ATACAMA explorations explora Atacama І Hikes
T2 Reserva Tatio T4 Cornisas Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization needed: 2 needed: 0 Type: Half day Type: Half day Duration: 1h Duration: 2h 30 min Distance: 2,3 km / 1,4 mi Distance: 6,7 kms / 4,2 mi Max. Altitude: 4.321 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 2.710 m.a.s.l / HIKES 14.176 f.a.s.l 8.891 f.a.s.l Description: This exploration Description: Departing by van, we offers a different way of visiting head toward the Catarpe Valley Our hikes have been designed according the Tatio geysers, a geothermal by an old road. From there, we to different interests and levels of skill. field with over 80 boiling water hike along the ledges of La Sal They vary in length and difficulty so we sources. In this trip there are Mountains, with panoramic views always recommend travelers to talk to their excellent opportunities of studying of the oasis, the Atacama salt flat, guides before choosing an exploration. the highlands fauna, which includes and The, La Sal, and Domeyko Every evening, guides brief travelers vicuñas, flamingos and foxes, Mountains, three mountain ranges on the different explorations, so that among others. We walk through the that shape the region’s geography. they can choose one that best fit their reserve with views of The Mountains By the end of the exploration we interests. Exploration times do not consider and steaming hot water sources. descend through Marte Valley’s sand transportation. Return to the hotel by van. dunes. This is a good opportunity to learn more about the local history, geography and archaeology. Return T3 Quezar Puritama to the hotel by van. Easy Nights of acclimatization needed: 1 Type: Half day T5 Kari T1 Cuchabrache Duration: 2h Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization Distance: 3,5 km / 2,2 mi needed: 0 needed: 0 Max. Altitude: 3.539 m.a.s.l / Type: Half day Type: Half day 11.610 f.a.s.l Duration: 2h 30 min Duration: 2h 30 min Description: Departing by van from Distance: 5,6 km / 3,5 mi Distance: 5,7 km / 3,6 mi the hotel, we head north until we Max. Altitude: 2.606 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 2.698 m.a.s.l. / get to an old grazing farm. From 8.549 f.a.s.l 9.803 f.a.s.l there, we descend through a ravine Description: Departure by van from Description: Departure by van into a slightly upward trail that explora to La Sal Mountains, where from explora to the source of the leads to the Puritama hot springs, we walk along the Kari ravine, a San Pedro River. Uphill hike that where we enjoy its swimming pools. canyon formed by water erosion and leads to the summit, with views of To bathe in these thermal waters, surrounded by huge sedimentary the green valley of Catarpe against at approximately 32ºC (90ºF), is a walls of clay, gypsum, and salt. La Sal Mountains and Los Andes’ stimulating experience for both the During the hike, we’ll tackle volcanoes. This is a great opportunity body and the spirit. The first thermal different kinds of slopes, descending to enjoy panoramic views, the well has been reserved for our through a sand dune and two desert’s silence, and to get a general travelers. Return to the hotel by van. waterfalls (these only carry water idea of the Atacama territory. Return *Please bring swimsuit and sandals. during the rainy season). Return to to the hotel by van. Towels will be provided. the hotel by van. explora Atacama І Hikes
T6 Puricamar T8 Guatin – Punta del Inca T10 Guatin – Puritama Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization needed: 0 needed: 1 needed: 1 Type: Half day Type: Half day Type: Half day Duration: 2h Duration: 2h 30 min Duration: 2h 30 min Distance: 4,6 km / 2,9 mi Distance: 3,5 km / 2,2 mi Distance: 4,8 km / 3 mi Max. Altitude: 2.577 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 3.204 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 3.539 m.a.s.l / 8.454 f.a.s.l 10.511 f.a.s.l 11.610 f.a.s.l Description: Departing by van from Description: Departure by van from Description: Departure by van the hotel, we head toward La Luna explora we take the road toward from explora to Guatin, a small Valley. From here, we hike through the Guatin village, at the confluence shepherd village, where we begin the reserve’s south side, one of its of the Puritama and Purifica Rivers. an uphill hike that leads to the edge least explored areas. The landscape For the most part, this exploration of