Salt Lakes and Volcanoes Trek

The Moon as one imagines it, or perhaps Mars... Absolutely arid, immense, vast rocks as far as the eye can see, gigantic volcanoes, dazzling salty lands (Salar)... And then there is Atacama, also a hidden oasis, fragile pink flamingos, lakes with extraordinary colors, geysers, hot springs and human traces dating from the dawn of time. This voyage reveals the most intimate secrets secrecies of this splendid area.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Santiago
• Day 2/  Flight and drive to Antofagasta, Atacama salar
• Day 3/  Inca trail, Pastor archeological site.
• Day 4/  Lagunas Miñiques and Miscanti, Aguas
• Day 5/  Laguna Lejía at the foot of the Lascar volcano (optional) or Cerro Toco (18,372 feet)
• Day 6/  Moon Valley, cordillera de la Sal, San Pedro de Atacama
• Day 7/  El Chanar, archeological sites
• Day 8/  El Poblado native village, mines
• Day 9/  Puritam thermals, Tatio geysers
• Day 10/  Caspana village
• Day 11/  Laguna verde (Bolivia)
• Day 12/  Ascent (optional) Licancabur volcano (19,409 feet)
• Day 13/  To Calama, flight to Santiago
• Day 14/  Depart from Santiago.

In the south-west of Bolivia, the Western Cordillera aligns a chain of volcanoes above colored desert landscapes, unique to this world. Because of the arid climate, aridity, almost all of the volcanoes, even those which exceed 19,700 feet, are deprived of glaciers and are, therefore, accessible to hikers, what luck!!!
You will go from surprise to surprise: the Salar of Atacama, the Miscanti and Minique "Lagunas", Aguas Calientes, the Lascar volcano, San Pedro de Atacama, the Tatio geysers, the red brick color of the "Laguna" Verde, dominated by the famous Licancabur volcano. Ascending this one at 19,409 feet, sitting imposingly in the middle of the arid vastness of the South Sipez, will require more effort but with a great reward for us at the top! More than just a trip into south Lípez, it is an almost complete discovery of the Bolivian Altiplano, its landscapes, among the most beautiful on the planet, its rich fauna and its inhabitants with their very long-lived traditions.

Day 1/  Arrival in Santiago
Reception at the Santiago airport and transfer with English speaking guide to the 4* Hotel (Eurotel or similar depending  upon availability).

Day 2/  Santagio - Antofagasta - salar de Atacama
Early morning wake up and transfer to the national airport. Boarding on a domestic flight for Antofagasta. On arrival at Antofagasta, short visit of Portada, a natural arch drawn by Pacific Ocean waves. Departure through the desert in direction of the large Salar of Atacama, huge salty lands with a tormented surface (sunglasses obligatory!), a furnace populated by pink flamingos which hopefully we will have the luck of observing. We pass near a lithium mine and visit the village of Sorrow before settle installing camp at the Tilomonte oasis (7,874 feet), in an infinite desert decor.
Approximately 5 H on the road.

Day 3/  Tilomonte - Pastor (9,843 feet)
Hike for altitude acclimatization along a charming canyon. In the afternoon, we move our camp towards Pastor and its archeological site, at approximately 9,843 feet of altitude.
5 H walk.

Day 4/  Pastor - Lagunas Miñiques et Miscanti - Salar de Aguas Calientes (13,780 feet)
Visit of Peine village, an oasis on the edge of a ravine sheltering the ruins of the old abandoned village. Then a climb on the Altiplano towards Socaire village with its display of cultivated terraces before heading to Miniques and Miscanti "Lagunas", at more than 13,000 feet, these fantastic lagoons with superb colors, in their volcanoes volcanic environment, constitute a painting of an exceptional harmony. Then continue towards the Salar of Aguas Calientes, where we establish our camping site.
8 H on the road

Day 5 /  Laguna Lejía - Ascent of the volcanoe Lascar or cerro Toco (18,373 feet) -Tambillo
We pass in front of Laguna Lejía, a fantastic lake located at the foot of the active Lascar volcano. A colony of pink flamingos elected to reside here and it is easy to observe them. Excursion around the active Lascar volcano towards Tumbre. Possible ascent of Tumbre if the group so desires (around 6 to 7h walk including the ascent) *.
Descent towards Tambillo (7,874 feet) and to the camp. Approximately 3 H on the road.
* if the volcanic activity allows it. If not, we will climb the Cerro Toco (18,373 feet) on the Bolivian border, fantastic panorama on the famous, close by Licancabur volcano, Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde.

Day 6/   San Pedro de Atacama
Short transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (7,874 feet), splendid village in the hollow of an oasis. Free visit of this village's typical clay houses. We then go to admire the sunset from the valley of the Moon from an incredible notch in the Cordillera of Sal: a symphony of colors, lunar like reliefs of rock, sand and salt. An unforgettable spectacle! Night in 4* Hotel (Altiplanico or similar depending upon availability).
3 to 4 H walk, 4 H on the road.

Day 7 /  San Pedro de Atacama - El Chañar (8,858 feet)
In the morning, archaeological museum and Quitor site visit, a fortress from the XIIe century with views on the oasis and the volcanoes. Short transfer and beginning of our hike along a canyon. Camping under the stars.
5 H walk.

Day 8 /   El Chañar - El Poblado (9,842 feet)
Our trekking continues towards El Poblado, in the middle of a landscape of terrace cultivation and giant cacti, while passing close to abandoned mines. Camping.
6 H walk.

