Ascend from Pacific coast to 4,000 m altiplano in a single day — flamingo lagoons, a living Aymara village, and the smouldering cone of Volcán Isluga await. One of South America's most dramatic vertical journeys.
What to expect
Departing early from port in a luxury 4WD, you climb through successive desert ecosystems — coastal fog, cactus scrub, puna grassland — before reaching the volcanic plateau. At Laguna Arabilla, three species of flamingo feed in rose-pink shallows. The intact village of Isluga, with its colonial church and llama herds, offers a rare window into living Aymara culture. Lunch is a picnic among the geysers before a dramatic descent back to the coast.
Good to know
This is a long day — up to 14 hours — so only suited to ships with a late all-aboard. Altitude acclimatisation snacks and water are essential; a good operator provides these. Warm layers required even in summer; temperatures drop sharply above 3,500 m.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Iquique — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.