the ravine of the Puritama River has rock formations, natural goes through a cactus valley. (Puritama means hot water in Kunza sculptures, and huge sand dunes. The trail follows the river along a language). We walk for 45 minutes By the end of the hike, we enjoy a canyon, crossing it several times, surrounding the ravine until we 360° view from La Sal Mountains to and descending by the edge of reach the river’s edge, where old the Atacama Desert. Return to the waterfalls (with falls of 3 meters/ 10 Atacama settlements and the source hotel by van. feet, approximately). Finally, leaving of Puritama hot springs are located. the canyon, we enjoy panoramic Here, we have a light snack and views of Atacama. Return to the enjoy the warm water pools. This hotel by van. exploration offers archeological and Moderate anthropological nuances, and an opportunity to get to know the local T9 Kamur flora and fauna. Return to the hotel T7 Matancilla Nights of acclimatization by van. Nights of acclimatization needed: 0 * Recommended for travelers who needed: 1 Type: Half day want to get acclimatized to the Type: Half day Duration: 3h 30 min next level hikes that reach 4.000 Duration: 2h 30 min Distance: 7,4 km / 4,6 mi m.a.s.l. (13200 feet). Please bring a Distance: 4,8 km / 3 mi Max. Altitude: 2.571 m.a.s.l / swimsuit and sandals. Towels will be Max. Altitude: 3.292 m.a.s.l / 8.435 f.a.s.l provided.. 10.800 f.a.s.l Description: Departure by van from Description: Departure by van explora to La Luna Valley where we from the hotel toward the Domeyko enjoy the varied scenery of La Sal Mountains, home of the guanaco, Mountains, where the wind and a mammal of the Camelidae family. water erosion have carved the land We visit archaeological sites with into stone sculptures, geological cave paintings and walk through a formations and sand dunes. We ravine that was used as a caravan walk across several valleys and route for trade and foraging vast plains, typical of the desert by several ancient people that landscape. Return to the hotel by populated the Atacama Desert. van. By the end of the hike, we arrive to the Arcoiris Valley, a site with huge earth walls. Rich in minerals, these walls render a multicolored landscape. explora Atacama І Hikes
T11 Kulamar T12 Ruta del Agua Advanced Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization needed: 2 needed: 1 Type: Full day Type: Full day T14 Río Blanco Duration: 5h Duration: 5h Nights of acclimatization Distance: 9,7 km / 6,1 mi Distance: 9,6 km / 6 mi needed: 2 Max. Altitude: 4.141 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 3.819 m.a.s.l / Type: Full day 13.585 f.a.s.l 12.529 f.a.s.l Duration: 5h Description: Departure by van Description: Departure by van from Distance: 7,3 km / 4,6 mi from the hotel, we take the road to the hotel toward the north side of Max. Altitude: 4.408 m.a.s.l / Argentina toward the the Andean the Puritama Natural Reserve. We 14.461 f.a.s.l Highlands. We begin the walk at start hiking with views of the The Description: This exploration offers over 4.000 m.a.s.l. (13.123 f.a.s.l) Mountains, its volcanoes and the a different perspective on the Tatio with views of several salt flats and Atacama salt flat basin. To get to the geysers. We depart by van toward highland hills. With birdwatching hot springs, we walk across several the geothermal field where we opportunities, this exploration leads ravines, some of them deep and others begin an upward hike with views us through salt flats until we reach shallow. The hike offers a chance of the geysers and the Andes the pass of the Mochota Hill, with to note several changes in the flora Mountains. Then, we descend views of the Aguas Calientes salt and visit the habitat of the Andean through an open ravine leading to flat. Finally, we have lunch at a spot mountain cat, one of the world’s least a little-known warm-water river. that will be selected depending on studied endangered species. At the hot We walk along the river through weather conditions. springs, we have a light lunch and enjoy mineral formations typical of this of the thermal pools. In the evening, we geological region. keep walking along the ravine toward * Not recommended for travelers Guatin, a grazing area. Because of with vertigo. the contrasts in flora and fauna due to elevation changes, this hike offers a chance to visit intermediate ravines T15 Quebrada de Nacimiento between the oasis and The Mountains. Nights of acclimatization *Please bring a swimming suit and needed: 2 sandals. Towels will be provided. Type: Full day Not recommended for travelers with Duration: 6h 30 min vertigo. Distance: 9,6 km / 5,9 mi Max. Altitude: 4.148 m.a.s.l / 14.461 f.a.s.l T13 Gato Andino Description: Departure by van Nights of acclimatization toward the Socaire village. Here, needed: 2 we start the exploration, climbing Type: Full day toward the entrance of the Duration: 5h Nacimiento ravine with panoramic Distance: 7,5 km / 4,7 mi views of the volcanoes. We descend Max. Altitude: 4.360 m.a.s.l / through the ravine and have a 14.304 f.a.s.l light snack. Then, we keep hiking Description: Departure by van through old shepherd paths, toward the Argentinean border in following the river and surrounded central Andes where we hike through by rock walls. Return to explora by remote and colorful landscapes. van. We walk through unusual rock formations and highland salt flats with views of the mountains. Return to the hotel by van. explora Atacama І Bike Rides
Easy Moderate
B1 Ayllus B3 Valle de la Luna Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization needed: 0 needed: 0 Type: Half day Type: Half day Duration: 2h 30 min Duration: 4h BIKE RIDES Distance: 25 km / 15,6 mi Distance: 24 km / 14,9 mi Max. Altitude: 2.450 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 2.560 m.a.s.l / 8.038 f.a.s.l 8.398 f.a.s.l explora offers you the chance to discover Description: We depart by Description: Departure by van by bicycle the unusual geography of bicycle from explora toward the from explora toward La Sal the Atacama Desert. We have all the archaeological Tulor and Beter sites. Mountains. Here, we begin cycling equipment needed to ensure travelers’ The later is a colonial Atacama from La Paciencia plain toward La comfort and safety during explorations. settlement where we learn a little Luna Valley through a captivating bit about the local history and walk landscape. We return to explora by along the archaeological remains. bicycle. The return roads are very After this stop, we continue biking different from one another and until we reach the ayllu de Solor include uneven slopes, with several where we get to see how Atacama ascend and descends people live nowadays. Return to the hotel by bicycle. B4 Piedra de la Coca Nights of acclimatization B2 Arcoíris needed: 1 Nights of acclimatization Type: Half day needed: 1 Duration: 3h Type: Half day Distance: 25 km / 15,5 mi Duration: 2h Max. Altitude: 2.560 m.a.s.l / Distance: 13 km / 8,1 mi 8.398 f.a.s.l Max. Altitude: 3.268 m.a.s.l / Description: Departure by van 10.721 f.a.s.l from explora toward the Catarpe Description: We depart by van Valley. We take a detour through from explora toward the Domeyko an ancient dirt road up to La Sal Mountains, where we begin cycling Mountains. After cycling through along a steep trail, surrounded by an historic tunnel, we begin thick multicolored walls, until we descending across dry riverbeds reach the valley’s ravine . In this into Piedra de la Coca, an area with exploration we might see guanacos petroglyphs. We continue over the and other local fauna, in addition to La Paciencia plain biking through the diverse local flora. Return to the more dry riverbeds and rocky paths. hotel by van. We return to the hotel by bicycle through the Marte Valley. explora Atacama І Bike Rides
Advanced Expert
B5 Tambo B7 Río Grande – San Bartolo Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization needed: 1 needed: 2 Type: Half day Type: Full day Duration: 3h 30 min Duration: 4h Distance: 30 km / 18,8 mi Distance: 25 km / 15,6 mi Max. Altitude: 2.653 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 3.250 m.a.s.l / 8.704 f.a.s.l 10.662 f.a.s.l Description: We depart from Description: We depart by van the hotel and cycle across the from explora toward Rio Grande, Catarpe Valley. We ascend toward from where we begin cycling along Cuchabrache through an old road shepherd paths on the side of the that goes across La Sal Mountains, river. During this exploration, we where we pass by several gypsum pass through different ravines. In and salt ravines. During this bicycle some of them we will need to get exploration, travelers can appreciate off the bike and walk it along. The the local culture, observe the strength of this exploration is that petroglyphs and visit the San Isidro it offers speed changes and direct Chapel. contact with nature. Return to the hotel by van.
