Code: NOR- 030
Level: Moderate
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Regular Departures
Every Monday (all year round)
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7 Day Atacama Desert Trek

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Moderate altitude trek, 5-6 hrs per day.Acclimatization necessary.3 nights Hotel in San Pedro & 3 nights basic CampingWalk free of heavy packs. Carry small daypack only.Well trained participants can continue with 3 day Licancabur AscentRegular departures on Mondays, 2 pers. minimumTrekking in Atacama Desert region will take us off the beaten path, into areas not accessible by vehicle andtrodden only by local natives and their lama or goat herds. We will encounter small villages, archaeologicalremains, Andean wildlife along with the most spectacular desert & mountain landscapes, always crowned byhigh dormant volcanoes. This program is an excellent complement to any of the Patagonia treks in order towitness Chile' s dramatic contrasts.

ITINERARY

- Day 1, (Mon), Arrive to Calama and drive to San Pedro de Atacama (98km) with views of amazing rock formations at Cordillera de la Sal. Briefing lunch. Evening 3-4hrs walk into the silent Moon Valley, hike enormouss and dunes and admire sunset. 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 visit to the Archaeological Museum; - Day 3, Enter the sparkling white Salar de Atacama and observe the flamingoes at Chaxa lagoon. Return to San Pedro (50 Km) and continue (6-8km) along the river valley until trek starting point. The trail follows a broad valley until winding into a superb canyon sculpted by erosion. In summer (Nov-Mar) we trek with sandals over the riverbed shaded by the immense walls that close above us. In wintertime, we avoid the freezing water and walk above the gorge. Arrive in the old mine of San Bartolo (2,700m/8,100ft) and set up camp. - Day 4, Start gaining altitude as we leave the riverbed and hike at plateau level. The trail follows the river canyon and some rare life forms, such as giant cactuses, emerge from the arid and barren desert. Arrive in the village of Rio Grande (3,500m/ 10,500ft) where we set up camp by the river.- Day 5, The trail follows the course of smaller waterways that form 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.- Day 6, At 5am we start driving towards El Tatio (4,500m/13,500ft) on time to observe the geysers in action at sunrise. Breakfast in the open and walk around the geothermal field. If feeling acclimatized enough we attempt to hike over the 5,000m/ 15,000 ft on the slopes of an inactive volcano. Drive back to Puritama hot springs for a healthy bath. Farewell dinner and overnight in San Pedro;- Day 7 (Sun), Drive back to Calama on time for your flight.