Expedition to Ojos del Salado

We will take the international flight to Islamabad, Pakistan.

Accommodation: -
Meals: -

After arriving in the morning, our local chief guide will meet us at the airport and welcome us to his country. Together we go to the hotel which is in a privileged location in the metropolis of Pakistan. We will have some time before lunch to rest from the long journey. In the afternoon we have to fulfill an important aspect of our program, the registration of the whole group at the Ministry of Sports, which includes instruction by the responsible officer about the special features and rules of the K2 trek. When all the formalities have been completed, we will still have some time to change money and visit one or two places of interest in the city.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Meals: Dinner

The minibus trip to Skardu will starts early in the morning. Through the North West Frontier Province we pass through the Chattar plateau to Kohistan, where we encounter the mighty Indus River (once called Sindhu = "ocean"), which crosses the country from north to south and is the backbone of Pakistan. It begins in Tibet and runs through all of Pakistan to its mouth in the fertile floodplain near Karachi. Upstream we follow a desert valley above the city of Besham to Chilas. With good visibility, we will see the west side of the 8.125 m Nanga Parbat, which rises about 12 km from this location.

Duration of the transfer: Approx. 12 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The real Karakoram highway, perhaps the most famous and legendary mountain road in the world, begins in Chilas. This route, opened in 1978, largely follows the course of the historic Silk Road through the Karakoram to the Khunjerab Pass and across the Pamir to the western edge of the Taklamakan Desert to Kashgar. After crossing the Indus via the Raikot Bridge (1.200 m), we can see Nanga Parbat near Talichi from its north side and thus the notorious Diamir flank. On our adventurous journey north, we inevitably have the impression of entering the heart of the Karakoram and the soul of the country. After about 6-8 hours of driving, we leave the road at the so-called "Pamir crossing" and follow the 170 km long route along the Indus towards the east. If the road through the imposing Indus gorge is passable, we will arrive in the late afternoon in the main city of Baltistan, Skardu (2.300 m), where we move to a cosy hotel in a beautiful location.

Duration of the transfer: Approx. 10-12 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After these long days of travelling, we will take it easy today. This break serves both the local expedition team and us to make final preparations for the trek to K2. If necessary, we can go shopping at the lively city bazaar. Luggage that is not essential for the trek (we can take a maximum of 15 kg) can be left at our accommodation until our return.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

We will switch to off-road vehicles, which are necessary to achieve today's goal. In addition to the admirable driving skills of our drivers, jeeps are a necessary requirement to move forward safely on the steep slopes. We first climb up the Shigar valley before moving on to the Braldu valley shortly before Dassu. From here, the approximately 80 km long slope is sometimes interrupted by landslides after periods of bad weather. If this were the case, we would have to do it like in the "old days" and the porters would have to walk through Chakpo and Hoto to Askole. This would take up to two days, and they would come from our safety days. For this we ask for your understanding as there might be delays, but our program has enough room for this. On the outskirts of Askole (3050 m), at the starting point of the trek, we will spend our first night of camping under the starry night sky of the Karakoram mountain range.

Duration of the transfer: Approx. 7 hours
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Together with our porters, we will first walk to Korophon (3.100 m), located on the Biafo glacier, where we will have lunch. The Biafo is considered the third largest glacier in the Karakoram. From Korophon we have another 2 hours to the Jola camp. From the Biafo glacier, the Baltoro region is a "restricted area", so during the following days we will camp in the traditional places of the great expeditions that arrive every year to climb the most untamed mountains on earth.

Duration of the day's stage: 7-8 hours / Ascent: 150 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we walk approximately 3-4 hours to Bardumal camp (3.250 m), where we will have our lunch break. From Bardumal, our route leads to Paiju camp (3.440 m), the traditional rest camp for all Balti porters. There they prepare their chapatti rations for the long glacial stage up to Concordia. Paiju is just before the imposing Baltoro glacier. With a length of 62 km and an area of 755 km2, it is one of the most extensive glaciers outside the Polar region.

Duration of the day's stage: 6-8 hours / Ascent: 220 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day of rest is foreseen for the carriers, an essential day to which they are entitled. The camp equipment and food are sorted and re-organised. Everything has to be in order as the next day we will cross the huge Baltoro glacier for several days. This day also serves as a reserve day, so that we can acclimatize properly. The surroundings and the imposing tongue of the glacier near the camp offer an impressive view. We will have the opportunity to do one or two exploratory walks in the fascinating surroundings and for the bravest among us, numerous cold water streams offer "refreshing" opportunities for swimming.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Yesterday was good for us without much physical effort, and now we are heading towards the tongue of the Baltoro glacier and from here directly towards the ice. The enormous Trango Towers soon appear in front of us, at 6.286 meters, one of the most difficult rock climbs in the world. In the early afternoon we arrive at the Robutse camp, which is located on a huge side moraine. After a long rest, we walk from here to the Urdukas camp beautifully situated at an altitude of 4.000 metres above sea level; in the Balti language, the name of this place means "falling rock". From our camp we already have a fantastic view of the world of the ice giants of the Karakoram.

Duration of the day's stage: 7-8 hours / Ascent: 560 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue to move forward on the Baltoro. The giants of the region are getting closer and closer to us and offer us an incomparable mountain spectacle. Almost with reverence we approach them with the slow pace of our ascent. The path is not very difficult from a technical point of view, but the fact that it goes up and down constantly makes it very tiring. After crossing a few streams we arrive at Gore 1 camp, where we enjoy lunch. From here the fantastic rock and ice pyramid of Masherbrum (7.821 m) and the 7.276 m high Muztagh Tower look close enough to touch. The peaks of Broad-Peak (8.051 m), Gasherbrum 2 (8.034 m) and Gasherbrum 4 (7.932 m) shine in the distance. Surrounded by this fabulous mountainous landscape, we walk after our break to the Gore 2 camp, which is located directly on the glacier.

Duration of the day's stage: 6-7 hours / Ascent: 400 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning light with the first rays of sun, the surrounding snowy mountains are illuminated and the shining glacier in the vicinity of our camp is transformed into a sea of light. The atmosphere during the first hours of the day is magical and unique. Marvelled by this scenery, we will enjoy our breakfast in the dining tent. Then we tie on our boots and load our backpacks to head without much difficulty to the legendary point of confluence called Concordia. Shortly before reaching our destination today, if visibility is good, our final objective, K2, appears for the first time. We pause, this moment is overwhelming and will remain with us in our memories for the rest of our lives. We set up our tents in the middle of the huge ice field of Concordia.

