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TREKKING IN NORTHERN CHILE

Walking along the valleys of an oasis in the desert, the study of pre-Hispanic paintings, bathing in hot springs, hiking in the Andes above 4200 m. All this is possible in the most northern region of Chile. The region of Arica and Parinacota, with the rugged Pacific coast, with only the barren Atacama Desert, the ancient culture in the foothills with deep ravines, and the Andean highlands to volcanic peaks over 6,000 m. These extremes within a distance of only 200 km make this a fascinating and extraordinary. Despite the extreme conditions and challenging in the region is suitable for hikers. Arica and Parinacota offers such a variety of tours that travelers will be tempted to stay much longer in the region than expected.

Given the diversity of road conditions, duration and destinations described in the course of trekking guide, there are tours for all skill levels. This guide is intended to encourage hiking in the desert and high mountains that allow you to get to know extensively and thus enjoy this amazing and charming region.

Experience has shown that a considerable number of travelers ranging from sea level to 4,500 m in one day and therefore can not enjoy the beauty of the region at all.

The extreme altitudes require proper acclimatization can be achieved through wise activities. All tours in this guide are organized in a way that allow for gradual acclimatization.

The unique landscape of the region has given rise to unique people living in this extreme environment. Getting to know locals who are proud of the beauty of their country and eager to make travelers feel welcome is the most remarkable.

Along with hiking, trekking guide intends to provide information about the distinctive flora, fauna and culture of each region, unlike many other mountain areas. Taking into consideration the different characteristics of each region, the walks are divided into the three dominant ecological zones: coastal desert, foothills, and the highlands.

Ecological zones

COASTAL DESERT, crossed by narrow valleys and irrigated by low and intermittent water sources. The river Lluta and seasonal rivers of San Jose, Vitor and Camarones flow into the desert coast. These rivers form the Lluta, Azapa, Chaca-Codpa and Camarones. Despite the scarcity and water quality can be grown intensively thin strips of fertile land adjacent to rivers with vegetables and fruit trees. Arica is located in the coastal region, including Lluta and Azapa.

PRECODILLERA of 2000-3500 m above sea level. Intermountain valleys, where a cultivation of potatoes, oregano, and corn is possible to define this area. Livestock production is dominated by llamas, alpacas, goats and sheep. Well-known towns in this area are Putre, Socoroma, Zapahuira, Bethlehem and Chapiquiña.

Highlands, above 4,000 m. This area is characterized by mountainous and steppe peatlands (bofedales) that support the raising of llamas and alpacas. Due to extreme temperatures, vegetables or fruits can not be produced. The main villages of this area include Visviri, Tacora, Parinacota, Caquena and Guallatire.

Conditions

The region of Arica and Parinacota is one of the few places where there are three types of weather in the vicinity. Here, the coastal desert region bordering Andean foothill and steppe climate.

On the coast, Arica is characterized by a subtropical desert climate with an annual rainfall of 0.76 mm and an average annual temperature of 22 ° C. The coldest months are June and July with an average temperature of 17 ° C. The climate is moderated by the cold Humboldt current, flow-north, which is parallel to the coast. Arica has a 12-month season trip thanks to favorable weather conditions throughout the year.

In PUTRE the temperature fluctuates between 18 ° C and 25 ° C during the day and 3 ° -8 ° C at night. The coldest months are June and July. Putre climates are affected by the summer rains of the Andean highlands, the rainy season occurs in January and February. During that time, it rains every day and sometimes all day. The best time to reach Putre is from March to December. During these months, the sky is blue during the day and crystal clear at night.

The Andean highlands are characterized by an average annual temperature of 15 ° C during the day and -10 ° C at night depending on the altitude and time of year. Temperature fluctuations up to 30 ° C between day and night temperatures are not unusual. The Bolivian winter climate dominates the region in January and February, snow, hail and rain for two whole months. As for the Precordillera, the best travel season is from March to December and the season of mountain climbing is April to November.

