Geoglyphs and Oasis of Pica and Matilla

Approx. Time: 8 hours
Activity Level: Easiest

This excursion begins high on the coastal range with a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Iquique, its beautiful beaches, the Pacific Ocean, and Dragon Hill. The trip continues on to the arid pampas. Here, take a break in Huberstone, which is now a crumbling ghost town, the ruins of a middle 19th century mining town. In the midst of the arid landscape of the Pampas of Tamarugal, wander into the dense forest reserve to view the native tamarugo, an unusual desert tree, that was practically wiped out during the mining boom. The tour proceeds to Pintados to view the surrounding petroglyphs, a spectacular artistic remnant of ancient American civilization including more than 400 panel—representations of men, animals, birds and abstract images spanning the hillsides. Next, visit the sanctuary of La Tirana where, each July, a popular religious celebration unites ancient Andean and Catholic traditions. At the quaint oasis de Matilla, study the colonial Church of San Antonio, complete with belfry, and the Lagar of Matilla, an 18th-century winery-turned museum. Continue on to the Church of San Andrés in Pica that boasts a lifesize rendition of The Last Supper. After lunch, complete the tour with a dip in the warm, tranquil watershed of Cocha Resbaladero.

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