Duration of the day's stage: 4-5 hours / Ascent: 250 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Concordia is also known as the heart of the Karakoram. Above the Baltoro glacier, you can see the west face of Gasherbrum 4. In the northeast corner, between the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers, is the 6.256m high Marble Peak. In front of it, framed by the Baltoro, Alto Baltoro and Vigne glaciers, is the 6.010 m high Mitre Peak as "guardian of the valley above Concordia". The view to the north, we see the Godwin Austen glacier and then the 8.611 m high pyramid of K2. From there if we follow in a clockwise direction we reach the top of Broad Peak and the western mountains of the Gasherbrum group (G4, G5, G6 and G7), behind which are hidden the eight thousand meter peaks of Gasherbrum 2 and Gasherbrum 1. The 7.312 m Baltoro Kangri Towers on the upper Baltoro glacier in the south and the numerous six thousander peaks between the upper Baltoro and Vigne glacier are dominated by the 7.665 m high Chogolisa with its horizontal peak. Looking westward across the Baltoro we see Mitre Peak, Masherbrum, the Trango Group, the Muztagh Tower, Marble Peak and finally the mountains west of the Godwin Austen Glacier, which include Skil Brum. We feel like we are in a seven and eight thousand meter mountain ballroom, nowhere else in the world is it possible to experience such a spectacle. On this stage, we will spend the day and rest, using one of the reserve days.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we are heading towards the K2 base camp. For many mountain lovers, a visit to this place used by the K2 climbers will undoubtedly be the highlight. We leave early in the day and soon find ourselves in a maze of cracks and rivers of meltwater. After overcoming the difficult terrain where the two glaciers meet, we finally reach easier terrain and follow the central moraine of the Godwin Austen Glacier, named after the topographer who first determined the height of K2 in 1860. The ascent requires all our concentration and is tiring, but the view of the mountain whose pyramid of rock and ice rises to the sky directly in front of us, drives us to continue. Approx. 3 hours after having passed the base camp of the imposing Broad Peak, we arrive at the moraine where the traditional base camp of the "normal route" of K2 is located. Here you can literally feel the atmosphere of the great expeditions. It is the beginning of many stories, legends, successes and tragedies. During the climbing season, the best extreme climbers in the world meet here, right at the base of the mountain. Then we walk to the Gilkey monument. The names of those who perished while climbing K2 are immortalized on countless plaques, an impressive and also sad place full of history. From here we return to Broad Peak Base Camp, where we spend the night.

Ascent: 9-10 hours / Ascent: 520 meters / Descent: 320 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will descend using the same route as we used the day before until Concordia.

Duration of the day's stage: 3-4 hours / Descent: 200 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We say goodbye to the heart of the Karakoram, and begin our return journey. Passing through the Gore 2 camp, which we already know from our up trip, we arrive in the afternoon at Gore 1. Here we camp in the shadow of the imposing Masherbrum (7.824 m).

Duration of the day's stage: 4-5 hours / Descent: 350 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our path leads us through Urdukas to Khuburse. From here we enjoy once again the view of the legendary Trango Towers.

Duration of the day's stage: 5-6 hours / Descent: 270 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our descent continues. It seems as if we are almost flying to our goal due to the excellent physical condition we achieved thanks to our acclimatization in the previous days. But the spectacular mountain scenery encourages us to, time and again take a break and enjoy the incredible scenery and take some photographs.

Duration of the day's stage: 4-5 hours / Descent: 540 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the first part of today's stage we will cross a river. To take advantage of the low water level in the morning hours, we will leave early. The landscape is now gradually changing and becoming greener. We are still one day away from civilization when we arrive at our nice camp in Kurofong in the early afternoon. We are aware that this is the last night we will be sleeping in our tents and that our fantastic trek us coming to an end. We will have mixed feelings like joy, satisfaction and a little bit of melancholy that comes over us when we get into our warm sleeping bags after dinner.

Duration of the day's stage: 4-5 hours / Descent: 240 meters
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Passing the Biafo glacier, we arrive at the original starting point of our trek (around midday) that took us to giants of the Karakoram. The off-road vehicles that will take us back to Skardu are already waiting for us at Askole. But before we leave, we say goodbye, in a small ceremony to the local support team, who have assisted us with so much warmth and energy over the past days and weeks. We are fully aware that the successful and safe execution of our expedition is largely due to them. The time has come, we get into the vehicles and drive through the Braldo and Shigar valleys to Skardu, where we enjoy the first hot shower after 14 days and a delicious dinner.

Duration of the day's stage: 3 hours / Descent: 150 meters
Duration of the transfer to Skardu: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we will drive to the airport. Flight to Islamabad.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Meals: Breakfast

Free day in Islamabad. This is necessary to complete the formalities at the Ministry of Sports, which are related to the end of the walk in the "restricted zone". The rest of the day is free, perhaps for a walk in the Rajah Bazaar. Its winding streets are lined with rickshaws, donkey carts and tricycle taxis. During dinner we say goodbye to our local expedition leader.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we will drive to the airport. Flight back home.

Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast

We return back home.

Flight to Arusha / Tanzania.

Accommodation: -
Meals: -

After picking up our luggage and completing the local visa process, we will meet our local team of guides, who will welcome us to their native land. We will be driven for about 1 hour to Arusha, here we will enjoy our first accommodation, the beautiful Ilboru Safari Lodge. In its extensive and exotic gardens, the hotel offers us the perfect atmosphere to rest from our long journey. The rest of the afternoon is free. In the evening, we will have dinner at the restaurant of the hotel.

Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge (4*)
Meals: Dinner

We are already in Africa! For a carefree trip, our body must adapt slowly to the local conditions. So today we will take it easy. On a hike (3-4 hours) around beautiful Lake Duluti, we will immerse ourselves into the exotic African nature for the first time. The lake houses more than 130 species of birds, including eagles, falcons, storks and kingfishers. We will also see reptiles, snakes & lizards. A local guide will go with us on our trek, and will explain everything about the local flora & fauna. A scenic beauty that has not yet been discovered by mass tourism. In the evening, we will meet our mountain guide at the hotel, he will accompany us to Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge (4*)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The expedition to Mount Meru starts now! After leaving the luggage that we don’t need for the next stage of our trip at the hotel, we will be driven to the starting point of the ascent, “Momella Gate” located at an altitude of 1.700 m. We will go through Arusha National Park where we will see animals like zebras, giraffes, warthogs & other species. After this, the ascent through the tropical rainforest starts on the Eastern side of the mountain. A gentle mountain stream will give us the chance to refresh ourselves. Then the terrain gets steeper, but the trails are in good condition and this facilitates our progress to our destination at an altitude of 2.600 m.a.s.l., the Miriakambu refuge.

