We will visit places less traveled, and limit our use of motorized vehicles in order to connect directly with our surroundings. We will visit tourist attractions near and around San Pedro de Atacama during non-peak hours to give you the solitude and raw outdoor experiences you are looking for.
We will visit places less traveled, and limit our use of motorized vehicles in order to connect directly with our surroundings. We will visit tourist attractions near and around San Pedro de Atacama during non-peak hours to give you the solitude and raw outdoor experiences you are looking for.
My first visit to Moon Valley in 2003, was a memorable one, as I arrived to San
Pedro de Atacama after a 700 km, 40-day ciclotourism trip that started in Altiplano
of Arica in the Parinacota Region of Chile. I approached San Pedro on my bicycle,
ascending the Llano de la Paciencia (Plain of Patience) nearing the Cordillera de la
Sal (Salt Mountain Range). I then found myself at the base of El Anfiteatro (the
Amphitheater) tired, unaware of a camping ban, and without a tourist in site, I put
up my tent in the sand and enjoyed a warm, quiet, solitary night…..
Whether
you choose to walk, bike, or drive to Moon Valley, on this day we will visit the
Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range), which is a mountainous system that is
located in the middle of the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat), parallel to the
Cordillera Domeyko (Domeyko Mountain Range) and the Cordillera Occidental (Andes
Mountain Range). Due to its special morphology, you might feel like you are on
another planet, or shall we say “on the Moon”. To enhance the experience even more,
we will walk through some caverns as well as in higher sections of the Cordillera de
la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) where we will have the optimum view to watch the
sunset, observe the sand dunes, and the work the wind has done in eroding certain
formations.
Included:
• Refill water
• Snack
• Hiking poles
• Visit to Moon Valley
Altitude: 2400 - 2600 masl.
Duration: 4-5 hours.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee USD per person. Not
included.
On this excursion we will have the chance to visit the northern part of the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat) and one of the lagoons formed by waters that emerge from under the surface of the salt flat. Its high rates of salinity due to the high concentration of salt causes “Aqueous Density” which creates buoyancy, causing travelers to float to the surface of the water. When we visit this region in the afternoon we will be able to watch the sunset over Laguna Tebenquiche (Tebenquiche Lagoon).
Included:
• Refill water
• Snack
• Swimming in Laguna Céjar
• Visit to Lagunas Ojos del Salar
• Visit to Laguna Tebenquinche.
Altitude: 2350 - 2450 masl.
Duration: 5 hours. (AM hours only)
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee USD per person. Not
included.
On this trip we will visit some of the most beautiful places in southeastern San
Pedro de Atacama. We will visit the salt flat and learn about how it forms, Chaxa
Lagoon where we can observe a variety of small birds, the endemic Fabian Lizard and
the Andean, James, and Austral flamingos (depending on the season), among other
species. Then, as we approach the volcanoes we will climb altitude and go up into
the mountains where we can see the pre-puna vegetation also known as “tolares” that
is located around 3,500 masl or 2,175 fasl. Once we reach the puna we can see flora
and fauna native to the zone such as the Vicuña, Andean Fox or Culpeo Fox, and
scrubland. We can also sight remains of past volcanic eruptions called ignimbrite
(volcanic, pumice stone) fields. And finally we will experience the breathtaking
views of two lagoons that were formed over 4,000 meters or 2,485 feet in the
high-plateau, where we can observe the near endangered Horned Coot.
Being that it is a long expedition, the travelers will be consulted
whether they prefer to continue to Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks) or return to San Pedro.
Should the travelers choose to continue the journey, we will see high-plateau
landscapes of a gorgeous color combinations and find ourselves enduring winds that
remind us of our own fragility itself in these tough weather conditions.
Included:
• Refill water
• Snack
• Lunch
Duration:
9 hours, with extension to
Piedras Rojas, 11 hours.
Altitude: 2350 - 4300 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
With extension to Piedras Rojas:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee USD per person. Not
included.
On this excursion we will visit the Geysers del Tatio (Tatio Geysers), the largest geothermal field in the southern hemisphere, where we will see the same waters rise above the surface that were heated 1 kilometer or .6 miles below the Earth's surface by the Tatio Volcano's activity. In order to arrive we must travel 100 km or 62 miles north of San Pedro de Atacama, ascending the high-plateau where we can visit a few wetlands with birds such as the Andean Coot, Giant Coot, Andean Gull, Andean Goose, Puna Duck, Juarjual Duck, Austral Flamingo, James Flamingo and animals such as the Vicuña, the Andean Fox, among others.
