Slightly inland as the Andes begin to rise up from the coast small amounts of precipitation do fall and life can be found. There are 120 species of cactus found in the Atacama along with scores of beautiful desert flowers.

The "altiplano" or high plain is a feature unique to the Atacama. These high plains vary in elevation from 10,000 to 16,000 ft. The air at these altitudes is cool and thin. Here we find the majority of fascinating natural and archaeological sites the region is known for. Desert towns such as San Pedro de Atacama and Putre serve as bases to explore the altiplano. This was as far south as the Inca empire reached and signs of their inhabitance are all around. "Pukarás" or fortresses are exciting to explore and give an insight into the military workings of the Incas.

Wildlife abounds in the altiplano. The salt flats are home to flocks of birdlife including three species of flamingoes. Vicuñas (llama family), rheas, Andean fox and puma are all found here.

Small villages tucked away in desert oases are a wonderful cultural experience. Atacamanian people still live in these seldom visited towns and a peek into their way of life is a special experience. Brilliant blue skies are of course normal throughout the desert but temperatures can vary dramatically. Sunrise at the geysers is usually below freezing while the beaches are almost always warm and dry.

San Pedro de Atacama- This unique desert village is an important jumping off point for several of our destinations. We'll spend up to four nights here depending on individual itineraries. The town itself is quite touristy but remains largely undiscovered by American tourists. Because of the tourists San Pedro boasts excellent hotels and restaurants. The town is also referred to as "artsie" due to a large number of galleries and street music. There are several sights worth a visit in and around San Pedro. A wonderful museum houses artifacts from various ancient cultures including the Atacamanians and Incas. The Pukará de Quitor is five minutes from town and is a great example of a hillside fortress. Hiking in Devil's Gulch is a good way to explore the areas geology.

Valley of the Moon- Bizarre geologic formations and brilliant colors give this valley its name. During the day it's mostly hot and dry but at sunset the hills spring to life with spectacular colors and shadows. Moonrise in the valley is nothing short of emotional.

The Coast- The largest cities in the desert are on the coast but in between lie hundreds of miles of deserted beaches. Blue waves contrast the parched landscape as we explore a remote white sand beach. Tidepools literally crawl with critters. Starfish, crabs and minnows hide in the rocks as we approach.

The Salt Flats- This trip has a great variety of sights. Several picturesque mountain churches await your photos. Laguna Chaxa is loaded with flamingoes almost everyday. Lovely high mountain lakes and salt flats teem with vicuña and fox and offer an incredible contrast in colors between the blue waters and red mountains. Snow capped volcanoes up to 20,000 ft. surround us all day.

Chuquicamata Copper Mine- The largest open pit mine in the world, "Chuqui" provides about 40% of Chile's GNP. Mammoth trucks haul copper ore up out of the open pit mine 365 days a year. An hour long tour gives us a close-up look at the mines inner workings.

Desert Villages- In one day we'll have the opportunity to see four remote desert villages. Hidden away in the bottoms of valleys or tucked into the trees in an oases time seems to have left these villages behind. Indigenous Atacamanian residents carry heavy loads on their backs and wear brightly colored clothes typical of the region. Photogenic churches sit patiently as time passes them by.

Geysers of Tatio- Prepare for an early morning. The geysers are best viewed at sunrise as the steam condenses against the cold morning air. Terrific photo opportunities abound as the first rays of the sun touch the steam plumes. Don't run for your photo though, at 16,000 ft. the air is a bit thin!

Flora and Fauna- The far north holds many natural wonders. Exotic cactus species cover steep hillsides and desert wildflowers are too numerous to count. Lauca National Park is home to healthy populations of vicuña, fox, flamingoes and vizcachas. What's a vizcacha? Come to the Atacama to find out!

Cities- Iquique is a beautiful coastal city supported by it's fishing and mining industries. A year round pleasant climate and clean beaches make this one of Chile's nicest cities. Tasty seafood is popular fare at numerous restaurants and an excellent choice after several days in the mountains. Your five-star hotel Terrado Suites is on the beach and next door to the casino.