Duration of the day's stage:  4-5 hours
Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After having a good breakfast, we pack our backpacks. The track goes uphill through the rainforest. Again and again, we keep looking towards Kilimanjaro or the top of Mount Meru in the distance. After reaching an altitude of about 3.000 meters, the forest disappears gradually and the vegetation becomes scarce. The crater of the volcano now seems close enough to touch it, and the landscape looks like one out of a King Kong film. Soon we will see the building of the Saddle refuge. Here we will rest, will have an early dinner, and we will get ready for the ascent to the mountain summit the next day.

Duration of the day's stage: Approx. 5 hours.
Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Last night was a short night. Our ascent will start at 1:00 a.m. A well-marked trail indicates the way to the summit. The ground is sandy at the beginning and little by little it becomes rocky. After reaching approximately 3.900 meters, there is a rock climbing area very easy to pass, and then we will find three consecutive ascents and descents. Then we will reach the crest that will finally takes us to the top. The last ascent demands all of our concentration & effort, and then we will see a metal plate with the flag of Tanzania confirming that we have arrived to the summit. Full of joy, we will enjoy the indescribable view of the African steppe, Arusha and beyond this, our great destination, Kilimanjaro. After this, we will descend passing by Saddle refuge to Miriakambu refuge.

Ascent: 6-7 hours Descent: Approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will enjoy the impressive landscape, flora & fauna as we descend for approximately 3 hours to the starting point of our short expedition to Mount Meru, the Momella Gate. Before being driven to the next point, we say good bye in a small ceremony to the mountain guides and local porters who have accompanied and fed us for the last four days. We will be driven for approx. 3-4 hours to our next accommodation, the Simba farm owned by a Dutch family.

Accommodation: Simba Farm Lodge (4*)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kilimanjaro has to wait for our visit! Today, we will focus on the culture & the history of Tanzania. We are in the land of the legendary Maasai people and, of course, we would like to learn more about the life of these once feared warriors. We receive a warm welcome in the village of Olpopongi, and the villagers great us in their typical way. This place is a tourist project that takes into account the traditions of the tribe members in a sensitive way, and brings visitors and tribe members close together. We will learn a lot and have a very good time thanks to the extremely nice character of the people. Without a doubt, this day will be unforgettable, and at the same time will help us to recover from the efforts of the previous days.

Accommodation:Simba Farm Lodge (4*)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The great day has arrived! The expedition to the roof of Africa starts today! The trip to the starting point of the first stage is not very long. In approx. 1 hour we will arrive at "Londorossi Gate" at an altitude of approx. 2.100 m.a.s.l. After we have completed our registration in the national park, we will observe with great interest the hustle & bustle of the porters, the expedition cooks & the local mountain guides. The team that will look after us for the next 7 days, has already arrived. We will start the climb. Today the trail will take us through the dense tropical jungle at the foot of Kilimanjaro. If we are lucky, we will be able to see the colobus monkeys that live in the trees. After approximately 4-5 hours, we will arrive at the camp located in a small clearing in the forest. We will spend the first night of our trip in a tent.

Duration of the day's stage: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we get ready to leave. After hiking for a short while, we leave the beautiful mountain forest and start to approach the Shira Plateau. To get there, we will have to cross a few mountain streams. Finally, we get to the plateau where we know that we are at an altitude of 3.600 meters. In geological terms, the plateau is the remnant of an old and gigantic volcano that forms part of the Kilimanjaro Massif. From here we will need 2 hours to get to our camp. From this point, the impressive views of the mountains Meru, Kilo & Shira will be unforgettable.

Duration of the day's stage: Approx. 5 hours.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will continue hiking along the seemingly endless Shira plateau, with the gigantic Kilimanjaro cone getting closer and closer. Almost reverently, we approach it with the slow pace of our ascent. Walking through Shira II Camp, we will continue climbing to the so called Lava Tower. We are already above 4.000 meters. For the next 2 hours, we will descend from here to get to our camp which is located on a small plateau. The exotic vegetation of the surroundings and also the view of the amazing Kibo Glacier is very impressive.

Duration of the day's stage: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In order to save energy for the final climb to the top, the next two stages will be short. When we see the "Barranco Wall" that we will have to pass immediately after leaving the camp, we will feel a little light headed. The steep 250 meters climb combined with the altitude will raise our pulse, but the effort is definitely worth it. After leaving the wall behind, we will see the fascinating view of the southern face of Kilimanjaro. Absolutely impressed, we walk towards it. The certainty that we are now really close to our big goal, drives us to reach the camp in the Karanga Valley after 2 more hours. As every day, our team has already arrived and is setting up the camp and looking after our physical wellness.

Duration of the day's stage: Approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The landscape becomes more and more barren. We have crossed the line of trees several days ago, and the landscape of herbs and shrubs of the last stages have given way to a kind of mountain desert. We are already able to see our goal from afar, but the impression is deceptive: what seems to be close enough to touch still requires a lot of effort. We will not be defeated, and walking steadily after a steady climb, we will arrive at Camp "Barafu Hut". After our arrival, we will have lunch. The afternoon is good to rest. The expectations are increasing gradually, because we are conscious that the next day is the final stage to reach the roof of Africa.

Duration of the day's stage: Approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is the summit day! We wake up around midnight wanting to go out, we want to climb to the Summit! With the light of our flashlights, we leave the tents and put our backpacks on our shoulders. The uphill trail is clearly visible. With total concentration and driven on by the songs of our local companions, we will slowly gain altitude. The immediate objective is to reach Stella Point, located on the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro. This marks the end of the scree filled slopes of Kibo, at an altitude of 5.770 m.a.s.l. Here we will experience the most beautiful sunrise of our lives far above the clouds. We have recovered the strength to go for the last section of the climb to get to the highest point of the African continent, "Uhuru Peak". And the time has come! We did it! There are no words to describe what we feel…. Even though we have reached the summit, a successful descent is a save one, so this will require all our efforts. First we descend to Barafu Hut, where we will enjoy a hot soup. We continue on until we reach our tents that are set in a beautiful mountain forest 1.500 meters below. Only here do we start to realize and appreciate what we have achieved and the satisfaction starts setting in.

