Caspana

Caspana sits at about 3,300 metres in a narrow canyon watered by a stream, with terraces cut into both sides and worked for maize, alfalfa, garlic and quinoa - the terracing is old and still in use, which is what makes the village unusual rather than picturesque. The church of San Lucas, dated to 1641, is adobe with a roof of cactus wood and thatch, in the pattern of the altiplano churches. A small ethnographic museum, run by the community, holds textiles and material from the surrounding area. The village is Atacameno and administers its own affairs, including access to the sites in it.

What you actually see

• Terraces in a canyon - old, and still farmed.
• A church of 1641 - adobe with a cactus wood roof.
• A community museum - textiles and local material.
• Village-run access - the Atacameno community administers the sites.

When to go

April to November; the summer rains affect the roads. Half a day.

Honest expectations

At 3,300 metres altitude is a factor. The village is small and quiet with almost no services. The church and museum open on the community's schedule. Roads in are gravel.

Nearby

Chiu Chiu is west; El Tatio and the geysers are east.