This trekking program in the region of San Pedro de Atacama allows us to discover the Atacama Desert from another point of view. Splendid walks show us the deep face of this region and reveal to us its most intimate secrets, with the peace and beauty that only trekking can offer. Unforgettable hikes are organized in deep canyons, on sand dunes, along rivers, on volcanic rocks, and in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes of this region. This program is for those trekking lovers who are looking for an exceptional experience with a bonus conquest of a 5000mts summit at Lascar Active Volcano.

Trip features

  • Type of trip: trekking
  • Duration: 11 days
  • Suggested period: March to November
  • Physical level: moderate
  • Technical level: basic

Highlights of the trip

  • Village of San Pedro de Atacama
  • Tatio Geysers
  • Moon Valley
  • Altiplano villages
  • Hot springs of Puritama
  • Lascar active volcano

Itinerary

DAY 1: CALAMA (IN) – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

Reception at Calama airport. Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Hike along the Cordillera de la Sal to the Moon Valley.  After watching the sunset, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Ecological House (or similar according to availability), lunch included
Transfer: 1 hour approx
Trekking: 3-4 hours approx

DAY 2: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – SAN BARTOLO

Free time in the morning to visit the museum on your own (GUIDES NOT INCLUDED). Later, we visit the archaeological sites of Quitor and Catarpe. Hike of approximately 3-4 hours along a beautiful canyon that leads us to San Bartolo
Overnight in CAMP (approx. 2700m), all meals included
Transfer: 15 min approx
Trekking: 4 hours approx
Elevation + 200m

DAY 3: SAN BARTOLO – RIO GRANDE

Nice 6-8 hours hike which allows discovering Rio Grande village, its canyons and the life of its inhabitants.
Overnight in CAMP, all meals included
Trekking: 6-7 hours approx
Elevation + 500m

DAY 4: RIO GRANDE – MACHUCA

The hike leads us little by little to the height of the Altiplano (high plateau) where our steps are welcomed by herds of lamas and alpacas close to Machuca village.
Overnight in CAMP (approx 4000m) all meals included.
Trekking: 6-7 hours approx
Elevation + 800m

DAY 5: MACHUCA – PURITAMA – GEYSERS DEL TATIO

Transfer and small trekking to the hot springs of Puritama (3400m), where we enjoy a relaxing bath before continuing to the Tatio Geysers. Short hike at sunset.

Overnight in CAMP (approx 4000m) all meals included.
Trekking: 1-2 hours approx.
Elevation + 400m

DAY 6: TATIO – CASPANA – CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

Excursion to the geysers (4321m). Drive on to Calama. On the way, visit of Caspana, Lasana and Chiu-Chiu. Transfer back to San Pedro de Atacama.
Overnight in Ecological House (or similar according to availability), breakfast and lunch included
Transfer : 2h30 approx
Trekking : 1-2 heures

DAY 7: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – MISCANTI – CAPUR CAMP

We visit Tulán archaeological site and the village of Peine. In the afternoon, drive to the heart of the cordillera, crossing the altiplano and visiting Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons (4200m). Possibility to do a small trek in the nearby area according to the guides’ suggestions on spot.  We continue our trip and set our camp at Capur salt lake.
Overnight in CAMP (4000m approx), all meals included
Transfer: 140 km approx
Trekking: 1-2 hours

DAY 8: CAPUR – SOCAIRE – ATACAMA SALT LAKE – TALABRE

Drive down to Socaire, Atacama salt lake and Chaxa lagoon.  We drive up again to set our camp at Talabre or refuge according to availability.
Overnight in CAMP (4000m approx), all meals included

DAY 9: TALABRE – TUMBRE –LEJIA LAGOON

Half day hike on the Altiplano from Talabre to Tumbre. We drive on the Altiplano to Laguna Lejia where we camp
Overnight in CAMP (4250m approx), all meals included
Trekking: 4 hours approx

DAY 10: LEJIA LAGOON – LASCAR – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

Morning transfer to the base of Lascar volcano. Depending on the volcanic activity, full day hike to the summit of Lascar (approx. 5560m). Should the guide decide that for security reasons it is not recommended to climb Lascar, another ascension to a nearby mountain will be suggested. Return to our vehicles and transfer down to San Pedro de Atacama.
Overnight in Ecological House (or similar according to availability), breakfast and lunch included/free dinner at San Pedro
Transfer : 100 km approx
Trekking : 6 hours approx
Elevation : + 1000m / – 1000m

DAY 11: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – CALAMA (OUT)

Transfer to Calama airport, breakfast included.
Transfer: 100 km  approx