Hiking or trekking information

All tours presented in this guide reflect the diversity trekking in the region. In selecting them, intended to provide a representative and diverse collection of major walking below the high peaks. The tours are listed from the coastal desert, foothills to the Altiplano. Each tour indicates difficulty, distance, length, height and type of travel.

Most of the trails and roads in the region are ancient trade routes that have been used by locals for hundreds of years and in many cases dating back to prehispanic times. However, most of the excursions described in the course of this guide include hiking trails and roads that are not very visible or apparent at all times. This is due to the fact that many roads were made and maintained by cameloids. These are always one behind the other and over the years created its own map. For the hiker, this could cause some possibility of taking a wrong road branch. If in doubt, take the road which is considered the most used. No orientation markers, except for the occasional stone mounds. This makes them a valuable source of guidance. Stone Mounds are created by local people not only to lead the way but to ask for good luck on the trip. The Aymara are called cairns and mounds make believe that the presence of Pachamama, Mother Earth. Sometimes these piles of small stones fall because of the passage of animals or tremors. Please try to keep this ritual of placing stones for the new indication. The region was a great advantage to find your way on the trail, the vegetation is limited to low-growing shrubs and in many cases there is no vegetation. Therefore, the terrain offers a broader vision to oversee the permanent route.

Given the high altitude and lack of vegetation for shade, it is extremely important to protect oneself from the sun by wearing a broad hat with a brim, sunscreen and sunglasses with high quality and that UV radiation increases by 50% as it exceeds the 3,500 m. To avoid dehydration, drink at least four to six liters of water a day. Due to the extreme conditions of the region all excursions described in the course of this guide last trekking day.

Considerable fluctuations of day and night temperatures, extreme altitudes and lack of potable water in most of the time make it difficult to walk for several days. However, tours are selected to serve as hiking for acclimatization before entering the highlands, but above all intended to encourage hikers to walk in the northernmost region of Chile.

Symbols

The routes are divided by the degree of difficulty. The symbol represents a hiker walking through the flat terrain means easy. These paths are characterized by very slight differences in altitude, open terrain and obvious beaten track for most of the time.

The hiker represented with a cane to walk a bit up refers to an average range and indicates a course that can be challenging at some points in terms of differences in terrain and height, but is also easy stretches. Tours marked with a hiker who goes steeply uphill rather designates the demanding nature tours, such as heights above 5,000 m, steep sections, difficult terrain from time to time and technical challenges. This degree of difficulty is known as hard. Whatever the degree of difficulty, this is important to properly judge their capabilities. The road conditions should also be taken into consideration.

The symbol of a measuring tape indicates the total traveling distance. A small clock symbolizes the duration of a trip that should be considered as a general guideline given the many factors that determine the speed and health, climate, or acclimatization. Volcanoes give indications on the minimum and maximum altitude encountered during the trip.

Trek type refers to a walk or a one-way circuit. There are two types of one-way trips. One is defined as having a starting point and end point of which requires a shuttle. The second type of journey required to return to the starting point the same route.

Team

To fully enjoy your walk in the region, a full and proper equipment is important. A full body sun all day sun protection needs. This includes sunglasses high quality, wide brim hat, long sleeve shirts, sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen.

Always wear a jacket for wind and wool shirts with you as the air cools after sunset and if there is wind, it can be cold. Be prepared for cold nights in the foothills and the highlands. After sunset woolly hats and warm clothes are advisable. In addition, ankle-high boots, walking sticks, flashlight and first aid kit are essential. Remember to always carry enough water with you. As the region is near the border of Bolivia and Peru, it is important to have identification at all times. If necessary the Chilean military and police, carabineros, are useful. In urban areas and in some places in the mountains near Putre no cell phone reception depending on your provider.