Included:
• Refill water
• Breakfast or lunch
• Visit to the Tatio Geysers
• Visit to the Geyser Blanco hot springs
• Visit to the Hidden Bofedal
• Visit to the Putana and Machuca Bofedal
Duration: 8 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 4500 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee to the Tatio Geysers
USD per person. Not included.
On this trip we will visit the Geysers del Tatio, however, after having breakfast at
4,250 masl or 2,640 fasl, we will go directly west, through the quebrada Tchita
(Tchita Ravine), crossing the Cordillera Domeyko (Domeyko Mountain Range) to visit
the beautiful, untouched, traditional village of Caspana.
From here we continue the descent towards the west to cross El Desierto de Atacama
(the Atacama Desert), the driest desert on Earth, until we reach the town of
Chiuchiu, which is located on the banks of the Río Loa (Loa River). Here we can
visit Chile's oldest church, built in 1611, with a cactus wood roof, supported by a
beautiful adobe structure. If time allows we will visit the National Monument of
Lasana Pukara, a Pre-Columbian fortress.
Included:
• Refill water
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Visit to the Geyser Blanco hot springs
• Visit to the Caspana Village
• Visit to the Pukara de Lasana
• Visit to the town of Chiuchiu
Duration: 12 hours
Altitude: 2200 - 4600 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee
USD per person. Not included.
On this excursion we will ascend to the high-plateau, where we will visit the
quebrada del Río Puritama (Puritama River Stream), where the cactus species
Echinopsis Atacamensis abunds. Many of these cactus are more than 150 years old!
Then we will go to the Puritama Hot Springs (Puri meaning “water”, Tama meaning
“hot” in the indigenous Kunza language), where we will find 8 pools varying between
28 and 32 degrees Celsius or 82.4 degrees to 89.9 degrees Fahrenheit. These waters
are heated underground by the Volcán Putana (Putana Volcano) and then emerge from
the interiors of the quebrada Putana (Puritama Ravine).
Included:
• Refill water
• Snacks
• Beverages
Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 3500 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee
USD per person. Not included.
On this outing we will travel west through the Llano de Paciencia (Plain of Patience), which is one of the driest places in the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat) and is located in between the Cordillera Domeyko and Cordillera de la Sal (Domeyko and Salt Mountain Ranges). After about an hour of travel through the Llano de Paciencia, which could test our “patience”, we will arrive to our destination, Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache (Baltinache's Hidden Lagoons) where we will find 7 lagoons varying from light blue to turquoise that emerge from below the Earth's surface. Two of the seven lagoons are apt for swimming. Just as in the Laguna Piedra (Stone Lagoon), the high concentration of salts causes a sufficient density so that we can effortlessly float in the water.
Included:
• Refill water
• Lunch or snacks
• Beverages
• Visit to the Vallecito
Duration: 6 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 2600 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee
USD per person. Not included.
On this occasion we will travel east ascending a mountain that will quickly allow us
to to arrive at 4,600 masl or 2,858 fasl to the high-plateau where we can spot
springs formed by snowmelt from the high peaks. These streams form vegas (wetlands)
like the Bofedal Quepiaco (Quepiaco Wetlands); these areas act as meeting places for
several types of Andean birds such as the Juarjual Duck, Coot, Flamingos, Andean
Gull, as well as others. We can see the fragil and timid Vicuña in its natural
habitat of the high-plateau and if we are lucky, perhaps we will see a Anden Fox.
Other species that are more difficult to spot but not impossible are the Suri or
Ñandu and the Puma.
Then we will visit a salar (salt flat) less commonly visited called Salar de Pujsa
(Pujsa Salt Flat), nesting place of the James Flamingo, which in cool weather can be
found in the high-plateau and during colder months are found down in the lagoons of
the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat Basin). We can spot the Volcán Pili (Pili
Volcano), meaning duck, and the Volcán Acamarachi (Acamarachi Volcano). meaning
stone snail, in the indigenous Kunza language. The Volcán Acamarachi (Acamarachi
Volcano) is also one of many Incan alpine sanctuaries where they would connect with
their “Apus” or gods.
