Today, they are mostly found in the Andes Mountains. But Sandra Flores and Carlos Vega (+569 57582490, [email protected]om) had the brilliant idea of reviving the spirit of ancestral caravans with lamas in tribute to the Atacamas Indians who crossed the Andes to the south (the Argentina nowadays) for trade. A few kilometers from San Pedro, in Coyo, the couple offers a short walk in the company of llamas. In addition to the hugs of the camelids (yes, yes!), this walk offers the opportunity to speak (in Spanish) to locals and to understand their culture.
Too bad for the geysers at an altitude of 4,200 m, in the middle of a crowd of tourists who are barely awake at dawn! I opted for the calm of Guatin's throat, one way and then the other. Going down, I saw volcanic rock formations (tuff and andesite) and a small cactus forest made up of three species:the "cord" (whose wood was used to make the doors and beams of the church of San Pedro), the "mother-in-law's cushion" and the "little old man". If you go looking for trouble you'll find it ! The next day, I started to go up the river at an altitude of 3,300 m to reach, after two hours of breathless walking, the thermal springs of Puritama at 3,500 m. Nice reward in front of the natural swimming pools in floors with waters between 25 and 30°. Swimsuit or not, everyone jumps in – towels are provided on site.
After the desert, return to the city. "Valpo", the mythical port of the Pacific, has a bohemian and arty air. It is discovered along its vertiginous staircases, its elevators from another age and its colorful facades. His street art is an open-air gallery on the cerros (hills) Alegre, Concepción and Polanco (there, mind your stuff). My favorite places? The former prison turned into a cultural center and the El Internado bar-restaurant, haunt of local hipsters. The secret for this city? Take your time and let yourself be carried away by the holidays.
Marco Vasco offers a customizable 10-day itinerary. / 7 n. to Valparaiso and San Pedro de Atacama from
€2,190/pers., including international and local flights, 2 nights at Hotel Fauna in Valparaiso (3*), 4 nights at Casa de DonTomás in San Pedro de Atacama (3* sup), 1 night in Santiago at Mito Casa Hotel (3*) and transfers.
More info:Chile Tourist Office, chile.travel/en.