Ascent: 7-8 hours Descent: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will start the last stage of our Kilimanjaro expedition at 6:00 am. by descending 1.400 vertical meters. We will enjoy the morning hours, and observe how life awakens in the mountain forest. The possibility of spotting monkeys and other wild animals are particularly high first thing in the morning. After approx. 4 hours, we will arrive at the exit of the national park. It is time to say good bye. In a brief ceremony, we will thank the entire local team for their great support, without which we would not have had a chance to succeed in the mountain. Our journey continues. We will have lunch in Arusha, and then we will continue on to the beautiful Burungi Lodge (travel time approx. 4 hours). We are very close to the Tarangire National Park, where we will start the next morning with our fantastic safari.

Accommodation: Burungi Lodge (4*)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today a childhood dream will come true for most of us. After breakfast in the amazing atmosphere of our accommodation, we will go on our first safari. Tarangire National Park is well known for its great population of elephants. There is the possibility of getting really close to these majestic animals at a relatively short distance. But the park is also home to antelopes, buffaloes, giraffes & lions. This is the national park with the highest density of wildlife out of the Serengueti. Our 4 wheel drives will allow us to move around comfortably even on difficult terrain, and will also allow us to observe closely a large number of animals that otherwise we will only know in documentaries. Deeply impressed by the energy of the wild nature of Tanzania, we go back to the lodge in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Burungi Lodge (4*)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The second day of our safari in the heart of Africa will take us to Lake Manyara National Park. This place is completely different to the reserve we explored the day before. The lake that gives the name to the park has a surface of 330 km2, and its shore is the habitat of more than 400 animal species, like pelicans, flamingos and other water birds. However, the biggest attraction are the “tree lions” that can be found here. These are lions that climb trees, a peculiarity that can only be observed here and in one place in Uganda. This curiosity of the animal kingdom attracts scientists and animal lovers from all over the world. However, it takes good luck to see the lions climbing a tree. After the safari, we will be driven to our new accommodation, Endoro Lodge, located very close to our destination the next day.

Accommodation: Endoro Lodge (4*)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The landscape at the Ngorongoro crater cannot be found in any other place on earth. Its fauna is unique. The crater has an area of approximately 380 km2, a diameter of about 20 km and a depth of 600 meters. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its extraordinary diversity of animals. There is no other place in the world with so many animal species in a relatively small area, including some species in danger of extinction like the black rhinoceros. It is without doubt, one of those places that a nature & animal lover must visit once in a lifetime. We will spend the day here, and then go back to Arusha in the evening. We will spend the last night of our unforgettable journey to Africa at the hotel that we already know.

Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we will be driven to the airport. Flight back to Santiago.

Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast

We return back home.

Welcome of the group at the airport. Drive to the cosy hotel from where we will start the visit of the historical centre of the capital city, and where we will learn about the history of the metropolis with our local guide. We will have a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants at the Central Market.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Lunch

We will start travelling to the South of Chile, specifically to the area called the Lake District. After breakfast, we will be driven to the airport to fly to Puerto Montt. The SPONDYLUS team will be waiting for us there, and together we will visit the old Angelmó market in this port city. In the afternoon, we will be driven to Puerto Varas, approx. 20 kilometres away, place where we will spend the night in a cosy hotel. Impressed by the wonderful location in front of Lake Llanquihue, the view of the Osorno Volcano on the other side of the lake is fantastic. Despite its modest altitude of 2652 metres compared to the high mountains in the North of Chile, the volcano imposes itself majestically over the entire region.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we will visit the surrounding area of the Osorno Volcano. During the trip of approximately 2 hours to the starting point of our trek, we will enjoy numerous views of Lake Llanquihue. Upon reaching the Eastern shore of the lake, we will continue with the vehicle crossing the Western flank of the volcano, and will gain altitude quickly and get closer to the pass between the volcanos Osorno & Puntiagudo to the North. We will put on our boots and load our back packs at this point to start hiking. Soon a wonderful panorama opens up, and Lake Todos los Santos lies at our feet. For many people this lake is probably the most beautiful in South America. It was discovered by the Jesuits in 1670, and it was baptized with that name due to its incomparable splendour. We will have to walk downhill for approx. 900 metres on tracks which are in very good shape to get to the shore, and the small town of Petrohue. Here we will spend the night. (Trekking time: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day will be particularly varied. We will travel by boat, by foot and by car to reach our destination in the afternoon. After breakfast, the first thing we will do is to board a boat and sail across Lake Todos los Santos. Our captain will go to a hidden bay in the extreme South of the lake, this will take about one hour. Here we will go ashore and immediately penetrate the Valdivian forest. We will use an old Jesuit trail without which it would be practically impossible to cross the thick vegetation. After 3 hours we will get to Lagoon Cayutué, which is surrounded by a thick forest and it is well known specially by the fishing fans due to its great population of salmon and trout. After resting at the shore of the lake, we will walk for one more hour to get to a trail that will take us to the town of Ralun. Our car will be already waiting for us here to continue travelling towards the Reloncavi Sound. The landscape here becomes wilder and the roads will get worse. This region is away from the frequented routes. At Cochamó we will go to our accommodation in a cosy family lodge. The dense forest of the area already gives us an idea of what will be ahead of us during the next few days, a wonderful and untouched mountain landscape. (Trekking time: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Guest house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From our accommodation, we will be driven for approx. 40 minutes to the starting point of our trekking for today. The route we will take goes through the forests of the Cochamó Valley, along the river of the same name, and are old cattle trails that are clearly marked. The dense vegetation, as well as the deep gorges and waterfalls that fall from the mountains, characterize the landscape. Our objective today is to get to "La Junta", a place that has become a referent for rock climbers from all over the world in recent years. We quickly realize why when we see the first granite towers and the huge rock walls glistening in the sun. Besides the beauty of the surrounding nature, this is the reason why this area is called by the experts “the South American Yosemite”. But the granite is not the only attraction, the crystal clear streams on the mountains invite us to take a dip, and the unique flora and fauna of the place make the heart of every nature lover beat faster. Here we will spend the night at a rustic but comfortable mountain cabin, where we will enjoy the hospitality of the people in charge of the refuge. (Trekking time: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the vicinity of our mountain cabin, one of the last Alerce tree (Fitzroya cupressoides) forests in Chile is found. After the California pine, the Alerce is the oldest tree in the world. There are specimens here that are over 4.000 years old. Unfortunately they have been mercilessly cut down over the last few centuries, which means that there are very few intact forests left. We will have the great pleasure of walking and exploring virgin forests here. A big variety of optional hikes, of different duration and degree of difficulty, will allow us to choose the correct one for each one of us. We will take in consideration the group’s priorities to be able to choose today’s excursion. Factors like the prevailing weather conditions also play a very important role when choosing the trekking today. On the other hand, today each participant will also have the chance to just relax, explore the wonderful nature of the area on its own, fish trout, take a peaceful bath under a waterfall or read some pages of the book that the traveller brought to the trip. "Carpe diem" is today’s moto. (Trekking time: depends on the route).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will leave behind the fabulous mountain landscape of the last few days to walk back along the valley of Cochamó to get to the town of the same name. A hot shower will be waiting for us at the accommodation that we already know. With a nice dinner we will go through the countless and unforgettable impressions of the last few days in the wild nature. (Trekking time: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today will be free. The last few days have been intense and extremely hectic, so it will be very good to make a pause. This town on the extreme North of Patagonia has the special charm of its remoteness and invites us to walk around. The wooden church located at the main square is well known due to its architecture and its good state of conservation, and the view from the shore of the Reloncaví Sound to the Yate Volcano is simply incomparable. The SPONDYLUS guide will always be available for making suggestions or accompany any person who needs it. In the afternoon, the group will get together at the accommodation for the only planned activity of the day. The plan is to go to a temazcal, an ancient tradition of the American indigenous people. It is a steam bath that has been documented by archaeological finds throughout the Mesoamerican area, and it is still practiced nowadays. The purpose is ceremonial, wellness and therapeutic. Who could lead our ceremony better than Leo, the owner of our lodge! His interest and enthusiasm for the culture of the country and his contact with the local Mapuches make Leo an ideal host. With this authentic experience, the Chilean Lake District says good bye to us in a spiritual way. The next day we leave the area of the cold forests to continue travelling south.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Early in the morning we will be driven to the airport of Puerto Montt to fly to Balmaceda. The local SPONDYLUS team will be there to welcome us. The trip will take us to the legendary Austral road via Cerro Castillo, continuing to the South to get to Puerto Tranquilo. We will visit, among other things, an archaeological site where the Tehuelche indigenous group left rock paintings behind thousands of years ago. The absolutely privileged location of Puerto Tranquilo, right on the shore of Lake General Carrera, invites us to enjoy the wonderful landscape during a hike before dinner. There’s still a lot to see, and now we are here, in the wild heart of Patagonia.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Laguna San Rafael is located at a bay to the extreme south of the Moraleda Channel, which is connected to the sea by the navigable Témpano River. This is where the San Rafael Glacier is located, the closest one to the equator, in the world, and still reaches the sea. It descends from the Patagonia Northern Ice Field to a fjord in the Pacific. Even though the glacier has decreased its size abruptly in the last decades, it still extends for approx. 20 kilometres, with an impressive height of 60 metres and a width of 3 kilometres in its frontal part. Huge icebergs of intense blue tones float in the lagoon, an impressive natural spectacle. This is exactly what we will experience today and the next day. From Puerto Tranquilo we will drive to Valle Exploradores. After two hours driving, we will get to the boat, and after two more hours of navigation, we will get to San Rafael Lagoon. From here we will continue our trip by foot. It will take us 40 minutes to get to the refuge where we will spend the night. After lunch and a rest, we will walk once again through this magnificent nature. We will get to a high viewing point that will guarantee the best view of the lagoon and the giant glacier. If we are a little bit lucky, we will be able to see ice blocks carving off the glacier and become floating icebergs. Deeply impressed, we go back to the refuge where we will have dinner and spend the night well protected. (Trekking time: approx. 4 hours).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast is particularly good today in the cosy atmosphere of the refuge. Afterwards we will return back to the pier, but our adventure in the national park is not yet over, the boat will take a different direction today. Exactly! We are getting closer to the gigantic ice wall of the San Rafael glacier! The perspective is simply dazzling. From its front which is 60 metres high, the ice pieces break continuously with loud cracking sounds. The journey between hundreds of icebergs whose colours go from white to deep blue is an indescribable experience. The nature photographers will rejoice this excursion. In the afternoon, we arrive back at Puerto Tranquilo, where we will spend the night again. We will realize that probably today we have experienced one of the most spectacular corners of Patagonia. (Trekking time: approx. 1 hour).