Expeditions of scientific, technical or mountain in the border region of Chile held by foreigners not residing in Chile requires a specific authorization DIFROL, the National Authority of Frontiers and Limits of Chile. The application must be completed for this purpose and be delivered directly to DIFROL or Chilean Consulate. The tours or mountain biking trips do not require special authorization. The authorizations are free DIFROL but require advance planning and a detailed specification of schedule, Expedition leader, destination, etc. For more information see www.difrol.cl

Hikers ethics

Respect private property! And no trace local owners or paths.

Respect local people and their customs! Note that local people do not like that you take pictures of them because they believe that their soul is captured in this way. Please ask before taking any photographs.

Observe wildlife from a distance only!

Please take the garbage (and that of others) with you.

ARICA

Arica is the most northern city in Chile and the capital of the XV region which is called Arica and Parinacota Region. It is located in a border triangle, which is 56 kilometers from Tacna, Peru, 197 km from the border with Bolivia, and 571 km from La Paz. In 1855, the Peruvian government opened the Arica-Tacna railway line , one of the first in Latin America. The original train of a single wagon still runs every morning and returns from Tacna to Arica on the same day. Many people cross the border daily to travel between the cities, partly because many services (such as dentists) and goods are cheaper on the Peruvian side.

Because of its proximity to Peru and Bolivia, Arica's history is closely linked to that of its neighbors. The city was part of Peru until June 7, 1880 when it was taken by Chilean forces during the Pacific War which was fought between Chile and the joint forces of Bolivia and Peru from 1879-1883. The reason for dispute between Chile and Bolivia was the control over territory in the Atacama desert that contained valuable mineral resources. In 1929, Chile retained sovereignty over the city, but port facilities required to provide full zone for Peru and Bolivia.

Once a bulwark of defense, the Morro de Arica, now houses the statue of Cristo de la Paz, which was established as a symbol of peace and friendship between the three countries. The mountain height of 130 m is the symbol of the city and an excellent vantage point overlooking the city, the Pacific and the surrounding valleys.

Located in the Atacama Desert, Arica is one of the driest places on earth inhabited with an average annual rainfall of less than 0.76 mm. As the city of eternal spring, Arica has the best water temperature in the country and a surprisingly mild climate as being situated so close to the equator. This has made Arica a popular destination especially for foreign tourists and Bolivians.

On August 16, 1868, a magnitude 8.5 earthquake hit Arica and generated a massive tsunami across the Pacific that hit the city shortly after the earthquake ended. The tsunami was a disaster for the port and the lower parts of the city that still belonged to Peru at the time. An estimated 300 people died. Other locations across the Pacific were also damaged by the tsunami. Hawaii was particularly affected, as well as Japan and New Zealand to the west, where waves reaching 5.4 and 4.5 meters. As a result, the center of the city of Arica was completely rebuilt and was granted a new church, which was initially to another city of Peru. The cast iron church designed by Gustave Eiffel was shipped in pieces from France to Peru. Another important building is the Customs building, old customs of Arica, whose bricks bearing the signature of Eiffel.

Directly across from the old customs and old train station Arica-La-Paz, is a fishing port with daily fish market. Fishermen sell its fresh fish and shellfish like oysters, grouper, or Pippin. A local specialty is ceviche, a salad of fresh fish marinated with lemon and coriander. The attractiveness of the port of Arica is in its authentic style; Colorful boats of the fishermen are at anchor, followed closely by a large number of pelicans and sea lions. It is definitely worthwhile to make a boat trip along the coast to the colonies of penguins and sea lions.

Located a few miles east of Arica, Azapa Valley is among the desert mountains decorations that have pre-Hispanic archaeological sites. At the Sacred Cerro Sombrero geoglyphs can be see of the most extraordinary ancient cultures. The valley is home to one of the best archaeological museums in South America - the Museum of San Miguel de Azapa, which shows the Chinchorro mummies, which are the oldest existing examples of mummified human remains.

