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Special Interest by Destination:


Chile - NORTH


A&R ARI 1 : FROM THE PACIFIC TO THE ANDES       (3 Days / 2 Nights)


DAY 01
ARICA / AZAPA VALLEY / ARICA
Arrival to Arica. Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Arica. In the afternoon we will have a comprehensive S.I.B. city tour of Arica visiting the beaches, the San Marcos Cathedral and the Casa de la Cultura (Culture House) which were both designed and built in the workshops of Gustavo Eiffel, the Morro de Arica (Arica hill) where we will appreciate a magnificent panoramic view of the city. We will then stop at the fishermen’s pier to watch the pelicans and sea-wolves. Our route then continues along the Azapa valley where we will observe geoglyphs, prehistoric cave paintings and drawings on the hillsides. We will also visit the archaeological museum of San Miguel where we will see an exhibition of the “Chinchorro Mummies”, which are vestiges of a mysterious group of fishermen who developed this mummification process approximately 5000 BC. The mummified bodies and fragile remains of their material culture were preserved in excellent condition by the desert sands. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Arica.

DAY 02 ARICA / PUTRE
Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart in the morning by S.I.B. service to Putre. On route we will visit picturesque villages and sites of archaeological interest such as the Lluta Valley, Cardones Gorge with its cactus candelabra, Pukará de Copaquilla, Tambo Inca de Zapahuira, until we finally reach our destination. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Putre.

DAY 03 PUTRE / PARINACOTA / LAKE CHUNGARA / LA PAZ
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we will depart visiting the historic town of Parinacota and then continuing on to Lake Chungará , one of the highest in the world at 4.570 meters (15.000 feet) above sea level and also declared a World Biosphere Reserve. We will enter the Lauca National Park where we will be surrounded by snow capped volcanoes and mountains. We will also be able to apreciate the majesty of Lake Chungará overlooked by the spectacular Payachatas volcanoes which are the “Mallkus” (Gods) of the andes. The local fauna includes Guanacos, llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Vizcachas (a hare like rodent). Box lunch included. At the agreed time we will connect with a scheduled bus service to La Paz in Bolivia late in the afternoon. Arrival to La Paz.

NOTES

• Minimum 2 pax in S.I.B. services. Operates all year round. Private services upon request
• Entrance fees to Museums included.
• Bus ticket included.
• Box lunch is included.
• Due to high altitude (4500 meters / 15000 feet during Lake Chungara excursion) this program is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 8 years old, and people suffering from heart conditions.


A&R ARI 2 : FROM THE PACIFIC TO THE ANDES
  Regular Services
VALIDITY:
December 16th 2004 – December 16th 2005
DBL
SGL SUP
GUIDE
FROM
430
55
Spanish
All prices are per person, en double occupancy. Include services and meals describe on the itinerary.


A&R ARI2 : ALTIPLANIC ARICA      (4 Days / 3 Nights)


DAY 01
ARICA / AZAPA VALLEY / ARICA
Arrival to Arica. Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Arica. In the afternoon we will have a comprehensive S.I.B. city tour of Arica visiting the beaches, the San Marcos Cathedral and the Casa de la Cultura (Culture House), the Morro de Arica (Arica hill) where we will appreciate a magnificent panoramic view of the city. We will then stop at the fishermen’s pier to watch the pelicans and sea-wolves. Our route then continues along the Azapa valley where we will observe geoglyphs, prehistoric cave paintings and drawings on the hillsides. We will also visit the archaeological museum of San Miguel where we will se an exhibition of the “Chinchorro Mummies”, which date back to 5000 BC. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Arica.

DAY 02 ARICA / TIGNAMAR / BELEN / PUTRE
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for a S.I.B. excursion through the desert, with short stops where we can observe the changes in the landscape from the desert to the feet of the Andes as well as the great variety of cacti. Box lunch included. We will visit the pre-Columbian villages of Tignamar, Belén, Chapiquiña, Socoroma and Putre, connected by small trails which are part of the Camino del Inca (Inca Way) and which still conserve their Aymará traditions, religion and agricultural system of terrace technology and platform irrigation. Arrival to Putre. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Putre.

