Norte Grande (Altiplano)

The history of the Norte Grande dates back a long way. On the coast near Arica and Camarones lived the Chinchorro culture, whose artificially mummified dead are among the oldest in the world and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021. In the Pampa del Tamarugal, later societies created large geoglyphs between approximately 900 and 1500 AD, for example in Pintados, which presumably marked caravan routes between the highlands and the coast.In the Altiplano today, mainly Aymara communities live, raising llamas and alpacas and cultivating potatoes, quinoa, and oregano on ancient terraces. With the Spanish, 17th and 18th century adobe and stone churches appeared in almost every village, like Putre, Socoroma, Parinacota, and Isluga. Catholic festivals here merge with Andean customs, such as offerings for Pachamama, Mother Earth.In the 19th and early 20th centuries, nitrate mining shaped the Pampa. The company towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005, and Iquique's wooden architecture stand as testament to this. The region's largest festival is the Fiesta de La Tirana in July, honoring the Virgen del Carmen, where masked dance groups perform for days before the sanctuary.

Getting There and Main RoutesArica and Iquique have their own airports with connections to Santiago. The Panamericana (Ruta 5) runs along the coast and through the Pampa, with long-distance buses connecting the cities. From Arica, Ruta 11 leads for about 190 kilometers through the Lluta Valley to Putre, through Parque Nacional Lauca and up to the Chungará–Tambo Quemado border crossing to Bolivia.In the AltiplanoPublic transport to the highlands is rare. Small buses go to Putre, but beyond that, you'll need a rental car or a guided tour.Rental Car: For Salar de Surire and the side roads in the Altiplano, a vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended, as tracks are often unpaved.Traffic: Ruta 11 sees many trucks heading to Bolivia, so plan your overtaking maneuvers carefully on curves.Fuel Stations: Beyond Arica, Iquique, and Pozo Almonte, supplies are scarce, so fill up your tank and water supplies before ascending.Altitude: Stay at least one night in Putre before continuing towards Chungará.