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El Norte Grande, Chile’s Far North, is often associated with the Atacama & Norte Chico, but this Chile Deep North overland journey goes beyond the classic desert routes into a more remote, less travelled and deeply fascinating territory. The route connects the Pacific coast, the Andean highlands, ancient archaeological heritage, traditional villages, salt flats, volcanoes and historic desert towns.
Beginning in Arica, the journey introduces travellers to a coastal city shaped by history, archaeology, and its unique position between the desert, ocean, and fertile valleys. One of the cultural highlights of this region is the legacy of the Chinchorro culture, whose settlements and artificial mummification tradition in the Arica and Parinacota Region are recognised by UNESCO World Heritage.
From Arica, the route gradually climbs toward Putre and the Altiplano, allowing time for acclimatization before exploring some of the most striking landscapes in northern Chile. The program includes Lauca National Park, a protected high-Andean area managed by CONAF, where Lake Chungará, the Cotacotani Lagoons, Parinacota and the surrounding volcanoes create one of the most impressive natural settings in the Chilean highlands.
The journey continues through Las Vicuñas National Park, the Salar de Surire, Polloquere Hot Springs and Isluga Volcano National Park, combining high-altitude nature with a strong sense of isolation and cultural continuity. This is not the most travelled side of Chile, but precisely for that reason it offers a powerful experience for travellers interested in landscapes, archaeology, Andean culture and remote overland routes.
As the route descends toward Tarapacá, the landscape changes again, revealing the Giant of Atacama, the oasis of Pica, and the historic Humberstone Saltpeter Works, part of the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former industrial landscape opens a window into the saltpeter era and the desert communities that shaped the social and economic history of northern Chile.
The journey ends in Iquique, where the Pacific Ocean, historic architecture and coastal atmosphere bring the overland experience to a natural close. Like all bespoke Chile journeys by KMS Travel, this program can be adapted to each traveller’s pace, interests and travel style, while following the responsible travel principles described in Sustainability at KMS Travel.
This Chile Deep North program is especially suited for curious travellers who have already explored Chile’s better-known highlights, or for those looking for an alternative northern route that combines archaeology, Andean culture, desert history and dramatic high-altitude scenery.
Upon arrival at Arica Airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your selected hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will begin a tour of this coastal city known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” where the desert meets the ocean in a setting blessed with a pleasant climate year-round.
The experience begins at the iconic Morro de Arica, a site steeped in history that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the city, and the fertile northern valleys. From this vantage point, one can appreciate Arica’s strategic importance throughout history.
Next, a stroll through the historic district, featuring the Cathedral of San Marcos—a structure attributed to Gustave Eiffel—and the traditional Plaza Colón. The tour continues to the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Chinchorro mummies, the oldest in the world.
This visit offers a glimpse into one of the most fascinating cultures on the planet, which developed complex burial practices thousands of years before other civilizations. Return to the hotel and have free time to enjoy the coastal atmosphere or rest after the trip. Overnight in Arica.
Included: dinner, entrance fees, excursion, bilingual local guide, room, transport.
Early departure from Arica toward the Altiplano, beginning a journey that reveals one of Chile’s most striking contrasts. The route climbs gradually through the Lluta Valley, allowing for a smooth transition from sea level to high-altitude landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll visit the Church of Poconchile, a colonial-era church that reflects the blend of Andean and Spanish cultures, and the Cardones area, where giant cacti dominate the landscape.
As you gain altitude, the surroundings transform: terraced fields, more vegetation, and fauna typical of the foothills appear. The route continues toward the villages of Socoroma and Copaquilla, where ancestral traditions and stone architecture are preserved, offering an authentic glimpse into Andean life.
Lunch is served en route, in a stunning natural setting. Arrival in Putre at 3,500 metres above sea level, a picturesque Altiplano village surrounded by mountains. The afternoon is set aside for rest and acclimatization, essential for fully enjoying the following days. Dinner and lodging.
Included: box lunch, dinner, entrance fees, bilingual local guide, bedroom, breakfast, and transport.
Early departure for Lauca National Park, one of Chile’s most breathtaking landscapes and a jewel of the Andean highlands. This excursion offers the chance to discover vast, sweeping vistas where nature is at its most pristine.
The tour includes the majestic Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world, surrounded by the imposing Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes, creating an unforgettable scene.
Next, visit the Cotacotani Lagoons, a system of volcanic lagoons that is home to flamingos, high-Andean birds, and a surprising biodiversity. During the day, it is common to spot wildlife such as vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas, which roam freely across the high plateau.
You will also visit the village of Parinacota, with its iconic colonial church and its setting of volcanoes and wetlands. Return to Putre in the afternoon. Dinner and lodging. Second night at high altitude, essential for a comfortable and enriching experience.
Included: dinner, entrance fees, bilingual local guide, lunch, bedroom, breakfast, and transport.
We depart early from Putre to venture into one of the most remote and least explored areas of northern Chile. This day represents the heart of the expedition, as we travel through territories where nature and ancestral culture remain virtually untouched.
The journey begins in Las Vicuñas National Park, a vast landscape of high-Andean plains and bofedales, where you can observe vicuñas in the wild, along with birds and other species adapted to the high altitude. The sense of isolation and vastness is an essential part of the experience.
We continue to the Salar de Surire, a setting of breathtaking beauty where the white of the salt flat contrasts with the Altiplano sky. In this area, you’ll visit the Polloquere Hot Springs, natural thermal waters surrounded by absolute silence, in one of the most pristine settings of the Altiplano.
The route continues to Isluga Volcano National Park, where traditional villages like Enquelga appear, reflecting ancestral Andean life. Arrival in Cariquima, a remote Altiplano village where local culture remains alive. Dinner and lodging.
Included: entrance fees, bilingual local guide, lunch, bedroom, breakfast, and transport.
Departure from Cariquima, beginning the descent toward the Tamarugal Pampa and traversing a striking geographical transition from high-altitude landscapes to the aridity of the desert.
En route, we visit the Giant of Atacama, the world’s largest anthropomorphic geoglyph—an impressive figure etched into the hillside that reflects the worldview of the pre-Hispanic cultures of northern Chile.
Next, visit the Humberstone Saltpetre Works, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former mining camp offers insight into the history of the saltpetre boom and life in these industrial towns that shaped the development of northern Chile.
The day concludes in La Huayca, an oasis in the middle of the desert, surrounded by lush vegetation and tranquillity. Dinner and overnight stay.
Included: dinner, entrance fees, excursion, bilingual local guide, lunch, bedroom and breakfast, transport
Departure for the nearby town of Pica, a true oasis in the middle of the desert, known for its microclimate that allows fruit to be grown under unique conditions.
A tour of the town, where you can appreciate its local identity, traditional architecture, and leisurely pace of life, in contrast to the desert surroundings. This experience offers cultural immersion and a chance to connect with local life.
Continue to Iquique, descending from the pampa toward the Pacific coast. Arrival in the city reveals a new landscape: the sea, historic architecture, and a vibrant urban life.
Free afternoon to enjoy the coastline, stroll along Cavancha Beach, or simply relax. Overnight in Iquique.
Included: dinner, excursion, bilingual local guide, lunch, bedroom, breakfast, and transport.
At the agreed time, transfer to Iquique Airport for your departure flight.
Included: breakfast buffet, driver-guide, and transport.
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