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Highlights
Spend 6 days immersed in the cultural and natural highlights of Aymara region in Chile
Find yourself welcomed in the territory of the Aymara, a fascinating native culture that lives in the Andean highlands.
Learn about the customs, traditions, and way of life of Chile’s indigenous people with incredible cultural experiences and homestays.
Explore the spellbinding Lauca National Park with a beautiful hike to Chungará Lake where you’ll unlock incredible views.
Discover the incredible Canyon of Cardona and Lluta Valley where you’ll take in fascinating geoglyphs and petroglyphs.
The 6-Day Aymara Chile Cultural Experience leads you into Chile’s extreme north, also know as the territory of the Aymara.
The Aymara are a native culture of Chile that dwell in the picturesque Andean highlands on the Altiplano Plateau. On this unique adventure, you’ll learn the customs and traditions of this indigenous people while exploring the Altiplano highland and the stunning coast around Arica. Each day of the tour, you’ll encounter immersive cultural experiences as you explore and stay in small villages. Find yourself welcomed by the Yatiri (shaman of Aymara) in Putre and receive a woven bag containing coca leaves, in line with Aymara tradition. Harvest papayas and other produce along side Aymara locals as you learn about their unique way of life.
Discover unique natural sites such as the Lauca National Park – undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks in Chile – and the famous Chungará Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.
Get the best of both worlds on this incredible guided adventure that blends the best of Aymara culture with the natural beauty of the Altiplano Plateau!
Aymara Culture
Indigenous to the Andes and Altiplano regions of South America, the Aymara culture has ancient roots that can be traced beyond the periods of the Spanish Conquest and the Inca Empire. Now located mostly within the Lake Titicaca basin, the Aymara people continue to practice their cultural traditions, customs, and rituals; having rebelled several times in their history to preserve their way of life. The Aymara in Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru are a hospitable people that are happy to share their knowledge and experience with visitors.
The 6-Day Aymara Chile Cultural Experience leads you into Chile’s extreme north, also know as the territory of the Aymara.
The Aymara are a native culture of Chile that dwell in the picturesque Andean highlands on the Altiplano Plateau. On this unique adventure, you’ll learn the customs and traditions of this indigenous people while exploring the Altiplano highland and the stunning coast around Arica. Each day of the tour, you’ll encounter immersive cultural experiences as you explore and stay in small villages. Find yourself welcomed by the Yatiri (shaman of Aymara) in Putre and receive a woven bag containing coca leaves, in line with Aymara tradition. Harvest papayas and other produce along side Aymara locals as you learn about their unique way of life.
Discover unique natural sites such as the Lauca National Park – undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks in Chile – and the famous Chungará Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.
Get the best of both worlds on this incredible guided adventure that blends the best of Aymara culture with the natural beauty of the Altiplano Plateau!
Aymara Culture
Indigenous to the Andes and Altiplano regions of South America, the Aymara culture has ancient roots that can be traced beyond the periods of the Spanish Conquest and the Inca Empire. Now located mostly within the Lake Titicaca basin, the Aymara people continue to practice their cultural traditions, customs, and rituals; having rebelled several times in their history to preserve their way of life. The Aymara in Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru are a hospitable people that are happy to share their knowledge and experience with visitors.
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Aymara Chile Cultural Experience Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival and Transfer to Arica
Your adventure begins today in Arica, Chile’s northernmost city. You’ll be picked up from the airport and and a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Arica. Once checked in, enjoy some downtime getting settled and grabbing a bite for lunch.
In the afternoon discover the most important sights of the city on a guided tour, taking in the Plaza Colon, the Cathedral of San Marcos, the Cultural House and the Fishermen’s Mole. End with an ascent to Mount El Morro, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city to top of an incredible first day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arica
Meals: None
Day 2 Discover Azapa Valley
Explore the nearby Azapa Valley today and get ready for a whirlwind cultural experience!
First up on your Aymara Chile Cultural Experience tour is a visit to a large vegetable market, where local produce of the valley is offered for sale by its indigenous population. Here, you’ll learn about and are able to buy the leaves of the Coca plant, the Aymara’s remedy against altitude sickness. The trip then continues along the old road of Cerro Sombrero, past the geo-glyphs in Alto Ramírez and into the interesting Archeological Museum of San Miguel. The museum exhibits mummies of the Chinchorro culture – some of the oldest mummies in the world!