DAY 03 PUTRE / PARINACOTA / LAKE CHUNGARA / ARICA
Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart for a visit to the historic town of Parinacota and then to Lake Chungará, one of the highest in the world at 4,570 m (15,000 feet) above sea level. We will enter the Lauca National Park where we will be surrounded by snow capped volcanoes and mountains. We will also be able to apreciate the majesty of Lake Chungará overlooked by the spectacular Payachatas volcanoes which are the “Mallkus” (Gods) of the Andes. The local fauna includes Guanacos, llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Vizcachas (a hare like rodent). In the afternoon we will return to the hotel in Arica. Overnight.

DAY 04 ARICA
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, S.I.B. transfer to the airport to board departure flight.

NOTES

• Minimum 2 pax in S.I.B. services. Operates all year round. Private services upon request.
• Entrance fees to Museums included.
• Box lunch is included day 3.
• Due to high altitude ( 4500 meters / 15000 feet during Lake Chungara excursion) this program is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 8 years old, and people suffering from heart conditions.


A&R ARI2 : ALTIPLANIC ARICA ( 4 Days / 3 Nights )
  Regular Services
FROM
DBL
SGL SUP
GUIDE
VALIDITY:
December 26th 2004 – February 28th 2005
405
80
English
VALIDITY: March 1st – December 25th 2005
410
85
English
All prices are per person, en double occupancy. Include services and meals describe on the itinerary.


A&R ARI 3 : MYSTICAL AYMARA TOUR      (4 Days / 3 Nights)


DAY 01 ARICA / AZAPA VALLEY / ARICA
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we will have a city tour visiting the beaches and the main points of interest including the Morro de Arica (Arica hill) with its magnificent panoramic view . We will then stop at the fishermen’s pier to watch the pelicans and sea-wolves. Our route then continues along the Azapa valley where we will observe geoglyphs. We will also visit the archaeological museum of San Miguel where we will se an exhibition of the “Chinchorro Mummies”, from approximately 5000 BC. Return to the hotel. At night, visitors can learn about the characteristics of the Aymará people and culture, through a speech by an expert. Overnight at the hotel in Arica.

DAY 02 ARICA / TIGNAMAR / BELEN / PUTRE
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for an excursion through the desert. Box lunch included. We will visit the Aymara villages of Tignamar, Belén, Chapiquiña, Socoroma and Putre, connected by the Camino del Inca (Inca Way). Arrival to Putre. Meeting the "YATIRI" (Aymará religious and spiritual leader), who welcomes the visitors. Candlelight dinner with live native music. After dinner we will take part in a "CHALLA" which is a native ceremony in which the "YATIRI" asks "PACHAMAMA" (Mother Land) and "TATA INTI" (Father Sun) for people and nature to live in harmony whilst thanking them for all the blessings received. Overnight at the hotel in Putre.

DAY 03 PUTRE / PARINACOTA / LAKE CHUNGARA / ARICA
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure to visit the historic town of Parinacota , a ceremonial Aymará village and one of the oldest in the area. We will then go to Lake Chungara in the Lauca National Park. We will then make a stop to make a ritual visit to an "APACHETA", a ceremony dedicated to the holy spirits of the high peaks of the Andes, asking them for well-being and protection on the roads. Box lunch on route. In the afternoon, transfer to Arica through the Lluta valley, where we will see the following important archeological sites: Tambo Inca of Zapahuira, Pukara of Copaquilla, petroglyphs and geoglyphs. Arrival in the evening to the hotel in Arica. Overnight.

DAY 04 ARICA
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, S.I.B. transfer to the airport to board departure flight.

NOTES

• Minimum 5 pax in S.I.B. services. Private services quoted on request.
• Operates all year round.
• This program also counts on the services of an Aymará guide.
• Entrance fees to Museums included.
• Due to high altitude ( 4500 meters / 15000 feet during Lake Chungara excursion) this program is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 8 years old, and people suffering from heart conditions.


