Chile: San Pedro de Atacama Lascar and Llullaillaco Volcano
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- Chile: San Pedro de Atacama…
The momies of Llullaillaco
In 1998 National Geographic organized and financed an expedition to Volcano Llullaillaco, the result, in 1999 were unearthed 3 dead bodies (Llullaillaco Children), a 6 year old girl (girl of the ray), a 7 years and a 15 year old girl (the maid), on the place were also found 46 animal figures, human and food. This finding more others who had done before, like a cemetery at the base of Llullaillaco makes this volcano the highest archaeological site in the world.
The Llullaillaco volcano is considered the second highest volcano in the world (6739m) after Ojos del Salado (6893), is also the third highest peak in Chile and clearly a challenge. We cross the driest desert in the world (Atacama). It is an itinerary that allowed acclimating to places rarely visited the Lascar volcano climb 5600m, visit the Tatio Geyser, went along unique canyons; it is certainly a nice challenge that calls to be explored.
- 13 Days/12 Nights
- All year
- This is not a technical track, but it is physically challenging
Travel Program
Day 1: Calama aireport / Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama / Valle de la Luna
Welcome: Once the whole group has arrived at Calama’s airport, the chief guide will meet all of you there and take you to the hostel in order to have a talk answering doubts and checking your mountain equipment, and them tour to Valle de la Luna.
- Max altitude: 24000 m
- Transport: 4WD
- Scheme:Reception at the airport, head to the hostel, equipment checking, itinerary checking, visit to Valle de la Luna
Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2: San Pedro de Atacama (SPA) / San Bartolo
We will set off from San Pedro de Atacama to begin our spectacular trekking through one incredible valley. We must cross over several rivers along the way, reason why we advise you to take with you some appropriate footwear for this part of the route. About six hours later, walking towards San Bartolo, we will meet our first campsite already set up and have our first “field dinner.”
- Max altitude: 2700 m
- Lodging: Mountain tent
- Transport: 4WD
- Scheme:Trekking, Camp set-up, cooking, acclimatization.
Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 3: San Bartolo / Río Grande
On this day, we will take it easy. After a strong breakfast, we will dismantlethe tents and head back to the route in order to start a progressive ascension towards Rio Grande village. We will be walking through abandoned mines and through the incredible giant cacti area.
- Max altitude: 3200 m
- Lodging: Mountain tent
- Meals: Breakfast, box-lunch, dinner.
- Transport: 4WD support
- Scheme: Trekking, Camp set-up, cooking, acclimatization
Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 4: Río Grande / Machuca
This should be the longest day of walk, about 7 hours. We will keep our track deep into the valley and into old abandoned towns with lots of history. Flora in this area is mostly short bushes and foxtail-like plants; also, we will be seeing lovely packs of alpacas and llamas. This flora and fauna tell us we are near the town of Machuca, where we’ll set up our third campsite.
- Max altitude: 4400 m
- Lodging: Mountain tent
- Transport: 4WD support
- Scheme: Trekking, Camp set-up, cooking, acclimatization
Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 5: Machuca / refugio gayser del Tatio / volcan Tatio Norte
On this day, we’ll be riding a 4WD truck which will take us to Tatio’s geyser area. Once we are checked-in in the refuge, we’ll head towards our first “training ascension” before the giant ones that we’ll be facing later on.
- Max altitude: 4800 m
- Lodging: Mountain tent or refuge
- Transport: 4WD
- Scheme: Trekking, Camp set-up, cooking, acclimatization
Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 6: Gayser del Tatio / Laguna Lejía
Early morning, we will walk across the geyser area so we can admire the characteristic geothermal activity of the zone, which is only possible to gaze during early morning hours. About 9 am we’ll be heading back to the refuge, load up the trucks and ride towards Laguna Lejia and set up our campsite there. Once ready, we’ll start an acclimatization trekking on the Corona hill.
