ATM's
When you visit Putre, you will notice that many agencies, stores, accommodations and restaurants only receive cash. In Putre, there is only one cash machine. This is why we recommend to bring enough cash for your trip. You can pick up money in advance in Arica, for example in the city or at the airport. The ATM in Putre is operated by Banco Estado and located in Av. Arturo Prat #301 (market square).
Currency Exchange
In the village of Putre and in the whole region there is no office for currency exchange. You can ask at the different service points (shops, restaurants, accommodation) if they accept foreign currency. Usually, USD or Euro are accepted.
Gasoline
In the province of Parinacota there is no gas station. Therefore, depending on the route you want to take, it is highly recommended to take enough gasoline with you. At Terrace Lodge and some other small shops in Putre, gasoline is sold in large bottles for refill.
Climate
Putre is characterized by a dry climate with extreme changes in temperature during day and night. Most days are sunny. This kind of climate is typical for the Altiplano region. As Putre is located at an altitude of 3.500m above sea level, it is important to remember that the higher the altitude, the lower the temperature. Please remember this as you visit the beautiful destinations in the Andes.
Clothing
When you plan your visit to the Precordillera and the Altiplano, it is important to pack for extreme temperatures. During the day, the sun is strong, but during the night temperatures fall drastically. This is why we recommend to bring warm clothing like sweatshirts and windbreaker jackets, summer clothing like shorts and bathing suit, firm shoes and sandals, a hat and sun blocker.
Documents and Permits
You can use your passport or Chilean Cedula de Identidad to travel in all of Chile.
Language
Spanish is the official language spoken. In some regions in the Altiplano, the traditional Aymara language is also used.
Time Difference
In Chile, there is a time difference of 4 to 6 hours as compared to Europe. Examples:
20:00hrs in Italy = 16:00hrs in continental Chile (from the Northern limit to the very South)
20:00hrs in Italy = 14:00hrs in Chile’s islands (Easter Island, Salas y Gomez Island)
Electricity
Voltage: 220V
Frequency: 50Hz
Plugs: Type C/L
Soroche
Symptoms
Also known as altitude sickness (“puna”), Soroche is basically the consequence of a lack of oxygen. It usually happens to people that did not take time to acclimatize and quickly ascend above 2.000m above sea level in 1 or 2 days. Travelers who drive from the coast directly to the Lago Chungara (4.500m above sea level) often suffer from Soroche. Symptoms start to occur within 48 hours and include headaches, nauseas, vomiting, lack of appetite, sensation of suffocation, vertigo, concentration issues and even pulmonary edema
Prevention
The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to assure a gradual ascent. If you take time to acclimatize, for example in Putre, the likeliness to suffer from Soroche is much lower. It is important to start only slowly with activities in Putre – the first day is preferably a rest day with light food and some mate tea, and on the second day easy walks and first excursions can be organized. There is a medicine for Soroche calles Sorojchi Pills (sold primarily in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador).
Treatment
If despite preventive measures you suffer from Soroche, it is important to drink a lot of water. Paracetamol can help against the headache, but you should always consult with a doctor and observe possible side effects.
Do not wait until your Soroche gets worse, ask for oxygen right away. You can find supplies at the local doctors office in Putre. There, simply ask for oxygen at a flow of 2-3l/min.