T H E

L A K E S   R E G I O N

The Lakes Region of Southern Chile sits between 38 and 41 degrees S. latitude, between the vital cities of Puerto Montt and Temuco. It's a popular destination both nationally and internationally because of excellent accommodations, incredible scenery, nice summer weather and plenty of summer activities.

The region gets its name from the large number of lakes concentrated in the area. Llanquihue Lake is the furthest south in the region and the largest lake completely inside Chile. The lakes are lined up north to south with the Andes and its many conspicuous volcanoes to the east and the Pacific coast beaches to the west. Access to the lakes and mountains is ideal thanks to a well-developed road system.

Several impressive national parks protect native forests and volcanoes and are great areas for hiking and sightseeing. The volcanoes are probably the most striking aspect of the landscape. As long as the weather permits you're never out of site of a snow capped volcano anywhere in the Lakes Region. There's an amazing quality and quantity of outdoor activities available here. The lakes themselves provide many aquatic activities such as fishing, sailing, and swimming. The mountains hold the rest of the activities like hiking, photography, and horseback riding.

The first Germans arrived to this area in 1850 settling in the southern most part of the Lakes Region. More Germans arrived during the early part of the next century and today the area has an obvious German flavor. Accommodations here are wonderful. Many of the best hotels in Chile are found in this area, from large, modern hotels to quaint, German style bed and breakfast inns.

The Lakes Region receives a lot of rainfall and is classified as temperate rain forest. Because of this heavy rainfall the area boasts many rivers, waterfalls and of course the lakes. The Andes are lush and green and entering the forest on anything beside a well made trail is a challenge. Summers (Dec.-Mar.) tend to be warm and dry and are the best times to visit.

Puerto Montt- This is an important port city largely because of it's location at the southern terminus of the Pan-American Highway. With no port for hundreds of miles to the south, Puerto Montt is sort of the end of the road. Fishing and farm raising of fish and shellfish is huge business here. We'll see the colorful open-air fish market just feet away from where the fishermen dock their boats. Scrumptious seafood restaurants are located all over the city. Salmon, sea bass, king crab, clams, scallops and mussels are all daily menu items. The largest arts and crafts market outside of Santiago is found here. This is the place to pick-up your gifts and souvenirs.

Llanquihue Lake Area- Osorno Volcano dominates the landscape. Its 10,000 ft. symmetrical cone has been compared to Japan's Mt. Fuji. Hiking is available on the slopes as the ash covered mountain sides hold little vegetation. At the base of the volcano the Petrohue Rivers Falls tumbles through old lava beds. We may elect to return to our hotel the long way around Llanquihue Lake to enjoy spectacular views of this giant lake.

German Culture- The German influence is prevalent throughout the Lakes Region. Llanquihue Lake is considered the center of the German community in Chile. Many guests are shocked by the number of blonde hair blue eyed Chileans! Towns such as Puerto Varas and Puerto Octay are full of German architecture and German restaurants abound. Wiener schnitzel and sausages are frequent menu items. A drive along the shores of Llanquihue Lake shows off splendid German farmhouses with radiant gardens.

National Parks- We'll have the opportunity to visit up to six national parks. Chile has an excellent park system, which protects natural wonders, flora and fauna throughout the entire country. We'll see native forests of Alerce, some of the oldest living things on the planet and Araucaria or Monkey-Puzzle trees found only here. All of these parks have great trail systems allowing visitors a close up look at the natural environment.

Valdivia- This vibrant city is home to one of the largest universities in Chile. Lovely homes and buildings line the Calle Calle River in the heart of the city. Restaurants with outdoor seating also line the river in European style. The Valdivia museum of history is definitely worth a visit as is the arboretum at the university.

Waterfalls- Lots of water and lots of mountains means lots of waterfalls. Many of the falls require a short hike so they make for a great break in the middle of the day. Great photo opportunities if you can keep the mist off the lens!

Volcanic Caves- On the flanks of the still smoking Villarica volcano near the town of Pucon old lava tubes offer a wonderful caving experience. Flashlights and hardhats are required on this guided tour. A well designed interpretive center explains all the features of this still active volcano. Continue further up the slopes for an impressive view of the lake and nearby towns.