- Max altitude: 5200 m
- Lodging: Mountain tent
- Transport: 4WD
- Scheme: Trekking, Camp set-up, cooking, acclimatization
Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 7: Laguna Lejía / climb Lascar / Base camp Llullaillaco
Early morning, we’re up to climb the Lascar volcano. One of the most active volcanoes in the region. After the ascension, we’ll return to the campsite, pick up the equipment and head to base camp (refuge) on the Llullaillaco volcano. The more you know: three mummies were found there, “victims” of ritual sacrifice by the Incas. But do not worry! As far as we know, there are no Incas left in the area. We’ll be safe!
- Max altitude: 5600 m
- Lodging: Mountain tent or refuge
- Transport: 4WD
- Scheme: Climb Lascar, Camp set-up, cooking, acclimatization
Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 8: Camp CONAF / Camp 1
With the help of the 4WD truck, we’ll carry the equipment in order to set up camp 1. We’ll prepare the high altitude equipment and then carry it up and set up the high altitude camp, this time by our own means (on foot). Leaving the high camp behind, we’ll go back to camp 1 and spend the night there.
- Max altitude: 5260 m
- Lodging: Mountain tent
- Transport: 4WD
- Scheme: Trekking, Camp set-up, cooking, acclimatization
Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 9: Camp 1 / Camp high
Each climber will be in charge of carrying up part of the general equipment and their own equipment to high camp.
- Max altitude: 5837 m
- Lodging: Mountain tent
- Transport: No
- Scheme: Trekking, Camp set-up, cooking, acclimatization
Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 10: Camp high / climb Llullaillaco / refuge CONAF
We leave early morning in order to reach Llullaillaco volcano’s summit (6739 masl). Today we’ll see how every action and decision we made before is going to be reflected in our performance. Proper acclimatization is key to reach such a demanding summit. Needless to say, this is going to be one of the toughest days in our quest. By the end of this exhausting day we’ll head back to the refuge and spend the night.
- Max altitude: 6739 m
- Lodging: Mountain tent or refuge
- Transport: 4WD
- Scheme: Climb LLillaillaco, camp set-up, cooking, acclimatization
Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 12: Refuge CONAF / San Pedro de Atacama
After a good breakfast we will set down the camp, and we will drive to San Pedro to spend the last night in the Atacama desert
- Max altitude:3700 m
- Transport: 4WD
- Scheme:Drive to San Pedro, camp set-down, cooking
Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 13: Hotel / Aireport Calama / End of our service (OUT)
The whole group will be driven to the airport.
- Max altitude:2500 m
- Lodging:No
- Meals:*Breakfast
- Transport: 4WD or minivan
- Scheme: Airport transfer (optional)
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
What's Included
Services included in the prices:
- Mountain guide (Spanish / English )
- Driver guide
- 2 hotel night in San Pedro de Atacama
- 1 night in refuge in Gayser del Tatio
- Private transportation to climbing areas (4WD)
- Transfer airport (Calama IN, Out)
- Mountain tents (each one is for 2 persons)
- Dinner tent (with table and chairs)
- Foam matt
- Cooking kit
- All meals within the expedition (Breakfast, box lunch, diner)
- Professional first aids kit
- Oxygen tank
- Heart rate monitor and oximeter
- VHF Radio
- Satellite radio
- All group equipment; rope, high altitude tent, stove, GPS, etc.
Not included:
- Personal mountain equipment
- Traveling and rescue insurances. We strongly recommend you to get them.
- Any other service which wasn’t mentioned above. (restaurant meals, beverages , tips, etc.)
- International and national flights and boarding fees.
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» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays
Prices (per person):
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Deposit for reservations: * — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: *Available
Trip-code: Number ►PE-404
Duration: 13 days
Participants: Minimal: 2 Maximal: 15
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Chile
Mountain Guide: Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2023
Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions
- WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066
- E-Mail: [email protected]