Day 9 /   El Poblado - Vega Hermosa (10,499 feet) -  Puritama-geysers of Tatio Hot Springs (14,108 feet)
Morning departure for a long ascending walk. The desert gives way to an Altiplano type landscape with its short yellow grass carpet. We go up the valley to Vega Hermosa, where our vehicle is there waiting to take us on our short transfer to the Puritama thermal baths. Here, we will be able to enjoy an unforgettable "natural" bath. Last transfer to the Tatio geysers, where we establish our camping site.
6-7 H walk.

Day 10 /  Geysers of Tatio - Caspana
Wake up at dawn to go to observe the Tatio geysers (14,108 feet). At this time of the day, the cold air creates high steam clouds which leave the guts of the Earth. entrails of the Earth. We then see the distant volcanoes turn pink by the raising sun: a wonder. Trek to Caspana oasis (10,827 feet) to install camp.
6-7 H  walk.

Day 11/  Caspana - San perdo de Atacama - Laguna Verde
Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama visiting the village of Chiu-Chiu. Lunch buffet in San Pedro. Our trip continues to Bolivia. Hut.

Day 12/   Lincancabur volcano (19,409 feet)
We will take our time to climb this volcano. Very early in the morning, the vehicles bring us up to approximately 15,000 feet, then the ascent is made through a stony, well marked path, to the edge of the crater occupied by a small lake (in which live organisms were found!), one of the highest lakes of the world. Descent by on scree covered snowy/volcanic sand slopes. For those who do not wish to make this ascent, you can enjoy a resting day on the edge of the Laguna Verde. Night in hut.
8/9 H walk.

Day 13/   Laguna Verde - San Pedro de Atacama - Calama - Santiago
Back to San Pedro. Lunch buffet in the village. Transfer to Calama airport and flight back to Santiago. Reception and transfer to the 4* hotel (Eurotel or similar depending upon availability)

Day 14/   Depart from Santiago
Transfer to the airport for flight home.

Strictly speaking, it is not just a trek, but more of a long tour through the Central Andes punctuated by hikes (one walk practically every day), with 2 summit ascents in particular.
This trip is reserved for good hikers in good physical form. It is held at high average altitudes, and we spend much time in 4x4 vehicles, sometimes on difficult tracks. The altitude acclimatization is meticulous. Although the ascents are technically easy, Licanabur volcano is physically testing due to the elevation, the cold and the gain in altitude during ascent. The climbs are done partly on path, partly on technically easy uneven terrain, but can be a tad tiresome. These ascents are nevertheless optional; each person one can choose to climb or to remain at the camp, according to their motivation and their physical condition the day of.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

A back pack during the short walks to carry protective clothing, camera, water, etc...

All of your belongings are dispatched between a back pack carried during the walk and a traveling bag with a lock, transported by the logistic team on the spot.

The guide
- an English speaking Chilean professional Mountain World Travel guide/ or an American resident of Chile
The local team
- one or more drivers/ cooks depending on the size of the group.

- Domestic Flights on Lan Chile
- Ground Transportation by private buses and 4X4 vehicles in Bolivia
- Ground Transportation by 4X4 private minibus and/or private 4x4 private car in Chile.
- To note: Bolivia is a poor country. The quality of the tracks is often bad and changing, unlike Chile. The vehicles are thus under lots of stress, despite the fact that they are well maintained.  Therefore, breakdowns or punctures are not exceptional. During the same trip, while crossing the border, one can easily go from a new vehicle in Chile to an older vehicle in Bolivia.

- Santiago, Calama, San Pedro de Atacama: four star hotel, based on double occupancy
- On the altiplano, best hotel or available inn, based on double occupancy.
- During treks and in the mountains: nights under tents (2 to 3 place dome tents with arches, adapted to mountains, 2 people per tent) and a community tent for meals, socializing and enjoying the evening OR in refuge or inn (basic comfort). The guide is sometimes able to replace one night under tent with a night in a refuge or basic inn.  You will have the possibility to do laundry while on trek in certain places.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

- In cities, meals at restaurants
- Lunch is generally picnics, sometimes warm food
- Outside cities, meals are prepared by our cook using local products
- Snacks (cereal bars, dry fruits, small cakes, cheese) during days of trekking and ascents.
- Drinks: bottled mineral water is provided during meals and during vehicle transfers. Tea is served upon request during camping.
Please note: You will have the occasion to taste the excellent meat of Lama and alpaca, cooked in various ways.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions – Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Santiago
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Airport taxes
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the website of Mountain World Travel or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Santagio:

• American Airlines in cooperation with LAN. Chile operates daily flights to Santiago from anywhere in the States through Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York.
• Delta operates daily flights to Santiago from anywhere in the States through Atlanta.

Chile
Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport and a visa; US citizens are admitted to Chile for up to 90 days.
US citizens, please check with: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1088.html

Bolivia
Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport and a visa; US citizens are admitted to Chile for up to 90 days.
US citizens, please check with: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1069.html

For other nationalities, please contact the Chile and Bolivia embassies of your country.

Vaccines
No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you however, to be up date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B recommended.
Visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChile.aspx and http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationBolivia.aspx

Dentist and doctor
Physical Examination prior to your departure is recommended
Because the trip in the Central Andes takes place in higher altitudes, it is recommended that you speak to your Doctor regarding your ability to adapt to such conditions.

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness:
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 5
At least 3 months prior:  Hike 13 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days, a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds OR if you are regularly committed to another intense sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 3 to 4 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.  

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles
 
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).