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The marble caves of Puerto Tranquilo were declared a National Monument in 1994. A huge vein of marble crosses the Lake General Carrera and it outcrops on the surface at Puerto Tranquilo. The caves have been carved into a very special pattern over the course of thousands of years, due to the weather, waves and the acids contained within the rock. The surreal structures are called, "the Marble Chapel" or "the Marble Cathedral". We will sail on the lake to get close up to them. Upon arrival at the marble formations, we will take time to visit them in a calm and slow pace. We have never seen something like this before! No wonder, because this is a unique spot in the world. The colours and reflections in the crystal clear water of the lake illuminate the surreal marble structures. After this boat trip, we will continue to the south to get to the town Puerto Bertrand in the afternoon. This is located to the southern shore of Lake Bertrand, the source of the mighty Baker River.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Baker River is the one with the highest flow in Chile. It is fascinating not only for its pristine state of conservation, but also for the deep turquoise colour that is produced with the sunlight. Of course we will not miss the unique opportunity of experiencing it intensely that is why we will start our day with a rafting tour. After receiving a theoretical introduction and the required safety instructions, we familiarize with the equipment. After this, we will start with one adrenaline rush or two, a fantastic experience in nature. Of course, the activity takes place with strict security measures, professional equipment, and under the direction of highly qualified rafting guides. No prior knowledge is required to participate. After an exciting morning and having lunch, we will leave Puerto Bertrand. The Austral Road continues towards the small town of Cochrane. On the way there, we will visit the Patagonia National Park in the Chacabuco Valley. This park has been created by Kris & Douglas Tompkins, a couple from California. There, we will go to the Visitors Center, to a very interesting interactive museum, and then we will go for an easy hike. If we are lucky, we will be able to see guanacos, condors and other wild animals in their natural environment. (Trekking time: approx. 3 hours).

