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Volcan
Licancabur
Get
to know the marbels of the Atacama desert, said to be the driest
i n
the world, we suggest to join the shorter excursion to the Licancabur
Volcano, used to be a sacred sanctuary for the ancient Incas, that
domains the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama´s region.
ITINERARY
This longer version considers the appropriate acclimatization time before the mountain ascent.- Day 1, Evening flight to Calma. Arrive to Calama and drive to San Pedro de Atacama (98km) by way of Valle de La Luna. As the sun gets down admire the amazing rock formations of Cordillera de la Sal and hike immense sand dunes to the lookout points. Overnight Hotel in San Pedro;- Day 2, 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 drive to Miscanti & Meniques lagoon at 4,500m/ 13,500ft for a short 1hr acclimatization trek. Drive down and enter Atacama Saltflat on time for sunset;-Day 3, Drive to the village of Rio Grande (3,500m/ 10,500ft) and trek(5-6hrs) an scenic trail that follows the course of smaller waterways through 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. Set up camp in Machuca-Day 4, At 5am we start driving towards El Tatio (4,500m/ 13,500ft) on time to observe the geysers in action at sunrise. To keep progressing in our acclimatization we start hiking Cerro Soquete (5,400m/ 16,200 ft ) aiming its summit. Drive back to Puritama hot springs for a healthy bath and back to San Pedro;-Day 5, Drive up to 4,500m/ 13,500ft to the border crossing over to Bolivia. Set up base camp next to Laguna Blanca or at Laguna Blanca shelter;-Day 6, Acclimatization trek around Laguna Blanca;-Day 7, Start the ascent at 4am and reach the summit around noon. Keep a slow pace ensuring acclimatization. Hike down through a giant toboggan and reach base camp by 3pm. Take down base camp and drive down to San Pedro.-Day 8, Drive back to Calama on time for your flight.
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