Discover Chile from the heights
Did you know that our country has incredible destinations that exceed 3000 meters above sea level? This is because of our spectacular Andes Mountain Range, which extends as the eastern border of our territory, with great heights such as the Aconcagua, with more than 6900 meters of altitude, one of the highest peaks outside the Himalayas.
This is why visitors from all over the world come to the Andes trying to conquer its summit, discover its wonderful landscapes and even recharge themselves with its mystical energy. Our mountain range extends from the north - where the highest peaks are located - to the south, where it dives into the sea and then reappears in Antarctica under the name of Antartandes. Whether you are a great sportsman or simply a mountain lover, we invite you to discover some fascinating destinations in the middle of the Andes Mountain Range.
Tatio Geysers: Located in Region III, at an altitude of 4200 meters, it is the highest geothermal field in the Southern Hemisphere and the third largest field in the world. It has 80 geysers with subway waters that reach more than 80ºC.
They are located 78 kilometers away from San Pedro de Atacama, in a trip that takes approximately two hours, so it is one of the tours in San Pedro de Atacama that are a must if you are in this area. To better observe the spectacle, it is recommended to visit the geysers early in the morning - between 6 and 9 a.m. - to contrast the sunrise with the fumaroles of the geysers. The bravest can dare to dive into its pool of hot springs, despite the low temperatures. As the Andes Mountain Range is a natural border with Bolivia, Peru and Argentina, if you find yourself in the Tatio Geysers you can take a route to the incredible Salar de Uyuni. The road is only suitable for 4x4 vehicles and extends for 600 kilometers, however the experience of crossing the altiplano is worth it.
Lake Chungará: It is located inside the Lauca National Park, in the XV Region of Arica and Parinacota, more than 4500 meters above sea level. It offers a wonderful landscape, surrounded by the high peaks of the volcanoes Pomperape and Parinacota and wetlands where we find all kinds of highland fauna, such as flamingos, ducks and llamas.
It is a beautiful excursion that can be taken from Arica, following the international route CH 11 for approximately 190 kilometers. You cannot miss the postcards of Lake Chungará and the Cotacotaní lagoons. Access to this incredible place is free. Many tourists choose this route to reach Cusco and Machu Picchu. From Arica they can take a bus that takes them to their destination, in a long journey of approximately 17 hours crossing the Chilean and Peruvian Altiplano. A demanding experience but with views and landscapes that will make the effort worthwhile.
Cerro El Plomo: This incredible mountain of more than 5400 meters of altitude is located in the Metropolitan Region, approximately 25 kilometers away. It is the highest point that can be seen from the capital. It is ascended through the La Parva ski center and reaching its summit is a 4-day excursion, with several stops to acclimatize to the altitude.
Those who venture on this expedition will be able to enjoy wonderful landscapes such as frozen waterfalls and glaciers at the foot of the summits. There are shelters and camping areas where you can stop to rest. This excursion is not recommended for beginners and in addition to bringing warm clothes, it is advisable to pay attention to the weather because of the changing conditions when reaching the summit. It is a trip full of mystery, since the Cerro El Plomo was considered an "Apu" or tutelary spirit for the Incas and one of the most important mummies in the history of this people, the so-called "Niño del Plomo", was discovered on its summit.
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