Chile: San Pedro de Atacama Lascar and Llullaillaco Volcano

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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/-)

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)