A&R ARI3 : MYSTICAL AYMARA TOUR
  Regular Services
FROM
DOUBLE
SGL SUP
GUIDE
VALIDITY:
December 16th 2004 – March 15th 2005
570
90
Spanish/English
VALIDITY: March 16th – December 15th 2005
560
90
Spanish/English


A&R ARI4 : THE WORLD UP ABOVE      (4 Days / 3 Nights)


DAY 01 ARICA / PUTRE
Arrival to Arica. Reception at the airport and departure heading inland passing the Lluta oasis. Enormous geoglyphs from the Tiawanaku culture can be seen and a petroglyph area is visited. Poconchile, an ancient prehispanic settlement with an interesting church dating from the XVII century , is passed through. Heading on through the desert, Pukará de Copaquilla, an ancient fortress, is reached. Arrival to Putre, a town with colonial gridlines located at 3,500 m (11,500 feet) above sea level where we will overnight and acclimatize.

DAY 02 PUTRE / SURIRI SALT FLAT /PUTRE
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the Suriri salt flat, 127 kms (80 miles) South East of Putre at 4.300 m (14,000 feet) above sea level. Las Vicuñas National reservation is visited (where the Vicuña is a protected species) as well as the stone-built towns of Ancuta, Guallatiri and Viluvio where the Aymara indians live from alpaca and llama breeding. The excursion continues along the altiplano in the shadow of numerous snow capped peaks amongst which one will find the Guallatiri Volcano which is permanently smoking. One may see en route ñandues (american ostrich) known as “suri” in the Aymara language and which gives the name to the Salt Flat “Suriri” (place of Suris). The salt flat, declared a national monument, is a breeding ground for three types of flamingoes. In the afternoon return to Putre. Overnight in Putre.

DAY 03 PUTRE / LAKE CHUNGARA / ARICA
Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to the Lauca National Park with its impressive sights and wide variety of andean flora and fauna. Stop to partake in an andean ritual, “Apacheta”, a ceremony dedicated to the sacred spirits of the high peaks of the Andes that invokes their protection and well being for the road ahead. The excursion continues visitng Lake Chungará, surrounded by the impressive Payachatas volcanoes, and then on to Parinacota, an aymara ceremonial village and one of the oldest in the area. Return to Arica, brief city tour and visit to the Miguel de Azapa Museum. Overnight in Arica.

DAY 04 ARICA
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

NOTES

• Minimum 2 passengers in private and SIB services.
• Operates all year round.
• Box lunch on route day 2.
• Due to high altitude (4500 meters / 15000 feet during Lake Chungara excursion) this program is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 8 years old, and people suffering from heart conditions.
• Excursions and meals according to the program.


A&R ARI4 : THE WORLD UP ABOVE
  Regular Services
FROM
DBL
SGL SUP
GUIDE
VALIDITY:
December 26th 2004 – February 28th 2005
515
70
English
VALIDITY: March 1st – December 15th 2005
502
65
English
All prices are per person, en double occupancy. Include services and meals describe on the itinerary.


A&R IQQ1: THE ROUTE OF THE GEOGLYPHS      (3 Days / 2 Nights)


DAY 01 IQUIQUE
Arrival to Iquique Airport. Reception and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon a city tour is scheduled. We will see the beaches of Península de Cavancha, Playa Brava and Primeras Piedras, buildings from the hey day of the Chile Salt-Petre mines (1880 – 1920), Avenida Balmaceda, Avenida Baquedano, Palacio Astoreca, the Regional Museum, Plaza Prat, the Municipal Theatre and the Spanish Centre. We will then visit the quay, where the remains of the naval hero, Arturo Prat, are kept. On one side of the quay, you will see the Naval Museum which houses important artefacts from the Iquique Naval Battle and other epic naval battles. We will also find the Customs-House (the former railway), the industrial zone, and the monument in honour of the "unknown sailor". Return to the hotel in Iquique. Overnight.

