“ANCIENT GEOGLYPHS & SALTPETER GHOST TOWNS WITH BOX LUNCH" Tour

“ANCIENT GEOGLYPHS & SALTPETER GHOST TOWNS WITH BOX LUNCH" Tour

Step back in time at the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Offices. Wander through these "ghost towns" frozen in the golden silence of the Atacama Desert and discover the industrial heritage that made Chile famous. From the rusting machinery of the past to the historic theater and pool, every corner tells a story of the boom era.

Next, lose yourself in the unexpected lushness of the Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve. This hidden desert oasis offers a peaceful escape, featuring vast woodlands of native tamarugo trees and unique wildlife thriving against the odds.

Finally, unlock the mysteries of the Pintados Geoglyph Park. Gaze up at over 400 ancient figures etched into the hillsides—giant llamas, geometric shapes, and stylized humans that have served as silent desert guardians for over a thousand years. Together, these three destinations offer the perfect blend of history, nature, and ancient mystery.

Itinerary

• 08:30 hrs: Departure from Iquique. Your adventure begins with a trip into the "White Gold" era. We head to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Humberstone and Santa Laura. Step inside these perfectly preserved saltpeter works and imagine the bustling industrial past that once fueled markets in Europe and the USA. Wander through the atmospheric ruins of the theater, the general store, the school, and the plaza, where stories of a bygone era echo in the desert breeze.

• Midday: Pampa del Tamarugal Reserve. Next, we travel south to the lush Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve. Here, you will enjoy a scenic box lunch surrounded by the unique beauty of the desert. Afterward, visit the CEDAM (Environmental Education Center) to discover the secrets of the reserve’s resilient ecosystem and the importance of the native tamarugo trees.

• Afternoon: The Enigma of Pintados. The highlight of the afternoon awaits at the Pintados Geoglyph Park. Behold the world’s largest concentration of geoglyphs—over 300 massive figures etched into the hillsides. Dating back between 900 and 1,300 years, these ancient anthropomorphic, geometric, and zoomorphic designs served as sacred signposts for early travelers. You will also cross the vast, white expanse of the Pintados Dry Salt Flat, offering a breathtaking contrast to the arid mountains.

• 18:30 hrs: Arrival in Iquique. Return to Iquique filled with the history and magic of the Atacama Desert.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.

• Colletive round-trip transportation.

• Tickets to the Saltpeter Works.

• Box lunch and refreshments on the route.

• Entry ticket to Pintados Geoglyphs

• Hand sanitizer.

Does not include

• Tips and gratuities.
• Other services not described in the program.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.