Next, we will travel northwest entering the Caldera la Pacana (Pacana Crater), a
huge volcanic depression of 60 meters wide by 35 meters long or 197 feet wide by 115
miles long, where we will be able to see the latest erosionary acts which created
the Monjes de Pacana (Pacana Monks), ignimbrite formations and statues, which
continue to erode with the high winds, sands, and sediments of the high-plateau.
Later, we will cross over to the Salar de Tara (Tara Salt Flat) and Laguna Tara
(Tara Lagoon) located within a protected wetland Sitio Ramsar (Ramsar Site) within
Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos (The National Flamingos Reserve). You will be
amazed by how immense, gorgeous, and pristine this site is. Internationally renowned
photographers who have visited this site, have mentioned that it was one of the most
beautiful landscapes they have ever captured.
Included:
• Refill water
• Lunch
Duration: 8 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 4800 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
On this occasion we will travel west, heading up into the Domeyko Mountain Range
where we can spot the Guanaco, a Camelid similar to the Vicuña, however it is a bit
larger in size and enjoys greater autonomy as it does not depend on having access to
water currents to survive. We will continue going north until we reach the Yerbas
Buenas sector, an ancient trade route where various types of exchange (goods,
cultural, etc) occurred connecting the caravan traffic between the Chilean coastal
towns and present-day northeastern towns of Argentina. The evidence of various
cultures passing through this sector can be found in the petroglyphs or rock
paintings which we will observe and attempt to interpret.
From here we will visit the Valle del Río Salado (Salty River Valley), a lovely
valley which leads us to the breathtaking Valle del Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley). Here
in this geological museum we will learn about the Earth's processes which gave
origin to these colorful formations.
Included:
• Refill water
• Lunch or snacks
• Beverages
Duration: 5 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 3400 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee
USD per person. Not included.
On this outing we will ascend the gentle slope of the Río San Pedro (San Pedro River) where we will encounter surprising views of the green vegetation of the Valle de Catarpe (Catarpe Valley) that contrast beautifully with the orange color palette of the Salt Mountain Range. Here the Incas did not only pass through on foot, but rather they installed themselves in the valley and constructed an administrative center in the 15th century. Later in the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors finally defeated the Atacamenian people who took refuge at the Pukará de Quitor fortress, thus initiating the decline of the Lickanantai culture.
Included:
• Refill water
• Snacks
• Visit to the Pukará de Quitor (Pukará de Quitor Fortress)
• Visit to the Capilla San Isidro (Saint Isidore Chapel)
• Visit to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat Gorge)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 2500 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee
USD per person. Not included.
• Bike rental not included.
On this occasion we will learn about the shepherding of llamas and the thousand year
old history regarding caravan expeditions and the commercial exchange that occurred
between the Atacamenian people and Amazonian and coastal peoples. We will walk among
the llamas in the Coyo community or “ayllu” as the indigenous would say. Later, we
will learn about traditions and customs of the native peoples, especially related to
cooking as we will taste test some local products. We will finish the day at a
restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious lunch made with local products.
Included:
• Refill water
• Local product tasting
• Lunch
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Low
Altitude: 2400 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
This is an excellent hike for those who are looking to acclimate their bodies in
preparation for climbs at higher altitudes like the Volcanes Licancabur and Ojos del
Salado (Licancabur and Ojos del Salado Volcano). Also, due to the fact that it is a
non-technical ascent, it is ideal for those are just beginning to climb at high
altitudes (alpine mountaineering).
On this expedition we will travel east to the high-plateau until we arrive at the
base of the volcano. Depending on the snow level, we will exit the 4WD and start our
ascent between 5,000 and 5,200 meters. From here we will ascend for around two hours
on a trail that will take us to the summit. Here on top of Mount Toco we will have a
spectacular view of Volcanes Licancabur and Juriques (Licancabur and Juriques
Volcanoes), as well as the Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon) to the north of us. Looking
towards the south, with a clear sky we will be able to see the impressive Volcán
Llullaillaco (Llullaillaco Volcano).
Alternative: Conquer Cerro Toco on
bike. Enjoy a 2,800 meter or 9,186 foot descent starting at the base of Cerro Toco
at 5,200 meters or 17,060 feet and finishing our trip in San Pedro de Atacama
Included:
• Refill water
• Individual Snack
• Isotonic drink
• Soup
• Hot beverages
• Hiking poles
• Gloves
• Balaclava
Not included:
• Bike rental
• Hiking boots
• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses
• Goggles
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 2400 - 5604 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
Weather Conditions and Appropriate Hiking
Season:
Can be visited all year. However, successful climbs completed to the peak have
been completed in March and April and from July to December.
