Lluta Valley

[Bazbel]

Can someone please tell us what the Ltuta Valley train trip from Arica is like?

Does it go across the Atacama Desert? How far away is Poconchile from Arica?

The write up from Princess doesn't give much information. Is it worth the money they want-$149USD or is there something else that gives you a better view of the desert.

We will be on the Royal Princess leaving B.Aires on the 21.2.05 and continuing on from Santiago on the 7.3.05 to Ft Lauderdale.

Thanks for any help given

 

Bazbel:)

[Toots]

We took this train trip a year ago from the Marco Polo. An old train picks you up right at the dock and goes slowly for an hour or so to Poconchile. A police escort rides on the road alongside. (I wonder if that's because the train goes close to the Bolivian border?) You'll see extreme poverty along the way, very dry countryside and mountains, then lush valleys only where the water comes from the mountains. It's all very desolate looking. A nice English lady narrates during the ride, she also brings around free snacks and drinks, including wine. We got off the train at Poconchile, walked up to the church that was destroyed by an earthquake, with a desolate, dry cemetery.

 

But then to our surprise came the highlight of the trip: a performance by over a dozen young dancers dressed in colorful costumes. Evidently they had come from Arica on the train with us. They were wonderful, we have great videotapes of their dancing. Several musicians played traditional music. We sat under a large tent in plastic chairs. A few tables were set up with local crafts, very inexpensive, and you could buy snacks.

 

You'll have to decide if it's worth the money for this half-day excursion. I had won the tickets playing bingo, so they probably ended up costing me as much as you'll pay! One nice thing is that the rest of your day can be spent walking around this interesting little city of Arica right by the docks.

[Bazbel]

Thanks Toots,

 

I guess we are going to have to think about this one.

Does anyone else have any ideas or suggestions on the topic

 

Bazbel:)