Thanks to its favorable climate, Azapa Valley produces a variety of vegetables, fruits, and the famous olives of Azapa throughout the year. Local farmers sell fresh vegetables and fruits such as mango or pineapple, at the Agro market in Arica.

1. Las corazones - Bird Paradise

Only a few miles outside of Arica, the beach becomes a steep rocky coast and is inhabited by thousands of cormorants, pelicans, gulls, sea lions and Humboldt penguins. The trail leads past mysterious caves and strange rock doors always accompanied by the roar of the waves of the Pacific. Almost anywhere else in northern Chile can boast of many birds, especially in the afternoon, when the huge swarms of cormorants and pelicans start returning to their breeding nests at Corazones. The trail follows the route of guano still used by the locals to harvest guano.

Getting to Los corazones:

Los corazones beach is located south of Arica at the end of the coastal road. Taxis offer a service from downtown to Hearts of 3,000 pesos each way.

Descripción

Start and end:

The Beach of Los corazones;

From the parking space of Los Corazones, the road passes entrances to caves and steep coastal hills that rise to 150 m. Occasionally, we hear the cries of sea lions that extend into the offshore islands. Occasionally, the trail winds sharply down to small coves where shells and real competition transition can be found. We walk about 2.7 km along the well marked path until you reach a place called animita (little soul), where you find three crosses and a small chapel. Be carefull as the route may include slippery sections, continue untill you get to the gorge at the end of the trail. Here we turn around and walk back the same way, but this time with a new perspective to the north.

2. Azapa - Virgen del Rosario

Azapa Valley, east of Arica is often regarded as the breadbasket of the country due to its unique climate which allows the cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables and fruits throughout the year. Over the river of the same name, Azapa Valley, not only impresses with valuable archaeological sites but also offers the best trekking trips. The total length of the route of the pilgrims to the shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary consists of 20 km. It is recommended to walk the path to Humagata Ausipar as this is the best section of the road and is great to know the typical desert vegetation of the region and the river valleys. The tour can be combined with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa, which houses the world's oldest mummies and shows the history of colonization in the region.

Getting to Ausipar:

From Arica we Ausipar through the valley 40 km Azapa a well paved road and then continue for 12 km gravel road.

Description

Start and end: Ausipar

The Way of a Pilgrim "Virgen del Rosario" starts in Ausipar. A well-marked path leads through the valley of the river near the water or alternatively with the desert mountains, across the water from time to time. Vertical rock walls rise on either side and a multitude of colors can be seen at different times of day.

The road is clear and visible thanks to the pilgrims who come every year in October to celebrate the feast of "Virgen del Rosario de Las Peñas de Livilcar". There are some stalls left on the road. After about 2.5 hours we get toHumagata, a small town with an adobe chapel. This is a great place to picnic. From here we return Ausipar the same way, this time with different views.

3. Codpa - oasis in the desert

Codpa is well known for having one of the best fresh water supplies in the region, a fertile valley, and a rich cultural heritage of colonial churches. The track leads along the river valley passing small settlements Vitor Aymara and churches built with adobe. A stay at Codpa is an ideal opportunity to adapt slowly to the altitude before continuing on to Putre and the highlands. The attraction lies in its rich Codpa green valley of fruit trees and palms in the desert of Atacama. A series of beautiful colonial churches show the exquisite architecture of the region in all its glory.

Getting to Codpa

In Arica, take the Panamerican Highway, and go 67 km to the junction to Codpa. Turn left and go 47 km to the village. The bus agency La Paloma (German Riesgo 2071, Arica) has buses running at Codpa three times a week and return the same day. The trip takes you through the typical landscape of the Atacama Desert, to the sculptures of the Guardianship, cacti and an area filled with hundreds of stone mounds. Those who continue their journey to Peru by car need to bring gas in containers from Arica.

