Day 1: Arica - Codpa Valley Lodge
Today we will meet at Arica’s airport or local hotel and start our journey through one of the least exploited and yet most beautiful areas of northern Chile. Rich in history and linking point for many ancient cultures such as the Incas and the intriguing Chinchorro. Our first destination will be the colourful Azapa Valley and its archaeological museum, this beautiful valley is located 13 Km/ 8 mi from the district’s capital. Due to its unique weather, a great variety of exotic agricultural products can be harvested all year around. At the museum one can witness the Chinchorro mummies, considered the oldest ever found with 7600 years of age. After lunch we will drive south towards the Codpa Valley to arrive in the small oasis of Codpa (1.855 m / 6.078 ft. above sea level), probably the main connecting point for both pre-Columbian and colonial route networks. The valley is irrigated with the waters of the Vítor River and known for its unique local Pintatani wine of high alcohol percentage. We will visit the old church and then reach our final destination: right above the wet fog influence from the sea (Camanchaca) and the frosts of the Andes the cosy and charming Codpa Valley Lodge makes it a perfect location to explore in depth the environment of the Andean Highlands, rich in scenery, wildlife, traditions and history. Dinner and overnight in Codpa Valley Lodge. (L, D)

DAY 2: Codpa Valley Lodge
This morning and after a great breakfast you will be able to choose one of the optional excursions the lodge offers in order to explore the beautiful landscapes of this area. By doing so, one can imagine the endless caravans that travelled this immense territory, participating in the trade of different products that went as far as Cuzco, the Incan capital. After lunch you will have the afternoon off to truly experience the peace and quiet of this lonely region. A good suggestion for the evening is to enjoy the clear skies opportunity that this region offers to contemplate an incredible amount of stars while tasting a delicious Chilean wine. Overnight in Codpa. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Codpa - Putre
Today we will visit Ofragia’s petroglyphs, an extraordinary evidence of the presence of humans in this region, which goes back to 10.000 years. The paintings also portrait the violent awakening of the old civilizations that once fought to obtain control over this territory. Then we take the road to visit some basic and typical Andean villages; where one can see how people live in this abrupt geography, these villages are Timar, Tignamar and Saxamar. After a short hike we will reach the Chitune hot-springs where you can reward yourself soaking in these mineral waters. After lunch we will follow the drive to Belen, Chaquipiña and Zapahuira, a strategically important trading post for the Inca Empire. We then will arrive to Putre (3.500 m. / 11.400 ft.); an important village at the base of the remarkable Tarapaca Volcano, this peaceful village is a typical Andean settlement with irrigation canals that go along the streets, surrounding agricultural terraces where alpacas roam. The rest of the day you are free to explore the village on your own or just relax. Overnight in Putre (B)

DAY 4: Putre – Salar de Surire - Putre
After breakfast we will get in our vehicles and start our climb up towards the Surire Salt Flats. We will cross several Andean villages that will give you a good perspective on what life is like up here before arriving to our destination. The Surire is a salt flat with a surface of 11.298 hectares/ 27.900 acres located at 4322 m / 14100 ft above sea level. Here you can observe 3 of the 6 flamingo species that exist in the world as well as vicuñas and suris - name given to the ñandu or South American ostrich- which is also the source for the name of this unique place. (B, BL, D)

DAY 5: Lauca National Park - Lake Chungara – Arica
In the morning we will depart to discover the fascinating beauty of Lauca National Park and its spectacular scenery of exotic plants and wildlife, like vicuñas, alpacas, rheas and Andean flamingos among other species; it is a birdwatcher’s paradise. We will visit the quaint and picturesque village of Parinacota (4.392 m / 14.409 ft. above sea level) which with its 149 inhabitants and beautiful church dating back to the XVII century has been declared National Monument. After that we will continue to the highest lake in the world, Chungara Lake. Besides its remarkable scenery, the Chungara Lake impresses with a unique wildlife and eco system with over 130 native species, among these flamingos and rheas. Here we will take a walk before enjoying our packed lunch on the shores of the lake. Once we are done we will start driving down to coastal Arica to be transferred to a hotel or the airport (only flights after 7 pm). (B, BL)