B6 Andes Nights of acclimatization needed: 2 Type: Full day Duration: 4h Distance: 33 km / 20,5 mi Max. Altitude: 4.525 m.a.s.l / 14.845 f.a.s.l Description: This exploration is our first bicycle route in the high Andean highlands. We depart by van toward the Argentinean border. There, we cycle at over 4.000 m.a.s.l. (13.123 f.a.s.l.) passing through plains and multicolored mountains. This remote adventure is a challenge worth experiencing. explora Atacama І Horseback Rides
Easy H3 Dunas de la Chula Nights of acclimatization needed: 0 H1 Ayllus Type: Half day Nights of acclimatization Duration: 2h needed: 0 Distance: 8 km / 5 mi Type: Half day Max. Altitude: 2.500 m.a.s.l / HORSEBACK RIDES Duration: 2h 30 min 8.202 f.a.s.l Distance: 10 km / 6,2 mi Description: We depart the hotel Max. Altitude: 2.450 m.a.s.l / toward the La Sal Mountains. Along the way, we cross the San Pedro Horse rides depart from the explora stables 8.038 f.a.s.l River and go through some dunes, located in the hotel’s premises. Our horse Description: Departure by horse from where we enjoy a panoramic explorations have been designed for all from explora toward the ayllus of view of the Andes and the oasis. type of riders: beginners, those who feel Séquitor, Yaye, and Checar –all Then, we enter a dry riverbed that comfortable riding a horse in open spaces, of these are social and farming leads to the Valley of the Dinosaurs and seasoned riders. communities of the ancient Atacama people. Located in small and return to explora through the pampa. Advanced horse rides are for those oasis in the middle of the desert, travelers who feel comfortable riding a crops are still being grown in them. horse for more than three hours and who are capable of handling it in all sorts of H4 Cúcuter Nights of acclimatization circumstances. H2 Solor Nights of acclimatization needed: 0 needed: 0 Type: Half day Type: Half day Duration: 1h 15 min Duration: 2h 30 min Distance: 7 km / 4,4 mi Distance: 11 km / 6,9 mi Max. Altitude: 2.450 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 2.450 m.a.s.l / 8.038 f.a.s.l 8.038 f.a.s.l Description: We ride from explora Description: Departure by horse toward the ayllu of Cúcuter, an oasis from explora toward the south of in the middle of the desert. Here, San Pedro and the ayllu of Solor. the green vegetation and the chañar Along the road, we can appreciate trees contrast with the landscape of the traditional building techniques the desert and the milky colors of of the desert, with adobe walls and Atacama salt flat. thatched roofs. The ride continues toward the Andes Mountains, crossing the Vilama river, until we reach the ayllu of Solor. We stroll through its walled streets and learn more about one of the most developed farming practices in the Atacama oasis. We return to explora through the pampa. explora Atacama І Horseback Rides
Moderate H7 Cornisas Advanced Nights of acclimatization needed: 0 H5 Beter Type: Half day H8 Guatin Nights of acclimatization Duration: 3h 30 min Nights of acclimatization needed: 0 Distance: 18 km / 11,3 mi needed: 0 Type: Half day Max. Altitude: 2.710 m.a.s.l / Type: Full day Duration: 3h 30 min 8.891 f.a.s.l Duration: 5h Distance: 18 km / 11 mi Description: Departure by horse Distance: 26 km / 16,3 mi Max. Altitude: 2.450 m.a.s.l / from explora toward the Catarpe Max. Altitude: 3.150 m.a.s.l / 8.038 f.a.s.l Valley through a road surrounded by 10.334 f.a.s.l Description: Departure by horse oasis fields. We trot and gallop our Description: From explora, we head from explora toward the ayllu horses before ascending through toward Vilama, riding through farms of Solor, where we can observe the ledge of La Sal Mountains, and settlements once populated by the communal lifestyle and local where we enjoy panoramic views. the ancient Atacama people. The traditions. The ride continues through After riding along the ledge, we ride continues through old cattle a trail that leads to the Beter sand descend through sand dunes into roads, watercourses and several dunes, where we can appreciate the the foot of the Marte Valley before ravines. Finally, we head for the flora of the saline regions. Arriving to heading back to explora. Gatchi village, passing through Beter, we get off our horses and visit volcanic rock formations. an archeological site. We return to explora by horse. H9 Valle de la Luna Nights of acclimatization H6 Valle de Marte needed: 0 Nights of acclimatization Type: Full day needed: 0 Duration: 6h Type: Half day Distance: 35 km / 22 mi Duration: 3h Max. Altitude: 2.550 m.a.s.l / Distance: 15 km / 9,4 mi 8.336 f.a.s.l Max. Altitude: 2.500 m.a.s.l / Description: Departure from 8.202 f.a.s.l explora horse stables toward La Description: We depart by horse Sal Mountains, crossing the Chula from the hotel toward the Marte sand dunes. We trot and gallop Valley. Here, we ride through desert our horses until we reach La Luna landscapes with reddish sedimentary Valley. During this horseback ride formations and clay esplanades. This we go through pristine and solitary exploration is ideal for travelers who landscapes, experiencing the want to get a general idea of La Sal desert’s emptiness. For riders used Mountains’ geography. to gallop and trot for long spans. explora Atacama І Horseback Rides