In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to help the local Aymara locals harvest vegetables and fruits such as papayas. It’s a great opportunity to learn about their traditional agricultural methods, but also about modernized approaches.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arica
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 Canyon of Cardona, Lluta Valley and the Pukara de Huaihuarani
Leaving Arica behind, you’ll travel to the village of Belén this morning (130km) which is located 3,240 meters (10,600 ft.) above sea level. This village was founded in 1625 by the Spaniards and today it is home to just 140 inhabitants. On the way, you’ll stop at the canyon of Cardona and Lluta Valley to take in fascinating geoglyphs and petroglyphs.
An afternoon walk takes you to the Pukara de Huaihuarani, a Pre-Inca fortress that was declared a historical monument in 1983. It is located around 6km west of Belén and is still in its original (not restored) state. Enjoy great views over the traditional terraced fields with potato and maize cultivation here.
Overnight Location: Aymara family house in Belén
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Putre and Aymara Ceremony
After a family breakfast, pay a visit to Socoroma, another picturesque Aymara community in the pre-Andean region, situated at 2,800 m (9,100 ft) above sea level. Its 130 inhabitants live mainly off alfalfa and oregano terraces. Then, continue on to Putre, one of the most important towns in the Chilean part of the Andean highland, the Altiplano. It was founded in 1580 and currently hosts around 1,200 inhabitants.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the Yatiri (shaman of Aymara) and receive a woven bag containing coca leaves, in line with Aymara tradition. During the following ceremony, the Yatiri calls for the ancestors and the forces of nature (the “Pachamama” – Mother Earth). The ritual expresses gratitude for the fertility of plants, animals and people. It is also used to ask for protection and well-being, in exchange for coca leaves.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Putre
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Lauca National Park and Chungará Lake
Today on Aymara Chile Cultural Experience Tour, visit the spectacular Lauca National Park! It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1981. On the way, stop at an Apacheta, a ceremonial site that was used centuries ago by Lama caravans. Laying a stone here is a gesture of gratitude towards the Achachilas, the guardian spirits of the Andes highlands.
The Lauca National Park administration and visitor center is located in Parinacota, one of the most beautiful villages of the Chilean highlands. Its well-preserved church of Catholic missionaries has been declared a national monument. From here you’ll walk a picturesque hiking trail to Chungará Lake, located 4,517 meters (14,800 ft) above sea level. Soak up the view of Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes during a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll top off the day with a visit to the village of Chucuyo, where you can watch the local Aymaras making textiles before returning to Putre.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Putre
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Transfer to Arica and Depart
Your Aymara Chile cultural experience comes to an end this morning as you transfer from Putre back to the airport of Arica today. Take a flight back home via Santiago or continue your journey in another region of Chile. It is recommended to book an afternoon or evening flight for departure.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Aymara Chile Cultural Experience Tour Price and Dates
This guided hiking tour in Chile is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person depends on the type of rooms chosen. The prices below are per person:- Price per person sharing a double room: USD3150 per person
- Price per person sharing a triple room: USD2745 per person
- Price per person staying in a single room (when travelling with group): USD3480 per person
Accommodation on Aymara Chile Tour
This tour is based in hotels and family homes.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those willing to have single rooms will need to pay a supplement (on request).
What’s Included in the Aymara Cultural Experience Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes all transfers and excursions as mentioned in itinerary, including airport transfers. Flights are not included.
Also Included
- English or German speaking guide
- All taxes
- Entrance fees
- Traditional ceremonies and cultural activities as mentioned in the program
Not included
- Meals not noted as included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Flights
Optional Extras
- Extra nights before or after the tour
- How hard is the Aymara Cultural Experience Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?
- Are meals included on the Aymara Cultural Experience Tour?
- Do I need travel insurance?
- How do I get to Arica to start this tour?
- Is the Aymara Cultural Experience Tour in English?
- Where does the Aymara Cultural Experience Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. There are no strenuous activities during the tour, however, you’ll spend numerous hours walking while sightseeing.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Arica International Airport (ARI). This airport can be reached via direct flight from Santiago.
You can choose either English or German-speaking guide for this tour. Alternatively, you can book this tour with local Spanish-speaking Aymara guide.
The tour ends where it starts, in Arica.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
In Andes Nativa, their name says it all. Their highest priority are authentic travel experiences in Chile, where the mighty Andes Mountains are a steady companion. NATIVA represents the pristine and fragile, worthy of protection.
