The Arica-Lake Chungara-Salar De Surire adventure offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural and natural wonders of northern Chile. From the vibrant Terminal AGRO market to the ancient La Tropilla Geoglyphs, this 3-day, 2-night journey promises an unforgettable experience. Visitors will explore the renowned Chinchorro culture, marvel at the stunning landscapes of the Salar de Surire, and encounter wildlife such as vicuñas and flamingos. With rejuvenating natural hot springs and the breathtaking beauty of Lago Chungara, this trip is sure to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to discover the hidden gems of Chile’s northern region.
Key Points
- This 3-day, 2-night tour explores the scenic highlights of Arica, Salar de Surire, and Lago Chungara in northern Chile, with visits to indigenous sites and natural hot springs.
- The tour includes admission tickets, meals, and hotel accommodations, but is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travelers due to high altitude.
- Highlights include the Arica Marketplace, Chinchorro culture museum, Salar de Surire salt flats, and the highest navigable lake in the world, Lago Chungara.
- Relaxing experiences at Termas de Polloquere and Termas de Jurasi hot springs are included to complement the adventurous activities.
- The tour has a 5-star rating from 23 reviews, with travelers praising the excellent scenery, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable accommodations.
Overview of the Trip
The Arica-Lake Chungara-Salar de Surire trip is a 3-day, 2-night adventure that takes travelers on an exploration of the stunning landscapes and cultural attractions in northern Chile.
With a 5-star rating from 23 reviews, the tour offers a comprehensive itinerary at a price of $1,000 per person. The trip includes admission tickets to all attractions, meals, and hotel accommodations.
Highlights include visiting a local fruit and vegetable market, seeing ancient rock art, exploring the Chinchorro culture museum, and experiencing the natural beauty of the Salar de Surire and Lauca National Park.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to the high altitude.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Arica.
Highlights of Day 1: Arica Attractions
Beginning the day’s exploration, travelers visit the Terminal AGRO, a bustling local fruit and vegetable market that offers a glimpse into Arica’s vibrant agricultural offerings. Next, they journey to the La Tropilla Geoglyphs, where ancient rock art manifestations provide a window into the region’s rich cultural heritage. An hour-long visit to the Museo Arqueologico San Miguel de Azapa follows, allowing visitors to discover artifacts from the renowned Chinchorro culture. The day continues with a stop at the 16th-century Church of San Jeronimo in Poconchile and a visit to the oregano crops of Pueblo de Socoroma before settling in for the night in Putre.
| Attraction | Duration |
|---|---|
| Terminal AGRO | 30 mins |
| La Tropilla Geoglyphs | 10 mins |
| Museo Arqueologico San Miguel de Azapa | 1 hour |
| Poconchile (Church of San Jeronimo) | 20 mins |
| Pueblo de Socoroma | 25 mins |
Exploring Salar De Surire
After exploring Arica’s vibrant cultural attractions on Day 1, the journey continues to the mesmerizing Salar de Surire, a natural wonder nestled in the heart of the Lauca National Park.
The group first visits the town of Guallatire, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.
Next, they arrive at the Salar de Surire, a stunning salt flat teeming with diverse wildlife. Visitors can observe vicuñas, a relative of the llama, as well as vibrant pink flamingos wading in the shallow waters.
The day also includes a relaxing stop at the Termas de Polloquere hot springs before returning to Putre for the overnight stay.
Relaxing at Termas De Polloquere
Travelers spend an hour relaxing in the Termas de Polloquere, a series of natural hot springs nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Lauca National Park.
The hot springs are fed by geothermal activity, resulting in steaming pools of soothing, mineral-rich waters. Visitors can enjoy the warm waters, taking in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and volcanic terrain.
The Termas de Polloquere provide a peaceful respite from the day’s exploration, allowing travelers to unwind and rejuvenate before continuing their journey through the region’s natural wonders.
Visiting Parinacota and Lago Chungara
As the day draws to a close, the tour makes its way to the town of Parinacota, nestled within the Lauca National Park.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the bofedales, or high-altitude wetlands, and wander through the charming town.
Next, the group heads to the iconic Lago Chungara, the highest navigable lake in the world at an impressive 4,517 meters above sea level.
Admiring the stunning reflections of the nearby volcanoes in the serene waters, travelers can truly appreciate the grandeur of this natural wonder.
A stop at the nearby Termas de Jurasi hot springs provides a relaxing finale before the return journey to Arica.
Indulging in Termas De Jurasi
Following their visit to the stunning Lago Chungara, the tour group makes one final stop at the Termas de Jurasi hot springs.
These natural hot springs offer a relaxing conclusion to their three-day adventure. Visitors can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters and unwind after a day of exploring the region’s natural wonders.
The steaming pools are surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, providing a serene and picturesque setting. Spending an hour at the Termas de Jurasi allows the travelers to recharge before their return to Arica, leaving them with lasting memories of the trip’s natural beauty and cultural highlights.
Inclusions and Amenities
The trip includes a comprehensive package that covers the key attractions and experiences along the Arica-Lake Chungara-Salar de Surire route. This includes:
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Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, providing sustenance throughout the journey.
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Admission tickets: All entrance fees to the featured attractions are covered, ensuring seamless access.
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Pickup service: Passengers must inform the organizers of their pickup location for convenient transportation.
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Accessibility: The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to the challenging terrain.
Traveler Feedback and Additional Information
What do travelers have to say about this Arica-Lake Chungara-Salar de Surire trip?
The 23 reviews give it a perfect 5.0 rating, with travelers highlighting the excellent scenery, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable accommodations.
Common phrases include "highly recommended" and "incredible experience."
The trip is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant women.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, and the tour operates daily from 12 AM to 11:30 PM through June 2025.
Service animals are allowed, but those with serious medical conditions may not be able to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?
The best time to visit the region is during the spring or fall months when weather conditions are milder and wildlife is most active. Summers can be quite hot, while winters are cooler with the possibility of snow.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on this tour, as long as they don’t interfere with the included meals. Bringing snacks and water is generally allowed, but the tour company provides comprehensive dining services throughout the experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though the tour may not be suitable for infants or young children due to the physical demands of the activities.
Are There Discounts Available for Larger Groups?
There are group discounts available for this tour. Larger groups of 4 or more can receive a 5-10% discount off the listed price, making it a more affordable option for families or friends traveling together.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?
Yes, the tour operator typically allows you to customize the itinerary to fit your preferences. They’ll work with you to adjust the activities and schedule to match your interests and needs.
Recap
This unforgettable 3-day, 2-night journey through the Arica-Lake Chungara-Salar De Surire region offers a captivating blend of cultural, natural, and wellness experiences. From the vibrant Terminal AGRO market to the awe-inspiring Salar de Surire and the serene Lago Chungara, travelers will be immersed in the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of northern Chile. It’s an adventure that’ll leave a lasting impression.