The dry season (May to October) is most reliable for altiplano tours - clearer skies, stable weather, and fewer cancellations. December to March brings warmer days but afternoon rain is more common up on the plateau. Winter nights get brutally cold above 4,000 meters.

Multi-day altiplano trips (especially the 3-4 day Lauca and Salar de Surire routes) fill up fast during peak season. Book at least a week ahead, longer if you're traveling June-August. Single-day tours from Arica have more flexibility.

Yes, honestly. The terrain is remote, altitude hits hard, and road conditions change seasonally. Most visitors book private or group guides for Lauca and the salt flats - they handle logistics, know where the light is best, and can spot wildlife you'd miss alone.

Coastal tours around Arica (beaches, sea caves, archaeology) work for most fitness levels. High-altitude trips are tougher - altitude sickness is real, and some routes involve rough roads and basic camps. Check with tour operators about specific accessibility before booking.

3-4 day packages typically cover transport, accommodation (often rustic lodges or camps), meals, and a guide. Day tours might skip meals or lunch costs extra - check before you go. Acclimatization time and proper gear are your responsibility.

The city is small enough to walk central areas. Most high-altitude and regional tours pick you up from your hotel. For a day trip to Tacna, Peru, or the Codpa oasis, book a tour - it handles border formalities and driving.

Lauca National Park and the salt flats sit between 3,800 and 4,500 meters. Lake Chungará reaches about 4,500 meters. Give yourself at least a day to acclimatize in Arica (sea level) before heading up, and drink water constantly.