Experts H11 San Pedro- Matancilla Nights of acclimatization needed: 0 Type: Full day H10 Río Salado Duration: 7h Nights of acclimatization Distance: 35 km / 22 mi needed: 1 Max. Altitude: 3,100 m.a.s.l / Type: Full day 10.170 f.a.s.l Duration: 7h Description: We ride across La Sal Distance: 35 km / 22 mi Mountains toward San Bartolo. Max. Altitude: 2.800 m.a.s.l / Entering the ravines, we find 9.186 f.a.s.l petroglyphs and an ancient mining Description: We ride along the settlement. From the ravine, we Catarpe Valley following the course take an upward road toward the of a river that flows toward San ledges of the Domeyko Mountains Pedro de Atacama. We go up the until we reach Hierbas Buenas, an ravine, passing by Chuschul, a area famous for its cave art. Return highly regarded archeaological site. to explora by van. We have lunch by the Salado River. During this exploration, we also see petroglyphs. After lunch, we ride down into the Salado River and follow its course until we get to its confluence with the Grande River. Then, we head toward the San Pedro River, and return to explora through the Catarpe valley. explora Atacama І High Mountain Ascent
Equipment HM2 Jurinquinca All travelers should bring their own Nights of acclimatization mountain clothes. Please check explora’s needed: 3 website for clothing tips. Type: Full day Duration: 3h Distance: 4 km / 2,5 mi Max. Altitude: 4.961 m.a.s.l / Moderate 16.276 f.a.s.l HIGH MOUNTAIN Description: Departure by van from ASCENT the hotel to the foot of Jurinquinca HM1 Cerro Toco Hill, located north of the San Pedro de Atacama oasis. The ascent Nights of acclimatization These explorations can be undertaken begins at 4.500 m.a.s.l. (14.763 needed: 3 after completing several acclimatizations, f.a.s.l.) through a pathless route. Type: Half day including a complete daytime exploration From the summit, we see the Andes Duration: 3h 30 min above 4.000 m.a.s.l. (13.123 f.a.s.l.) and Mountains, with views of Licancabur Distance: 4 km / 2,5 mi a three night-stay at explora. Travelers and Colorado, as well as parts of the Max. Altitude: 5.604 m.a.s.l / interested in high mountain ascents should Atacama salt mine. 18.385 f.a.s.l discuss its details with their guides upon Description: Departure by van arrival. The following explorations are very from explora, we head east until demanding, so they can only be pursued Volcán Saciel we reach Los Andes Mountains. HM3 by travelers in good physical condition who Nights of acclimatization The ascent begins in an old sulphur respond properly to the acclimatization needed: 3 plant. We climb through a sharp process. Travelers who do not react well to Type: Full day and steep trail for two hours. Toco altitude or who have heart issues cannot Duration: 4h Hill is an ideal introduction to high join these explorations. In some areas the Distance: 3 km / 1,8 mi mountain climbing. Its summit offers roads will be clearly marked, while in others Max. Altitude: 5.661 m.a.s.l / a view of Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, the terrain will be unstable and present 18.615 f.a.s.l and surrounding volcanoes. steep slopes. There is always a chance that Description: Departure by van from we find ice, snow, and drastic temperature explora (2 hours) until we reach changes. Nevertheless, this is one of the a sulphur mine located between few sites in the world where travelers Bolivia and Chile on the ridge of the can reach heights of over 5.000 m.a.s.l. Sairecabur volcano (5.300 m.a.s.l. / (16.404 f.a.s.l.). It’s a truly unforgettable 17.400 p.s.n.m.). The ascent begins experience. in a steep rocky path. After two hours of trekking, we arrive at the Climate: edge of the Saciel volcano crater. Weather-wise, the best time of the year From the summit we have a view of to attempt these climbs is April through the crater’s interiors. The descending mid December, although temperatures can route is selected according to wind be extremely low, reaching up to -25˚C conditions. (-13˚F), particularly during the months of June through August. From mid-December to the end of March, the summer months in the Southern hemisphere, takes place a weather phenomenon called “invierno altiplánico” (“high plateau winter”). The weather becomes unstable and strong thunderstorms can suddenly fall over the mountains, erasing roads and rendering them inaccessible. explora Atacama І High Mountain Ascent
Advanced Experts
