directly to the port of Arica to re-join the ship (2.5-hour drive).

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lluta Valley geoglyphs, Pukara Copaquilla, Socoroma village for catered Andean lunch, Putre, Aymara cultural presentation

Note

Please note: There is at least four hours of driving time total on this tour. This excursion entails a small amount of optional walking (approximately 300 meters) on flat surfaces, and barring a few uneven spots this tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility. Guests are recommended to dress in comfortable clothing in layers, as the Altiplano can be chilly, as well as wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.