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The first thing we will do today is to visit the Tamango National Reserve, which houses a relatively large population of “Huemules” (South Andean deer). Here this endangered species is protected. If we are lucky, we will see a few of them in a clearing or on the edge of the forest during a hike. In the afternoon, we will arrive at the ranch, Rio Los Ñadis, where we will find a lovely refuge where we will spend the following nights. The farm is owned by Lilli originally from Allgäu (Germany). She travelled to Patagonia when she was 20 years old. She fell in love with this land, and today, many years later, she has two children and they live on their land with a lot of love for nature. (Trekking time: approx. 4 hours/ trip: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, once again we will use our trekking boots. The beautiful landscape and the original beauty of nature invite us to explore the surroundings on a full day hike. We will pass old pioneer farms some of which are still inhabited, and you can only reach them by foot or horse. We will walk along a valley that has been connecting remote habitats, for more than a century. Even today, the cattle herds scattered here in the mountains are regrouped once a year, among other things to count them and to mark the young ones. We can get an authentic view of the lifestyle of the local people and the gaucho families. The clear traces of an old pioneer trail bear witness to the history and settlement of the country. The excursion can also be organized as a horseback ride, without the need of great previous experience. (Trekking time: approx. 8 hours).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will reach the southernmost point of our journey, the legendary town, Caleta Tortel. It is located in a fjord landscape surrounded by sea and the mountains, between the Northern and Southern ice fields. The town was founded in 1955 as a settlement to produce wood from the Guaitecas Cypress trees, and only since 2003 it is possible to access the place by car. Before this, it was only possible to reach the place by plane or boat, because there were just a few connections with the outside world. In town there are no streets, only a labyrinth of wooden trails that connect the houses of the inhabitants. This fact and its singular location in the fjord, make this place a world class tourist destination. In an extensive walk through the many footbridges of the village, we will get to know its special character.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During a navigation of approx. 10 hours, we will enter a unique landscape of granite and ice. This excursion, that a few years ago was only done for scientific reasons, nowadays is gradually offered for tourist purposes. By navigating along the southern fjords of this remote region, we will get to the Jorge Montt Glacier, which forms in the Southern Ice Field of Austral Patagonia. With a length of almost 400 km, it is the largest ice surface on earth in the temperate climate range. Here we will approach the glacier between the icebergs floating in the fjord, and we will hike to explore the area. Every step in this world becomes an encounter with natural wonders and natural forces with the charm of absolute solitude. We will spend another night in Caleta Tortel.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Although we begin our return journey from the heart of Patagonia, our adventure is not over yet, and it still has things to offer. On our trip back up the north, which takes several hours, we will pass many places that have given us intense experiences and deep knowledge about the soul of the country in the last few days. In the afternoon, we will finally reach a beautiful lodge on the shore of Lake General Carrera. With good climatic conditions, we will enjoy a fantastic view of the highest mountain in Patagonia. Between snow and ice, Mount San Valentín rises on the other side of the lake. Our accommodation is a real jewel in Patagonia due to its privileged and fabulous location, so we will enjoy the afternoon hours in its facilities and end the day with a traditional Patagonian barbecue, a speciality of this region.

Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Although it is hard to leave, we have to move on. We will drive about 100 km on dirt roads around the Lake General Carrera, with exceptional views all along the shore. We will arrive at Chile Chico, a borderline city between Chile & Argentina, but we will not leave the country. We will do the last hike of our journey at the Jeinimeni National Park, home to 13 glaciers, 3 lakes, 30 lagoons, 18 rivers and streams, as well as open valleys with endemic flora that you can only find here, some of which have been discovered recently. It is impossible to explore all this in just one day, but our hike of approx. 6 km will give us a wonderful glimpse of the biodiversity and the beautiful natural landscape of the park. (Trekking time: approx. 3 hours).

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will use a new form of transport, and will cross Lake General Carrera navigating on a ferry for 2 hours from Chile Chico to Puerto Ibáñez. As soon as we reach the other side of the lake, we will be driven along the Austral Road to Coyhaique. This is the capital of the region and the economic centre of central Patagonia. We will spend the last night of our trip here. Tomorrow we will return to Santiago. Over dinner and enjoying a bottle of good Chilean red wine, we will say good bye to the local SPONDYLUS team.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to the airport in Balmaceda. END OF SERVICES.

Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast

On our arrival at Calama airport, we will be met by our local guides. Together we will drive (approx. 2 h) to the desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama and check in to our hotel. Our first excursion will take us to the Salt Mountain Range, here we will experience an unforgettable sunset from the world famous Moon Valley.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Lunch

Today we will visit Chile’s largest salt flat, the Atacama Salt Flat and 2 high mountain lagoons. After breakfast we will drive south. We pass by the villages of Toconao and Socaire on our way up into the high plateau or “altiplano”. Here we will find the lagoons Miscanti and Miniques. They are both located a little over 4000 meters above sea level. We will go for a short walk and enjoy the very impressive volcanic scenery that surrounds the lakes. After this unique scenic gift, we will descend back down into the valley, and visit the Salt flat of Atacama before returning back to San Pedro de Atacama. We will drive directly into a salt world visiting Chaxa Lagoon. With a bit of luck we will be able to observe flamingos and other bird species within their natural habitat. But today, not only is nature and the amazing scenery part of our objective, also from an acclimatization point of view, this excursion will help us adapt gradually to the altitude.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we will begin a trek that will last for a few days within the general vicinity of the San Pedro de Atacama oasis. After breakfast we will be driven to our starting point within the Valley of Catarpe, further beyond old Inca ruins. We will follow the river San Pedro and river Grande towards the north. We can appreciate the way of life of the Atacameño people that live from agriculture and animal grazing. We will have to cross the river a number of times before we get to our destination, San Bartolo, an old copper mining area after about 6 hours. Here we will install our tents and spend our first night under a star studded sky.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today will be a hard and strenuous day! We will trek for approximately 7–8 hours. In the beginning, we will follow the river upstream, heading north and slowly we will have a change in the scenery. In the first section, we will walk at the bottom of the deep river canyon and will have to cross the river a number of times. Then we will leave the canyon and start to climb up following a very old path that was used by the llama caravans in pre-Hispanic times. Finally we will arrive at the old village of Río Grande. The strong contrasts of the scenery during the day are very impressive. Today we will take extra care with using sun block because there is very little shade during the day. Once at the village and settled in, we will be able to enjoy the hospitality and quiet village atmosphere. We are allowed to make use of the community centre. Some of the local village folks can be curious about our presence and this can be a good moment to greet them.

