Trekking
Trip - moderated to strenuous
This trekking tour through Chile's northern desert and the Altiplano
region is a genuine adventure in one of the world's great wonders.
Unique varieties of fauna, small towns dating back to colonial times
and ancient mysterious ruins uncovered by archeologists - all reveal
the presence of an ancient world. Splendid hikes allow us to enjoy
in deep this region. Travelling from salt lakes to hot springs, volcanoes
to oases, we will experience an environment that often does not see
any rain for an entire year. Snow capped volcanoes merge with pastel
colored expanses that are interrupted only by the outlines of the
hills that fade into emptiness. The solitude of the Altiplano becomes
infinitely powerful in the areas around San Pedro de Atacama, the
bizarre rock formations of the Valley of the Moon, or the huge Salt
Lake of the Atacama, with its slender, stylized, rose colored flamingoes
silhouetted against the clear blue sky.
Archaeology, pre-Columbian villages, abandoned towns, geyser fields,
amazing scenery - all converge to give a truly unique experience.
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| DAY 01
CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA |
| Reception
at Calama airport and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. In the afternoon,
brief drive to the Salt Mountains and short hike through the Valley
of the Moon, with its impressive geologic formations and extensive
sand dunes, and its lovely panorama at sunset. Return to the hotel.
(L) |
| DAY 02
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - SAN BARTOLO |
| Morning
walk through town, visit the Church of San Pedro, whose origins date
from 1641; the Inca House, oldest in town, and the Archeological Museum,
founded by the Belgian Jesuit priest, Gustavo Le Paige. After we visit
the Pukara (fortresses) Quitor, carved into the side of a cliff,
dating from 12th century. If faded in importance with the arrival
of the Incas and was destroyed in 1540 by the Spanish. After Catarpe
valley, trekking along to a beautiful canyon, which leads us to San
Bartolo. Camp. (B,L,D) |
| DAY 03
SAN BARTOLO-RIO GRANDE |
| Today we
trek to Rio Grande, a small village who live by farming and herding,
where we set up the camp. (B,L,D) |
| DAY 04
RIO GRANDE-MACHUCA |
| Trekking
up the Altiplano to reach Machuca village (6h). Along the way we will
see examples of terrace agriculture, carried out today just as it
was in ancient times. Climbing from 2,700 m to an altitude of 3,400
m, we come to the village of Machuca, where we pick up our support
team. Machuca was a regular stopover for ancient llama caravans traveling
the Inca Trail. Despite the lovely surroundings, rich in flora and
fauna, only a few shepherds now live in this lonely spot where we
spend the night in our next camp. (B,L,D) ) |
| DAY 05
MACHUCA-BAÑOS DE PURITAMA-TATIO GEYSERS |
| Morning
drive and short trekking to Puritama hot springs (3400m/ 11220ft.),
time to enjoy a relaxing bath before continuing to the Geysers del
Tatio (4.270m/14107ft.), geothermal phenomena and the highest geyser
field in the world, where we set up our camp. (B,L,D) |
| DAY 06
TATIO GEYSERS - CASPANA - SAN PEDRO |
| Early morning
we enjoy the geological thermal activities of the geysers as the sun
rises. We enjoy view of steaming fumaroles against the extraordinary
sunrise of the Atacama Desert, with its crystalline clear sky, is
an unforgettable, incredibly beautiful sight. From the geysers hiking
down to Caspana village, fertile valley in the middle of the barren
desert with an old and new village. Return to San Pedro via Calama.
Hotel. (B,L,D) |
| DAY 07
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA-TILOMONTE-PASTOR |
| Our morning
drive will take us to Tilomonte Oasis, visiting on the way Toconao
village and Jería, fertile canyon. Note how the fields are
cultivated in the small, irregular patches typical of traditional
pre-Hispanic settlements. The white volcanic stone of the village
is called liparita, and is quarried nearby. Finally we reach the huge
Atacama Salt Flat¸ boasting the world's largest reserve of lithium.
From our vantage point, fantastic Chaxa Lake appears, its shores thickly
encrusted with salt. Lake Chaxa is a flamingo breeding ground. Trekking
along an Inca trail (4h) to Pastor. Nice views on the Atacama Salt
Flat. Camp. (B,L,D) |
| DAY 08
PASTOR-MEÑIQUES LAGOON |
| We visit
Tulan archeological site and Peine village. We drive on to the altiplano
and visit Socaire before arriving in Meñiques and Miscanti
lagoons, where we set our camp (4100m). (B,L,D) |
| DAY 09
MEÑIQUES LAGOON - LEJIA LAGOON |
| Full day
trekking in the altiplano. We border Miscanti Lagoon and skirt the
Chiliques and Leña Volcanoes. We soon reach the Lejia Lagoon,
a beautiful lake at the foot of the active Lascar Volcano. Camp (4250m).
(B,L,D) |
| DAY 10
LEJIA LAGOON - LASCAR - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA |
| Short drive
towards the Láscar Pass (at 4500m approx.). Full day climbing
up Láscar volcano. After tasting the feeling of success we
drive back down to San Pedro de Atacama. Hotel. (B,L,D) |
| DAY 11
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - CALAMA |
| Morning
at leisure. Transfer to Calama airport. (B) |
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| Note:
this itinerary may have changes according to the weather conditions
and also we can reduce it in a shorter version at reque |
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July 8
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August 5
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Sept 23
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October 21
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November 18
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December 2
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January 6
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February 17
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March 3
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April 14
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May 19
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June 18
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| *Please
ask for promotional departures for April, May and June 2006. |
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Min. 2 people
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US$ 2.590
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Single supplement
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US$ 230
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| Note:
This program is also available as private trip from min. 2 people
for unscheduled departures at request. |
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INCLUDED :
- All transportation during the whole itinerary
- All accommodations quoted per person based on sharing a double
room or tent
- All meals in camp and breakfast and lunches in cities at the
hotel selected
- Park entrance fees
- Spanish, English and French speaking guide and camp staff
- Full camping gear
- * Other languages are available previous request.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Any type of insurance
- Tips and extra expenses as laundry, meals and drinks out of
program and other items not mentioned
- Personal sleeping bag and pad
- Air local flights.
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| QUALIFICATIONS:
Easy. Hiking and treks are optional. Members are expected to be in
good physical condition. |
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