Duration: 7 hours (7:00 AM - 2:00 PM).
Alternative: 9 hours
Volcán Lascar (Lascar Volcano) or Tongue of Fire as the locals say, is one of the
most active volcanoes in the country, and constantly exhibits an active steam vent
or fumarole. Its last eruption was in 1993 and the last significant volcanic
activity occured in 2015. Due to its activity it is constantly being monitored.
Being that it is a day hike, it will also help you get used to the
altitude so that you can climb higher volcanoes like Licancabur and Ojos del Salado
Volcano should you choose. The hike is a bit steeper and more challenging than Cerro
Toco (Toco Volcano), it will take about three hours to reach the crater and another
forty minutes to reach the summit.
Near Volcán Lascar (Lascar Volcano), there are many other volcanoes that are
recognized as alpine sanctuaries by the Atacamenian people such as the Pili,
Chiliques, Tumisa Volcanoes. Lascar itself could have also been used as an alpine
sanctuary, however any vestiges that existed in the past, are no longer, due to it
volcanic activity.
Included:
• Refill water
• Breakfast
• Individual Snack
• Isotonic drink
• Soup
• Hot beverages
• Hiking poles
• Gloves
• Balaclava
Not included:
• Hiking boots
• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses
• Goggles
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 2400 - 5600 masl.
Prices for group:
• In groups up 2 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 4 travelers:
USD
• In groups up 6 travelers:
USD
• For 7 or more travelers, please consult for rates
• Entrance fee
USD per person. Not included.
Weather Conditions and Appropriate Hiking
Season:
Can be visited all year. However, successful climbs completed to the peak have
been completed in March and April and from July to December.
Duration: 12 hours
This volcano is undoubtedly the most impressive and striking one among those
surrounding the Salar de Atacama basin, since it is possible to admire the 3.5 km
vertical drop from its summit to the basin.
There are many stories about
it, some true, others perhaps not… for example, we are certain that on the eastern
side of the volcano, near its base, currently in Bolivia, lies the town of
Licancabur, Inca ruins believed to have been used to rest before attempting the
ascent to its summit, where there are also Inca ruins. It was even possible, a few
years ago, to find pieces of cactus wood along the route up the volcano, wood that
would have been used by the Incas to light fires at the summit. Another somewhat
modern tale says that inside the small lake that sits in the crater of the volcano,
a quartz sphere was found; it would have been misplaced in the lake by the diver who
found it, and despite efforts, he could not retrieve it again.
This ascent requires acclimatization and prior high-altitude experience, though it
is not a technical climb, it is physically demanding. On the first day we leave San
Pedro de Atacama and move toward the Termas de Polque area. On the second day, we
drive up to the base of the volcano, with the ascent taking about 6 to 7 hours,
while the descent takes around 3 hours, returning to the refuge. On the third day we
return to San Pedro.
Included:
• Refill water
• Dinner on first day
• Breakfast and lunch for second day
• Individual Snack
• Isotonic drink
• Soup
• Hot beverages
• Hiking poles
• Gloves
• Balaclava
• One night's lodging
Not included:
• Hiking boots
• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses
• Appropriate visa and fees paid for entry to Bolivia depending on your
country of origin (current passport)
Difficulty: High
Altitude: 2400 - 5916 masl.
Prices from:
USD, all included
• Check prices based on number of passengers
• Entrance fee to the Reserva Nacional Eduardo Avaroa (Eduardo Avaroa
National Reserve)
USD per person . Not included.
Weather Conditions and Appropriate Hiking
Season:
Can be visited all year. However, successful climbs completed to the peak have
been completed in March and April and from September to December.
Duration: 3 days.
In the most strategic location of the Atacama Desert, where you can hear silence,
you will connect your body, soul, and mind with the universe.
The tour is divided into three stages:
• First, there is an introduction and a scientific explanation about the
birth of space.
• Then, the worldview and interpretation of the sky by the elders will be
shared.
• Finally, there will be an observation of objects through the telescope.
Difficulty: no difficulty.
Duration: 2 hours.
Altitude: 2400 masl.
Price
USD per person.
Groups: minimum 4 travelers up to 10 travelers.