Accommodation: Basic guest house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a good night rest and a hearty breakfast we start our trek. Today we will pass the green agricultural terrace fields that belong to the village of Río Grande, once again following the river. Our path then will make a turn and will start to climb up until we reach a pass at an altitude of 3600 m. From here after a short way, our path will join up with the river once again passing on the way old abandoned homesteads and terrace fields. Tall cacti, some of them 12 m, act as guardians of the valleys that cut the landscape. The puma and the mountain cat are rare, but we are in their territory, away from civilization. If we are lucky enough to encounter one, this will be a wonderful and lucky experience. For a long time the wild cats have suffered from man’s presence and become wary, timid and have excellent camouflage. All this makes them very difficult to spot. After approximately 7 hours, we arrive at the village of Machuca. Here we will spend the night in our tents.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After our strenuous treks from the previous days, today will be a little softer. We will do a relaxed trek of approximately 3 hours that will take us to Puritama. The name means “warm water” in the Atacameño tongue, and on arrival we will quickly realize why. We will enjoy a warm thermal bath surrounded by dramatic scenery, time to enjoy, relax and recharge. After enjoying the warm waters, we will return to San Pedro de Atacama and enjoy our last night in Chile before crossing the borderline into Bolivia in the morning.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will leave San Pedro early and drive to the small village of Ollagüe. Crossing salt flats and passing huge volcanos, we will finally arrive at the Chilean/Bolivian borderline. After completing our passport controls into Bolivia, we will drive another 2 hours until we arrive at the base of the dusty Irruputuncu Volcano. This ascent is not part of the main tourist route and is not well known. Here we will set up our camp and marvel at the strange and surreal landscape while watching the fumarole and take in the sunset. Over dinner, we will contemplate on how special our climb of Irruputuncu will be the following morning. The whistling coming from the distant crater and the shadows from the volcanos all below a star studded night sky create an atmosphere that will be unforgettable for many.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The moment has arrived, today we will climb our first volcano of our trip. From our camp we will slowly ascend towards the crater. Different minerals and especially sulphur color the volcanic ground and transform it into an artist’s pallet. The whistling sound produced by the fumaroles becomes louder. The natural spectacle that we see is not only fascinating for photographers and geologists. After approximately 4 hours, we arrive at the summit and will be surprised to find the ruins belonging to an old sulphur mine located at 5000 meters above sea level. After enjoying the summit and contemplating this extraordinary place, we start our descent back down to our camp (approx. 2 hours). After a short rest at base camp, we will drive to the small village of San Pedro de Quémez. Here we will spend the night at the charming “Hotel de Piedra”.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will visit the Uyuni Salt Flat, the largest salt flat on earth! And be awed by this extraordinary landscape. After breakfast we will leave our hotel and hit the road. As we get closer to the salt flat, we will notice that the colour of the ground starts getting whiter and whiter. Travelling on the salt flat we will lose sight of the horizon and all we can see around us is salt. On route, we will visit an “island” that is located in the middle of the salt flat, the Incahuasi island. We will do a short walk (2 hours), explore and admire the giant cacti that grow on the island. From the highest point we will have an amazing 360° panoramic view. From here we will continue onto another island called the Pescado Island. Here we will set up our camp and spend the night surrounded by other worldly landscapes.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We pack up our camp, and after a short drive on the salt flat we will arrive at the starting point of our hike. We will hike (5 hours) up to the view point (4370 m) of the Tunupa volcano. This beautiful mountain dominates the landscape from the northern shores of the salt flat. From here we can admire the full extension of the salt flat, and at the same time the multi-coloured crater of the volcano. After this unique hike, we will drive along the shores until arriving at the small village of Jirira. Here we will spend the night.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will drive in a southwest direction once again crossing the salt flat, and finally arrive at the city of Uyuni. This is the province capital. On route, we will be able to see the very basic salt extraction activities. Later on in the day arriving at the small City of Uyuni, we will be surprised by the busy city life that it has. The markets full of products and produce, some exotic to us, and the busy wide streets will catch our attention. We must make use of this opportunity to buy provisions and gasoline. For the next part of our journey we must be well stocked and prepared due to the fact that we will be isolated.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will leave Uyuni and drive to the small traditional village of Alota. Here we will start our trek for today. We will follow the course of a small stream that leads us to a huge cliff before finally arriving at our destination, (approx. 3 hours), a small waterfall hidden away in the depths of this deep valley. Here, once again we will set up our camp within a magical environment. More than one will make use of the opportunity for a refreshing bath in the waterfall.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After taking down and packing up our camp site, we will get ready for the next leg of our trek, (6 -7h). Our path will lead us first to a world of rock and stones that have interesting shapes and forms, thanks to the erosion over millions of years. From here we will continue, with the aid of a GPS, to the Bofedal de Pluma, a high plateau wetland, hidden in this fascinating world. This place is a natural jewel still protected from the mass tourist flow. Taking care and respect to the environment, we will set up our camp site that we will use during the following two nights.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will explore our surroundings and be out for the day. We don’t have a typical trekking route for this area, but thanks to the beautiful scenery and experience of Hans, our guide, we will have an amazing unique adventure.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxing breakfast at our camp, we will load up our vehicles and carry on driving, passing on the way a small village called Villa Mar. We will carry on driving until we arrive at the village of Quetena. Here we will spend the night in simple accommodation. Also we will prepare for our climb of the Uturuncu Volcano (6020 m) the following day.

Accommodation: Basic Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

he Uturuncu Volcano offers us the chance of crossing the 6000 meter mark. On this huge volcanic body, we will come across the remains of one of the highest mines found in the world. Sulphur was mined, but has not operated now for many years. The access roads still give us the opportunity of gaining a considerable height using our 4x4. After 3-4 hours of a slow ascent, we will finally arrive at the 6020 meter mark, the summit. The views over the high Bolivian desert are simply breath taking. After our descent back down to our vehicles, we will carry on driving south until we arrive at Laguna Colorada (4280m). This lake is famous for its red colour and large flamingo colonies. White islands of borax look like icebergs floating in the water. We will have sufficient time to explore this amazing and surreal landscape. Not far from here is our accommodation for the night.

Accommodation: Basic Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will carry on driving south towards the borderline crossing with Chile, but before we get there we will still have a couple of amazing surprises waiting for us: the geothermal field “Sol de Mañana”. Here we will get the feeling that we have travelled back in time to when the earth was forming. When we see the so called desert of Dali, we will understand why it got its name. Laguna Verde with it amazing colour located at the foot of the sacred Licancabur Volcano, leaves us speechless. Nearby the beautiful Laguna Blanca, we will make use of a simple refuge to pass the night.

Accommodation: Basic Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For the mountain lovers amongst us, today we will have a special gift, the opportunity of climbing the sacred Licancabur Volcano. Before dawn, we will leave our refuge and drive to the start of our climb at approximately 4700 m. The ascent is demanding and exhausting, but is not a technical climb. We will follow the path the Inca made and used up to the summit, and this helps us a lot in our ascent. If we still have sufficient strength and energy, we could visit the crater. After the climb (9-11 hours), our vehicles will take us back to our refuge at Laguna Blanca and continue to the Bolivian-Chilean border control. From here, we have a short distance until we arrive at the village of San Pedro de Atacama.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Free day. The oasis village of San Pedro offers a variety of ways to relax and buy souvenirs. Coffee shops and restaurants invite us to enjoy. If you are interested on learning more about the pre-Hispanic history of this area, the museum is worth a visit. Tonight we will enjoy our last dinner all together and say goodbye to our local team.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport of Calama. END OF SERVICES.

Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast

On the flight from Santiago to Iquique, we will see the wild Pacific Coast and the Andes Mountain Range. The SPONDYLUS expedition team will be waiting for us in Iquique, historical coastal city and old capital of the salt peter industry. We will leave the Pacific coast and drive across the Coastal Mountain Range to get to Humberstone, an old mining town which was abandoned in 1960. We will walk around the streets and buildings of this ghost town. Today it is a National Monument, and in 2005 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passing by the town of Pozo Almonte, we will continue going to the South to the National Reserve Pampa Tamarugal. Here, in the middle of an incomparable and magic desert landscape, we will set our camp and will spend the first night of our journey under the clearest and most spectacular star studded sky on earth.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After having a nice outdoor breakfast, we will get ready for the next part of the trip. We will first visit the archaeological site of "Pintados", a group of geoglyphs located on the slopes of the low desert hills. These are great representations made by the ancient cultures that walked the region. After this, we will be driven towards the East passing the town of Pica. The Andes Range in front of us is always our reference. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our camping site at an altitude of approx. 3000 m.a.s.l.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After having breakfast, we will pack up our camp and continue our journey. The landscape is progressively more spectacular and after approximately 2 hours, we will get to the high plateau. The view over the Huasco Salt Flat is impressive, it is a scenic treasure hidden in the Andean plateau. The white salt plain is decorated by the view of several mountains in the background, some of which are above 5.000 metres altitude. We will set our camp right on the edge of the salt flat. Later, we will go on a hike to enjoy the incomparable landscape. If we are lucky, we will be able to see flamingos and vicunas in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we will continue travelling North. After approximately a 2 hours drive, we will arrive at Cancosa, a town in the altiplano located right in the border with Bolivia. Its inhabitants belong to the Aymara culture, and they live here dedicated to the production of quinoa, and to their llama & alpaca herds, just like their ancestors did. We will stay in a simple accommodation that belongs to a local family. After lunch, we will walk around the village and enjoy some thermal baths.

Accommodation: Basic guest house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we will say good bye to our kind hosts. We will get into the vehicles to continue with the trip. We will have our back packs with us, because we will go on one of the hikes in the program. After reaching the altitude of Toroni High Pass at 5.090 metres, we will leave the vehicles behind, and will walk down the valley that will take us straight to the heart of the landscape that stretches out in front of us. If we are lucky, we will be able to see the majestic flight of a condor along our hike of about 6 hours, before arriving at our camp on the shores of the beautiful Diamante Lagoon.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will continue along the Chile – Bolivia border line. After driving for approx. 90 minutes, we will see the majestic Isluga Volcano. Its fumarole at the top indicates us, the direction to get to the Surire Salt Flat Natural Monument. The heart of this park is a luminous salt lake in the middle of a huge high mountain desert plateau at an altitude of 4.250 metres. This ecosystem is the habitat of numerous birds that are very easy to observe. Three species of flamingos can be seen feeding on the shore of the lake. Andean gulls, coots and ducks populate the lagoons, and running at great speed we will be able to see a rhea, that is called “Suri” in this area. We will continue to the foot of Cerro Rojo. This will be the place of our Base Camp that will shelter us for the next three nights. The view over the salt lake is really impressive.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we will start our trek directly from our camp and climb towards the summit. The route takes us through a queñoa forest of unusual beauty. There is no other tree in the world that grows at such altitude. But soon, the terrain and the altitude will not allow any vegetation to grow, and the slope gets steeper. We will get to an excellent view point on a rocky edge, here we are half way to the summit. Approx. 2 hours later, we will get to the summit after passing by an area between large rock blocks that facilitate the climb. After achieving our goal, we will feel that we are on the roof of the Andes. The view extends over countless snowed peaks, and in the distance we see the 6.000 m. mountains and volcanos near the border. The descent on volcanic sand could not possibly be more pleasant, and soon after this we will be enjoying a hot cup of coffee at the group dinning tent of our Base Camp. (Total time: 6-7 h).

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Surire Salt Flat connects to Las Vicuñas National Reserve and continuing to the North there is the Lauca National Park which has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Almost one third of the Chilean bird species can be found here. There are lots of possibilities to see alpacas, vicunas, guanacos and even a rhea, the big flightless bird that looks like an ostrich and lives in this habitat. We will pass over a col near the Northern flank of the Guallatiri Volcano (6.060 m) and arrive at Churiguaya (4.600 m). From here we will do an easy hike of approximately 2 hours going downhill with the view of Lake Chungará and the volcanos Parinacota (6.342 m), Pomerape (6.282 m) & Sajama (6.520 m). We will get to the shore of Lake Chungará near the border with Bolivia. This lake with a deep blue colour, located at 4.538 m.a.s.l., is one of the highest in the world. From here, we will be driven to the view point of the Cotacotani Lagoons, and then to the picturesque town of Parinacota, with its beautiful old church. We spend the night here in a simple accommodation.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With the morning light of the rising sun, we will drive our car to the base of the mountain that we will climb today. At an altitude of approximately 4500 metres above sea level, we will put on our trekking boots and will take our light back pack. We will face the Northeast side of the mountain. The short stops that we make will always give us the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic landscape, and capture it in a photograph. After approximately 3 hours at a slow pace, we will reach the summit of Guane Guane at an altitude of almost 5100 metros. On the summit we will be able to enjoy a good rest. The view over the craters of the twin volcanos Parinacota & Pomerape that are above 6000 metres of altitude, with the Cotacotani Lagoons at their feet, will give us unforgettable moments that we will never forget. After descending, we will go back to Putre, about 2 hours away. Once back at our accommodation, and at dinner time we will toast with a glass of wine, the success of reaching the summit.

Accommodation: Guest house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we say good bye to the Andes before going back down to the sea. We will follow the gorges along the sinuous road until we get to the coastal city of Arica. The last part of this interesting journey (approx. 5 hours) will take us to the fertile Valley of Lluta. From here we will make a detour towards the Valley of Azapa and visit the Azapa archaeological museum, very well known for its exhibition of the Chinchorro culture. The oldest mummies in human history are presented here in a very interesting and attractive way. In Arica, we will end our day having a delicious dinner at a typical restaurant. This is the end of our fantastic mountain trip, it is time to say good bye to the local trekking team. We will spend our last night in a beautiful hotel right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the Calama airport. END OF SERVICE.

Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast