Full Day Geoglyphs and Oases of Pica and Matilla

Cost: $156.00
Tour Length: Full Day
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Includes:

1. Private Transportation
2. Bilingual Guide
3. Entrance fees for National Park and protected wilderness area
4. Lunch box

Operates daily year round

This excursion begins high on the coastal range: a spectacular bird's eye view of Iquique, its beautiful beaches, the Pacific Ocean, and, to the south, Dragon Hill. The trip continues on to the arid pampas. Here, take a break in Huberstone, which is now a crumbling ghost town but was, in the middle of the 9th century, a bustling mining town. In the midst of the arid landscape of the Pamapas of Tamarugal, wander into the dense forest reserve (the native tamarugo, an unusual desert tree, was replanted by man after it was practically wiped out during the mining boom). The tour proceeds to Pintados and to the surrounding petroglyphs, perhaps the most spectacular artistic remnant of ancient American civilization. More then 4000 panels - representations of men, animals, birds and abstract images-span the hillsides. Next, visit the sanctuary of La Tirana where, each July, a popular religious celebration unites ancient Andean and Catholic traditons. At the quaint oasis de Matilla, study the colonial Church of San Antonio, complete with belfry, and Lagar of Matilla, an 18th century winery turned museum. Pica and its Church of San Andres (take a peek at its life-size rendition of The Last Supper) await nearby. After lunch, dip into the baths of Cocha Resbaladero, a warm, tranquil watershed. Return.

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