The Atacama
desert, in the north of Chile, is the driest place on earth. The
desert is so dramatic that, at first sight, it appears never to have
sustained any life. However,
pink flamingoes together with Llamas, Vicuņas y Guanacos and many
other species of fauna and flora can be found living in perfect
harmony in the many oases and lakes located in the area. The volcanoes
that crown the Atacama desert are among the tallest
on earth and their summits used to be sacred sanctuaries for
the ancient Incas.
Moderate altitude trek, 5-6 hrs per day. Acclimatization necessary.
3 nights Hotel in San Pedro & 3 nights basic Camping. Walk free of
heavy packs. Carry small daypack only. Well trained participants can
continue with 3 day Licancabur Ascent. Regular departures on
Mondays, 2 pers. minimum. Trekking in Atacama Desert region will
take us off the beaten path, into areas not accessible by vehicle
and trodden only by local natives and their lama or goat herds. We
will encounter small villages, archaeological remains, Andean
wildlife along with the most spectacular desert & mountain
landscapes, always crowned by high dormant volcanoes. This program
is an excellent complement to any of the Patagonia treks in order to
witness Chiles dramatic contrasts.
ZZ-CHHKC01
2008/09 Rates include accommodations in hotels and camp, meals as indicated. English speaking
guide.
7 days/ 6 nights $ 1,825
Single + 115 (San Pedro only)
... rate based on 4 participants
2 persons only: +$ 230
Dates: Every Monday ... all year
X-mas and New Year: + $125
... Dec 17 to Jan 8 time period
Max
Group size: 16
Whatīs included
- Transfer Calama airport /San Pedro
- Excursions specified on the itineraries and according to chart
below;
- Meals as indicated: B=bkfst; L=lunch; L-=Box-lunch; D=dinner.
All meals are served at the hotelīs dinning room;
- Overnights in Hotel Terrantai. If Hotel is full, Hotel Kimal is also
used;
- English speaking guide;
- Cooler with mineral water and soft drinks on excursions
Itinerary
Day 1 (Mon) Arrive to Calama and drive to San Pedro de Atacama
(98km) with views of amazing rock formations at Cordillera de la
Sal. Briefing lunch. Evening 3-4hrs walk into the silent Moon
Valley, hike enormouss and dunes and admire sunset. Overnight Hotel
in San Pedro;(L)
Day 2 (Tue) Enter Valle de Marte and start walking the Corniza
trail (3hrs) over the ridge of sandstone mountains. Descend to San
Pedro Valley and walk (1hr) to the remarkable fortress of Quitor
(XII century). Walk (3km) to San Pedro. Evening visit to the
Archaeological Museum; (B, BL)
Day 3 (Wed) Enter the sparkling white Salar de Atacama and
observe the flamingoes at Chaxa lagoon. Return to San Pedro (50 Km)
and continue (6-8km) along the river valley until trek starting
point. The trail follows a broad valley until winding into a superb
canyon sculpted by erosion. In summer (Nov-Mar) we trek with sandals
over the riverbed shaded by the immense walls that close above us.
In wintertime, we avoid the freezing water and walk above the gorge.
Arrive in the old mine of San Bartolo (2,700m/8,100ft) and set up
camp. - (B, BL, D)
Day 4 (Thu) Start gaining altitude as we leave the riverbed
and hike at plateau level. The trail follows the river canyon and
some rare life forms, such as giant cactuses, emerge from the arid
and barren desert. Arrive in the village of Rio Grande (3,500m/
10,500ft) where we set up camp by the river.(B, BL, D)
Day 5 (Fri) The trail follows the course of smaller waterways
that form narrow and beautiful valleys inhabited by indigenous
people and their lamas. We keep gaining altitude until reaching the
green pastures of Machuca (4,100m/ 12,300ft) teeming with wildlife
and a spectacular view of Licancabur.(B, BL, D)
Day 6 (Sat) At 5am we start driving towards El Tatio
(4,500m/13,500ft) on time to observe the geysers in action at
sunrise. Breakfast in the open and walk around the geothermal field.
If feeling acclimatized enough we attempt to hike over the 5,000m/
15,000 ft on the slopes of an inactive volcano. Drive back to
Puritama hot springs for a healthy bath. Farewell dinner and
overnight in San Pedro;(B, BL, D)
Day 7 (Sun) Drive back to Calama on time for your flight. (B)
