ATACAMA
TREKKING
Machuca – Río Grande (Full Day).
This route is a journey through time. We descend from the high-altitude village of Machuca (4,000 m.a.s.l. / 13,120 ft) following the course of the Peñaliri River. You will hike among giant cacti (cardones), ancient agricultural terraces, and red-rock canyons while observing local wildlife like llamas and Andean birds. It is the perfect blend of nature and Atacameño culture.
Difficulty: Moderate (Physically demanding due to distance)
Designation: MD (Moderate). Approximately 5 to 7 hours of downhill and flat hiking
Highlights: Ever-changing landscapes from the high plateau to green valleys, and lunch in the village of Río Grande
TREKKING
Quebrada de Guatín (Half Day)
A fascinating hike through the canyon where the Puritama River (warm thermal waters) and the Purifica River (cold waters) converge. We will trek through a unique ecosystem surrounded by ancient cacti standing over 7 meters (23 feet) tall, tackling short rock scrambles and crossing the river amidst lush vegetation in the heart of the driest desert in the world.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Designation: PD (Slightly Difficult / Poco Difícil). Requires agility to navigate rocks and riverbeds
Highlights: The contrast of crystal-clear water with the aridity of the canyon and the giant cacti
MONTAÑA
Cerro Toco (Full Day)
Cerro Toco (5,604 m.a.s.l. / 18,385 ft) is the ideal climb for those looking to experience high altitude for the first time in a safe and rewarding way. Once a sulfur mining site, today it is a privileged natural viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the imposing Licancabur Volcano and the vastness of the Salar de Atacama. It is the perfect summit for acclimatizing before taking on bigger challenges.
Difficulty: Moderate (Introductory). Ideal for beginners in good health
Highlights: Quick access and spectacular views of the ALMA Observatory complex and high-altitude lagoons
MONTAÑA
Volcán Láscar (Full Day)
Ascend the most active volcano in northern Chile (5,592 m.a.s.l. / 18,346 ft). This expedition offers a unique experience: hiking across volcanic ash to reach the rim of its steaming crater, measuring 750 meters (2,460 feet) in diameter and 300 meters (984 feet) deep. Feeling the power of the earth beneath your feet while taking in permanent fumaroles is an experience you won’t forget.
Difficulty: Intermediate. Requires physical effort due to loose scree and high altitude
Highlights: Direct observation of volcanic activity and an active crater
MONTAÑA
Volcán Sairecabur (Full Day)
Sairecabur (5,971 m.a.s.l. / 19,590 ft) is a challenge for those looking to push right up to the 6,000-meter threshold (almost touching it). Located on the border between Chile and Bolivia, its ascent is a combination of volcanic terrain and boulder fields. It is a mountain with true character, ideal for mountaineers with prior high-altitude hiking experience seeking a more technical and secluded environment.
Difficulty: Challenging. Requires good physical condition and prior high-altitude experience
Highlights: Stunning views of Laguna Verde in Bolivia from the sub-summit
MONTAÑA
Volcán Aucanquilcha (2 Days / 1 Night)
This two-day expedition takes us to Aucanquilcha (6,176 m.a.s.l. / 20,262 ft), a volcano with a fascinating history due to the old sulfur mines located at high altitude. Camping under the Atacama stars is a mystical experience in itself. The climb is a test of endurance that rewards you with one of the most iconic summits in the Antofagasta region.
Difficulty: Demanding (Expedition with an overnight camp)
Highlights: High-altitude camping and exploration of historic mining ruins at over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet)
MONTAÑA
Volcán Llullaillaco (7 - 10 Días de Expedición)
At 6,739 m.a.s.l. / 22,110 ft, Llullaillaco is not just a mountain; it is an open-air mausoleum and one of the most imposing summits in the Atacama Puna. Famous for the discovery of the «Children of Llullaillaco,» this volcano demands flawless logistics and a deep respect for its history. It is a highly isolated expedition where wind and altitude will test your determination in one of the wildest and most beautiful landscapes on the planet.
Technical Difficulty: AD (Fairly Difficult / Algo Difícil). Includes complex scree terrain, potential snowfields (penitentes), and an extremely long summit day
Physical Effort: Requires thorough acclimatization and great endurance for load-carrying to high-altitude camps
Highlights: A visit to the highest archaeological ruins in the world and the experience of absolute solitude in the heart of the Andes
MONTAÑA
Ojos del Salado (7 Días de Expedición)
Ojos del Salado (6,891 m.a.s.l. / 22,608 ft) is the highest volcano on Earth and the second-highest peak in the Americas. This is not just a mountain; it is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition that requires top-tier logistics and strategic acclimatization. We will cross the lunar landscapes of the Atacama Puna to reach the most coveted summit for volcanologists and elite mountaineers.
-
Difficulty: Demanding. Only for experienced mountaineers with excellent acclimatization
-
Highlights: Ultimate technical and physical challenge; summiting the highest volcano in the world
MONTAÑA
Licancabur (2 Days / 1 Night)
Volcán Licancabur (5,916 m.a.s.l. / 19,409 ft) is arguably the most iconic peak in the region, famous for its perfectly symmetrical cone crowned by a summit crater and lake. Straddling the border between Chile and Bolivia, it holds profound cultural importance: in Kunza, the ancestral language of the Lickan Antai (Atacameño) people, its name means «Mountain of the People» (lickan: people, ckabur: mountain), revered as a sacred guardian. Approached from the Bolivian side, the trail zig-zags up the eastern face along a steady 35-degree slope—requiring light scrambling near the top—offering continuous, sweeping views of Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca throughout the climb.
Difficulty: High. Non-technical, but physically demanding due to high altitude and a 1,270 m (4,166 ft) elevation gain
Key Specs: 3.5 km trail | Ascent: 6–8 hours / Descent: 3–4 hours
Highlights: Perfectly shaped volcanic cone, sacred Atacameño cultural heritage, summit crater lake, and panoramic views of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve lagoons