DAY 02 IQUIQUE / PINTADO GEOGLYPHS / PICA OASIS / IQUIQUE
Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure for the pampas, where we will visit the former Chile salt-peter mine offices of Santa Laura and Humberstone, which have been declared National Monuments, and where we will discover the splendid past of the White Gold era. We will then make a short stop at the village of Pozo Almonte. Then, we will continue on to the Geoglifos de Pintado, the great masterpiece of pre-Columbian art. On the hillsides there are more than 400 figures, gathered together in "panels" or thematic groups. They represent human beings, animals, birds and abstract drawings, which all together form the most important archaeological heritage of the area. We will then visit the Pica Oasis, prehispaic indian village at the feet of the mountains where springs irrigate this oasis. You will see guavas, mangos and citrus fruits in the surrounding fields. We will then go to Matilla oasis whose town dates back to 1760. The Lagar de Matilla stands out, a place where wine was produced. We will also visit the village and sanctuary of La Tirana. Every July 16, people from La Tirana present an organised ritual (Calvary and Sanctuary) with Chinese fraternities, masked dances and original costumes from the altiplano (high plateau) in honour of their church, built in the XIII century. Return to the hotel in Iquique. Overnight.

DAY 03 IQUIQUE
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport and assistance to board departure flight.

NOTES

• Minimum 2 pax
• Operates all year round.
• Box lunch is included day 2.
• Museums are closed on Mondays. Entrance fees to Museums included.
• Astoreca Palace is closed on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons.

A&R IQQ1 : THE ROUTE OF THE GEOGLYPHS
  REGULAR SERVICES
FROM
DOUBLE
SINGLE SUP
GUIDE
VALIDITY: December 26th – February 28th 2005
175
90
Spa/Eng
VALIDITY: March 1st – December 25th 2005
155
75
Spa/Eng
All prices are per person, en double occupancy. Include services and meals describe on the itinerary.


A&R CJC2: MARVELS OF THE ATACAMA      (4 Days / 3 Nights)


DAY 01 CALAMA / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Arrival to Calama. Reception at the airport and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. On route we will see the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt mountain range) and the only view of the massive salt flat with the Licancabur volcano in the background. Arrival to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight.

DAY 02 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / QUITOR / MOON VALLEY / SAN PEDRO
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we will visit the Archaeological Museum Padre Le Paige where we will witness an exhibition showing the evolution of Atacamanian life over the last 11000 years. We will then visit the town church, The Main Square, the house of Pedro de Valdivia (a conquistador and the founder of Santiago). We will then visit the Pukará de Quitor. In the afternoon we will take an excursion to the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), famous world wide for its “lunar” appearance, the salt caves, the Tres Marias (Three Marys) rock formations and the great dune from where we will witness a spectacular sunset. Return to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight.

DAY 03 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / TOCONAO / MISCANTE & MIÑIQUE LAGUNES / SAN PEDRO
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion (with box lunch included) visiting the village of Toconao with its interesting liparite stone buildings, and then on to the Atacama salt flat where we will visit the Famingo National Reservation, a habitat of 3 of the most beautiful species of flamingo. We will then head for the altiplanic lakes of Miscante and Miñique at over 4000 meters (over 13000 feet) above sea level. Finally we will head for the Aguas calientes salt flat and the impressive Tuyajto lagoon. Return to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight.

DAY 04 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / TATIO GEYSERS/ CALAMA
Early morning departure for the Tatio Geysers to experience this spectacular demonstration of volcanic activity. We will also visit the village of Caspana with its fertile terraces, architecture in Liparita stone and characteristic mud-roofs. We will continue with visits to the villages of Toconce and Vegas de Turi on an awe inspiring route which takes us through Chiu-Chiu and Lasana, with their important cultural and historical legacies including one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Chile. We will arrive to Calama in the afternoon. Transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

NOTES

• Minimum 2 pax. Rates per person. Operates all year round. Box lunch is included on day 3 and 4.
• Entrance fees to Museums and natural sites included. Entrance fees subject to change without prior notice
• Due to high altitude (4321 meters / 14170 feet) the Tatio Geyser field excursion is not recommended for children under 8 years old, pregnant women and people suffering from heart conditions.


A&R CJC2 : MARVELS OF THE ATACAMA
  REGULAR SERVICES
VALIDITY: JANUARY 1ST – DECEMBER 31ST 2005
DBL
SGL SUP
GUIDE
FROM
455
65
English
All prices are per person, en double occupancy. Include services and meals describe on the itinerary.


A&R LSC1 : LA SERENA ECOLOGICAL      (4 Days / 3 Nights)



DAY 1 LA SERENA/ COQUIMBO
Arrival to La Serena airport. Reception and transfer to the hotel in La Serena. In the afternoon we will do a city tour through the center of La Serena with its Museums and neo-colonial style buildings. We will visit San Francisco Church, the Archaeological Museum famous for its exhibition of Diaguitas Culture. We will visit La Recova, a market with local handicrafts. We will drive up to the Colina del Pino for a marvelous panoramic view of La Serena and Coquimbo. From there we will head for San Francisco de Aguirre Avenue with its open air sculpture museum and the on to the Monumental Lighthouse. We will then begin a 9 Km ( 5½ mile) drive along the beachfront with its hotels, cabins, restaurants and gardens until Peñuelas beach and the Casino of Coquimbo in the picturesque town of Coquimbo. We will take a panoramic tour of the city visiting Herradura beach. Return to the hotel in La Serena. Overnight.

DAY 2 OVALLE/ FRAY JORGE NATIONAL PARK
Today we will depart for a Full Day excursion towards Ovalle, an area of exuberant vegetation, we will make a short visit to the city. Then we will continue to Valle del Encanto Park, an archaeological site, where there are remains of the Molle civilization, where we can see petroglyphs and “tacitas” stones. We will continue to Fray Jorge National Park. This park, declared by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. It is a typical Valdivian forest situated in a coastal desert area. We will go up to the Limari river where we will be able to see the flora and fauna of the place. Return to La Serena. Overnight.

DAY 3 PUNTA CHOROS BAY / NATIONAL HUMBOLDT PENGUIN RESERVE/ ISLA DAMAS
We will depart for a Full Day excursion to Punta Choros Bay: Up on arrival personal from CONAF (National Forest Corporation) will meet us and give a briefing on The National Humboldt Penguin Reserve. Afterwards, we will sail for about 40 minutes until we reach Choros Island where we will able to admire penguins, seals and sea lions, depending the time of the year. Then we will continue sailing to “Isla Damas” (island) where you will be able to see the popular bottlenose dolphin. We will stay there for about 1 hour to enjoy the white sand and turquoise water. Return to Punta Choros Bay, we will have free time to enjoy the beach and take pictures. In the afternoon we will return to La Serena. Overnight.

DAY 4
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for the departure flight.



A&R LSC1 : COLONIAL LA SERENA
  PRIVATE SERVICES
VALIDTY: JANUARY 1ST – FEBRUARY 28th 2005
DOUBLE
SINGLE
GUIDE
FROM
392
68
English
All prices are per person, en double occupancy. Include services and meals describe on the itinerary.


A&R CJC2 : CARAVAN TO THE DESERT - ATACAMA      (6 Days / 5 Nights)


DAY 01 CALAMA
Reception at the airport and transfer at Hotel in Calama. Accomodation in calama.

