The High Heartland of Chile
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Port
Arica, Chile
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$209
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Head inland to discover the Lluta Valley -- a beautiful fertile area that is green and rural in nature. As you travel, you'll glimpse the area's famous geoglyphs -- figures made of stones placed on the yellow slopes flanking the valley. These ancient glyphs depict llamas and human figures.
The first village on the road is Poconchile, dating from pre-Inca times. It was a way station during the construction of the Arica-La Paz railway. Stop here to see the local cemetery.
Sixty miles from Arica, you'll find the Pukara de Copaquilla National Monument -- one of a collection of ancient defense fortresses set up by the native inhabitants. Surrounded by a double wall and dating from the 12th century, the fortress was restored in 1979 by the Chilean University of Tarapaca.
Also, keep an eye out for the modest Tambo de Zapahuira -- a resting station dating from Inca times that provides an insight into the way the Andean people lived and traded along the Inca Road. The route here becomes quite mountainous, hugging steep slopes and skirting deep gorges. A collection of high plateau cacti ekes out a frugal existence here.
As you approach the town of Putre, three hours' drive from Arica, the landscape opens up and a wide valley nestles under massive snowcapped peaks. Capital of the Parinacota province, with nearly 1,200 inhabitants, Putre lies at 11,500 feet above sea level and dates from pre-Hispanic times. The Putre of today was laid out in 1580 by the Spaniards, and its boom time came in 1643 with the discovery of a nearby gold mine. Interesting architecture is its present-day nod to the colonial era. Visit O'Higgins Avenue -- the oldest part of town and the main square with the Town Hall and church (1670) with an adjacent parochial house. Legend holds that the original church was lined in silver and gold. This, of course, raises the question, what happened to it all?
You'll have plenty to ponder as you enjoy refreshments in this farm-to-market city and return to the ship.
Notes:
This tour may take up to 9 hours due to road work. The drive to Putre is approximately three hours each way over many steep, winding roads. Guests who are prone to motion sickness should consider this before booking and/or take appropriate medication. Moderate walking is required over uneven surfaces and pathways. Putre's elevation is 11,500 feet above sea level; not advisable for guests with heart or respiratory conditions. Visiting inside of the church is not guaranteed. It depends on the day whether it's open. However, an explanation will be given in the exterior.