TCH-106

Petrogliphs II: Along the Loa River, Pucará de Lasana and the Taira Paintings
(7 days / 6 nights)

DAY 1

Transport from Calama airport to the Tulor Hotel, San Pedro de Atacama.

Afternoon free or, depending on the arrival time of your flight, visit the Archaeological Museum, where the best examples of the ancient cultures of this area can be found. Also of interest are the San Pedro Church and Artisans Market. Eat lunch and/or dinner in San Pedro (depending on arrival time).

DAY 2

Archaeological Excursion and visit Valle de la Luna.

In the morning visit the Inca of Catarpe Tambo, Pucará de Quitor village and an Atacama Fortress, ending up in Tulor village of (dating from 800 B.C.), then returning to the hotel. Lunch in San Pedro de Atacama.

Depart from the hotel to the mythic Valle de la Luna (Lunar Valley), visiting Death Valley and the Three
Marias, ending the afternoon with a spectacular sunset. Return to the hotel. Dinner in San Pedro de Atacama.

DAY 3

El Tatio Geysers

Early morning departure from the hotel to the geothermic formation El Tatio Geysers at 4,300 meters (14,100 ft.) above sea level.
Here you will see a unique sunrise over the geysers and can enjoy a bath in a thermal pool. During the trip we will pass
through a landscape of exceptional beauty, with great views of the Andes mountain range, and the chance to see the native
flora and fauna. Breakfast included.

Afternoon free. Lunch and Dinner in San Pedro.

DAY 4

Atacama Salt Flats and High Altitude Lakes (Lagunas Altiplánicas).

Morning departure from the hotel to the High Altitude Lakes, along the route visiting the Atacama Salt Flats and Lake Chaxas,
nesting site of the flamenco. We continue along the edge of the Salt Flats until reaching Socaire, a small Andean village
at 3,500 meters (11,500 ft.) above sea level. Socaire is noteworthy for its church and ancient agricultural terraces. The ascent continues
to 3,900 meters (12,800 ft.) where we will find the Miscanti and Meñiques lakes, with their beautiful blue color, and lovely views of the Andes mountains. On our return to San Pedro we will visit the peaceful Toconao pueblo.

Includes breakfast and box lunch during the tour. Dinner in San Pedro.

DAY 5

Santiago de Rio Grande and Yerbas Buenas

Morning departure to the small pueblo of Rio Grande, located 80 km to the northwest. Along the route we will pass through an area of petrogliphs in a rocky sector called Yerbas Buenas, (Good Herbs) because of a small
stream of fresh water that descends to the Rio Grande watershed. We will take a walk through this cultural treasure dating from 3000 years ago, observing its rock formations and harsh landscape.

Next we will head towards the picturesque village Santiago de Rio Grande. Constructed of stones, cactus wood, and mud, it is located along the bank of the river in the middle of the Salt
Range. Lunch, and then in the afternoon we will walk through the village, visiting its church, community meeting center, its cultivated areas and pastures.

In the afternoon we will begin our return to San Pedro, passing through Quebrada de Tambores where we will encounter more petrogliphs.

Breakfast in the Hotel Tulor, box lunch during the tour, and dinner in San Pedro.

DAY 6

Pucará de Lasana and the Taira Paintings

Morning departure from San Pedro towards the the Loa River watershed, the only river crossing the Atacama Desert and
reaching the sea. Over the centuries the river Loa has cut deeply into the rock, forming canyons whose rock walls attracted
prehistoric artists. We will then pass through the Chiu-Chiu church, 38 km. from Calama. From there we will continue onwards to the widespread Lasana pueblo, the center of which is occupied by the Pucará de Lasana, an indigenous
fortress approximately 1,100 years old.

Our trip continues towards the north, taking us to Conchi, where we will enjoy lunch. This small
village, which today is practically abandoned, was an important center for breeding Chinchillas, a small rodent whose soft fur caused it to be exploited to near extinction. From here we
will continue on to the site with the most beautiful of prehistoric art in Chile: Taira. Here we can appreciate the perfection of rock paintings representing llamas almost in full scale, as well as schematic human figures.

Afternoon return to the Hotel Tulor.
Breakfast in the hotel, box lunch during the tour, and dinner in San Pedro.

DAY 7

Transport from the Hotel Tulor to the Calama airport. End of Stay.

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