Where to stay in Putre, Chile

Putre now has a range of hotels (3 star) and hostals.  Some are listed on www.sernatur.cl.  

Putre is the best place to acclimatize before going up to the altiplano, which is 1,000 meters higher than the town.   

Enjoy hiking Putre's extensive trail system, with excellent birding for northern Chile species just a few blocks from the village. We have at least 6 species of cacti and many native plant habitats within easy walking distance.  Climbing the Nevados de Putre that guard the village is good practice for those aspiring to climb the higher altiplano volcanos like Parinacota and Guallatire.   

Thermal baths are about 11 km by road and closer by trail.  Putre now has full communications with the rest of the world via telephone and DSL internet, plus there is a clinic for health emergencies and for emergency oxygen.  There are several minimarkets that supply nearly any food item needed, and Putre has 2 excellent pubs and several restaurants.  There are 2 internet cafes, a post office, and places to buy Andean arts and crafts.  

Getting Here
There is daily bus service to Putre from Arica, the bus leaves at 6:45 am from the Paloma office on the outskirts of Arica.  The same bus goes back to Arica every day, usually at 14:00, 2 pm.  In addition, we now have afternoon bus service to Arica on MWF at 17:00 with Transporte Gomez. 

Travelers can easily catch an international bus to La Paz, and it is no longer necessary to fly to Santiago before coming to northern Chile, it's easy to fly to Lima, then Tacna and take a taxi to Arica.   Remember that fewer FF miles are required to fly to Peru from the USA or Europe than it takes to fly to Santiago.   (Peru is considered northern SA, but Chile is considered southern SA).   

Recently SKY airlines has added a flight from Arica to La Paz, apparently they are also offering 1 way inexpensive tickets.  

At 3,500 masl Putre is the best place to 
acclimatize to the altitude
before exploring Parque Nacional Lauca and
Ramsar Site Natural Monument Salar de Surire.