Man, the Desert & Andean Folklore

For almost 10,000 years, man has inhabited this land, framed by the driest desert in the world - the Atacama Desert. Visit Colon Square you’ll see from a distance San Marcos Church, erected in 1876 in Gothic style to replace the old church, which was swept away by a tidal wave and is being restored. Head towards Azapa Valley to visit the San Miguel Archaeological Museum, and then see the geoglyphs, one of the most amazing works of the Andean people. These consist of figures made on the hill slopes, either by piling up stones or scratching the surface of the hillside.

Drive south on the Pan-American road to the middle of the desert and Pampa Chaca, where Diaz Fleming, one of the greatest sculptors in Chile, has created the impressive Tutelar Figures as an homage to the Andean people. These are composed of two groups - the Ancestors and the Origin of the Ancestry. According to Andean tradition, these people have a divine origin, descending from the Sun and the Moon. Enjoy a snack and refreshments while entertained by Andean folk music.