Description

Start and end point: Codpa

The tour begins in the north-east of Codpa. Cross the small bridge over the river and follow the Vitor gravel road in the north of the valley. To our right, is the fertile valley of fruit and vegetable plantations. After 4 km, we arrive at the Guatanave solution that can be seen from afar by the white church tower. After walking a mile we reached to 2,010 m. Guañacagua The churches of northern Chile, is located above the village is built in the purest style Arequipa. After this we return to the cultural highlights of Codpa. You cross a bridge a little behind the church and should follow the route on the south side of the valley back to Codpa.

PUTRE

Putre is a village at 3,500 m in the foothills of Chile. Surrounded by green terrace culture dominated by the snowcapped peaks of the volcano Taapaca (5,860 m), is an idyllic settlement of 1,200 people aymara. Located just 4 km from the international highway number 11, which has 127 km from Arica and 71 km from the border with Bolivia. Given the remoteness of the place, Putre offers an excellent infrastructure of warehouses little food, lodging, restaurants, and is the starting point for a series of walking tours, making it an ideal place for acclimatization.

Putre or derived from phuxtiri putire in Aymara and means sound of burbling water,due to the large number of channels in this town. Putre is characterized by a strong presence of the Aymara culture is reflected in the architecture of the houses. Putreños as referenced Putre people live in colorful houses built of adobe and originally covered with straw. A distinctive building is the church dedicated to San Ildefonso which has a separate two-story bell tower. The latter is very similar to the bell tower of Socoroma. Both towns are located in the path of silver from Potosi to Arica.

Especially Putre acquired considerable importance to the mid 16th century thanks to the Pacific Ocean and a century later because Choquelimpie gold. A number of beautiful entries that still adorn the main doors of some houses reflecting a prosperous past. In addition, ancestral stories and myths are decoratively immortalized in six murals that tell stories of Putre through Aymara paintings.Putre aims to preserve the legends of its people that have been handed over for hundreds of years, such as the history of Jurasi (input Putre, Baquedano). All six legends were performed in plays for children's theater Putre "Kimsaqallqu."

Leaving the center of Putre, in any direction there are paths that local roads are rangeland and major alfalfa-growing areas, oregano, or potatoes. The region is ideal for hiking and active acclimatization before continuing to the Lauca National Park.

During the week, Putre is a busy place. As the inhabitants of the province of Parinacota, the municipality and the governor, and major organizations such as CONADI, SAG and CONAF, have their offices here. Therefore, many people in the administrative sector come to work and live in Putre, but return to Arica on the weekends. Due to the closure of the borders of Bolivia and Peru, there is a considerable military presence of at least 400 professional soldiers and conscripts in Putre. On the afternoon of Friday, Putre seems to become the most peaceful place on earth. As is the case in many rural areas, Putre is affected by the rural exodus. Young people to study and work in urban areas in Chile, mainly Arica, Iquique and Santiago.

Tourism offers opportunities for many of them.

The main square, Plaza de Putre, is surrounded by the town, craft shops, restaurants, and the bank (ATM). Note that the bank and the ATM is closed evenings and weekends. Putre has several good restaurants serving traditional local dishes, such as alpaca meat or a vegetarian option spicy llaita, fresh-water algae of the plateau.

The National Forestry Corporation CONAF at the opposite of the military site in Riquelme are very useful and provide information on weather conditions and the road condition. There are several Internet cafes, call centers and public health care. in general good reception for cell phone, depending on the supplier. The only hospital in the region is located at the entrance of Putre in Baquedano Street. Note that there is no pharmacy in Putre. Any special equipment must be obtained in Arica. Small food stores only provide basic food and specialties. Fuel can be bought in some places in Putre, but this is not always true and must be brought through extra petrol cans Arica. There is daily public transport used to leave Putre in the morning and return to Arica in the afternoon (bus agency La Paloma de Baquedano or German Riesgo Putre 2017 in Arica).

Lauca National Park Tours bookable in Putre and are accompanied by local guides Aymara.