HM4 Volcán Corona HM5 Volcán Sairecabur Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization needed: 4 needed: 4 EXPEDITION Type: Full day Type: Full day Duration: 8h Duration: 5h Distance: 4 km / 2,5 mi Distance: 5 km / 3,1 mi E1 Volcán Licancabur Max. Altitude: 5.291 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 5.996 m.a.s.l / Nights of acclimatization 17.358 f.a.s.l 19.671 f.a.s.l needed: 6 Description: Departure by van from Description: Departing by van from (5 nights explora, 6 night Bolivia, 7 explora toward the Talabre village, explora, we head north toward day climbing, 7 night explora) southeast from the San Pedro Saciel, an old sulphur mine. From Distance: 6 km / 3,6 mi oasis. The ascent begins with a hike there we continue by car until we Max. Altitude: 5.916 m.a.s.l / through volcanic rocks and boulders. reach the Sairecabur boiler, part of 19.409 f.a.s.l Its length depends on snow the volcanic complex. The ascent Description: After completing conditions. The summit offers views begins among loose rocks, stones, several explorations at over 4.000 of numerous volcanoes in the Andes and boulders. We go through an m.a.s.l. (13.123 f.a.s.l.) , gradually Mountains, including the Lascar abandoned sulphur mine before acclimatizing our body, on the sixth volcano with its characteristic vent. reaching a final steep climb. The day we depart by van from explora The descent route goes through summit is Sairecabur’s highest dome. toward a remote campsite in Bolivia. volcanic rocks for 2-3 hours. Lunch Once settled, we go on a hike in the is served in the highlands. area of Laguna Verde and Laguna HM6 Volcán Colorado Blanca, from where we enjoy a good Nights of acclimatization view of the Licancabur volcano. needed: 4 The following day, we begin our Type: Full day hike before sunrise. The trail is very Duration: 10h well marked and we light it using Distance: 6 km / 3,6 mi headlights. Mid-way, we watch Max. Altitude: 5.748 m.a.s.l / the sunrise over Laguna Verde and 18.858 f.a.s.l Laguna Blanca. After hiking for Description: Departing by van several hours, we reach the summit, from explora we head north toward from where we have a view of the the foot of the Colorado volcano. world’s highest crater and lagoon. We start climbing gradually over a The descending route can be slope that becomes steeper as we challenging due to the steep slopes go forward. We pass through huge and unstable ground. On our way rocks and loose stones to continue back, we pass by ancient Inca ruins. climbing until we reach the summit, which offers panoramic views of *This exploration requires a the Atacama salt flat basin and the 60-day confirmation prior to arrival highlands. The descending route at explora. Check visa requirements toward the base goes through barely to enter Bolivia. marked paths and requires great care. Return to explora by van. explora Atacama І Overland
O2 Quebradas O4 Altiplano Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization needed: 1 needed: 3 Type: Half day Type: Full day Duration: 4h Duration: 7h Max. Altitude: 3.200 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 4.690 m.a.s.l / 10.498 f.a.s.l 15.387 f.a.s.l Description: Departing from Description: We depart by van OVERLAND explora, on the road to Calama, toward the Argentinean border to we take a detour to visit the Yerbas appreciate multicolored landscapes Buenas archaeological site. Here, we and salt flats in the Andean We combine transportation by van and have a chance to see different styles Highlands. We explore different hikes for an in-depth exploration of the of petroglyphs left by caravans that ecological layers, having the desert and its surroundings. In order to used this site as a resting spot. We opportunity of seeing diverse flora really get to know the area, we recommend continue toward the small village and fauna, which has evolved to getting off the van and walking. of Río Grande, one of the most survive extreme conditions. Once beautiful villages in Atacama, where we reach the summit, we get off we stroll through its picturesque the van to be in direct contact with streets. Return to the hotel by van. nature and experience walking at Easy over 4.000 m.a.s.l. (13.123 f.a.s.l.).
O3 Cordillera de la Sal O1 Cuenca del Salar Nights of acclimatization Nights of acclimatization needed: 0 needed: 0 Type: Half day Type: Half day Duration: 3h 30min Duration: 4h Max. Altitude: 2.550 m.a.s.l / Max. Altitude: 2.450 m.a.s.l / 8.366 f.a.s.l 8.038 f.a.s.l Description: Departure by van Description: Departure by van toward La Sal Mountains, where we from explora (35 min) toward can appreciate landscapes typical of the south to visit the village of the desert, with reddish clay plains, Toconao. In this oasis, surrounded sand dunes and various sedimentary by vegetable gardens, we take a formations. We reach the highest light 45-minute hike. From here, peak in this mountain range from we continue toward Los Flamencos where we have a view of The National Reserve until we reach the Mountains. We take a 30-minute surroundings of the Chaxa lagoon, hike through the south of La Sal located in the Atacama salt flat. Mountains, one of its least explored This spot is ideal for birdwatching. areas. Here, we watch the sunset and then return to the hotel.