DAY 02 CALAMA / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Breakfast at the hotel. During the morning depoarture toward one of the most beautiful places of Chilean desert, San Pedro de Atacama and surroundings. We will arrive in our van to Peine, preincaic town built over stone floor. This place was part of the Inca trail, used in precolombian times by indians. Later was used by conquerors as a commercial route.
We will visit Toconao, small oasis-town thta counts with a unique green in the desert. Toconao has been built in liparita stone, volcanic stone gathered near town.
Later we will visit Atacama Salt Flat, inside, we can visit Los Flamencos National Park , nesting place of different species of flamingoes. The reservation keeps 40% of litium reservation of the planet.
Return to San Pedro de Atacama, Dinner and accomodation.

DAY 03 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / LAGUNA VERDE (BOLIVIA) / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Breakfast at the hotel. We will lead the van toward Bolivia to visit Laguna Verde, by the colours of its waters makes it a real spectacule of nature.
During the afternoon we will do an archaeological tour, visiting Quitor and Tulor, very interesting places because of their importance in precolombian culture. Quitor was a fortress that used to defend atacamenian people from the spaniard attacks. Even now it’s possible to see in the place some rests of this ancient architecture.
Then, we will visit Tulor, a small precolombian village thta will show us some of the Licarantai culture, they lived in the zone since 800 B.C. to 500 B.C. The circle form buildings are the most impressive aspect in this area, all of them, made with adobe, mix made of mud and coiron, that gives a big support.
Return to san Pedro de Atacama. Dinner and accomodation in San Pedro.

DAY 04 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / TATIO / SAN PEDRO
Early in the morning (around 5 A.M.) departure ti visit Tatio geysers (Tatio means The crying old man). Located over 12.000 feet, the place is a real show at dawn with their volcanic activity. After breakfast , we will visit Puritama Hot Springs and get some rest in the waters.
Later we will visit The Moon Valley (El Valle de la Luna), that owne its name because of its similarity with the selenit terrain. The Domeiko chain mountain creates its own natural spectacule. Alsao vist to the Mars valley, red plateau that looks very similar as Mars.
Return to San Pedro de Atacama. Dinner and accomodation.

DAY 05 SAN PEDRO / IQUIQUE
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from San Pedro de Atacama toward Northern Chile. On the way visit the Pintados Geogliphs, a master piece of precolombian times. On this huge wall it is posisible to find more than 400 geogliphs, this reason makes it the bigest wall with geogliphs around the world.
Lunch and vist the Pica Oasis, to fisnish in Ex.nitrate mining town Humberstone, this ghost town, even now keeps some of their past, such as the main Theatre, the Church and the houses that workers used to inhabitate at the beginning of the XX century.
By dask, arrive to Iquique, main city of First Region. Dinner and accomodation .

DAY 06 IQUIQUE
Breakfast at the hotel. During the morning visit to Iquique, where is possible to visit the most important beaches of the city, as well the architecture from thew aristocracy from the beginning of XX century. Visit to Astoreca Palace, Regional Museum, City hall Theatre and Spanish Center.
Transfer to the airport during the afternoon.
A la hora convenida se realiza transfer al aeropuerto dando por finalizado este programa.

NOTES

• Min. 2 passengers. Program is developed in a 4WD VAN, equiped with air conditioning, GPS (Global Position System), Notebook conected to internet during the whole trip, mountain bikes, trekking equipment, hot springs equipment, kitchen, bar, telescope and portable toilette.
• Program includes full board (excepting día 1 and day 6).
• Program start every 5th day of the month. In case of three or more passengers the program. In case of three or more passengers the program becomes a private program starting any day of the month.
• Services are provided with bilingual guide (spanish – english)
• Accomodation is held in 5,4 and 3 stars hotels, according with city visited. The program includes passeners sharing double room. Single suplement upon request.

A&R CJC2 : CARAVAN TO THE DESERT - ATACAMA
VALIDITY: January 1st 2004 – December 15th 2004 SERVICES : SIB
BASIS
DBL
SGL SUP
GUIDE
CARAVAN TO THE DESERT
ATACAMA
Hotel Park Calama (Calama)
1.120
40
Spanish/English
All the rates are per person in base double room, including services and meals mentioned on itinerary. Single suplement applies in La Serena accomodation.