TREKKING – ATACAMA DESERT & UYUNI SALT FLAT
Trekking in the Highlands of the Atacama Desert
Code
T03
Region
Andean Highlands, Chile & Bolivia
Duration
20 Days
Prices
From 3.790 USD
Next trip
25.10.2021
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General
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Dates
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Prices
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Services
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Itinerary
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Personal equipment
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Security
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Gallery
Introduction
The Chilean and Bolivian high plateau is a world full of natural wonders and incomparable beauty! Due to its geographic isolation, this is not a region that is easy to explore, but its singularity and magic reward each visitor. Our trip is carried out in the Atacama Desert and the little known Lípez mountain range hidden within the Bolivian Andes. SPONDYLUS has been traveling in this remote region for almost two decades and has found many hidden gems that are off the tourist track. The treks, some of them in remote areas, make this program a type of pioneer trip. Mental flexibility and an adventure spirit are a must for all participants. The nontechnical ascents of the volcanos Irruputuncu, Uturuncu and Licancabur, considered sacred by the local people and that are included in our program, offer the opportunity of experiencing the incomparable emotion of reaching a summit and not necessarily having mountain climbing experience. If we are lucky we will pass the 6000 meter mark. A special gift is without a doubt, the exploration of the Uyuni salt flat, the largest one in the world. Between heaven and earth, a wonderful, unique encounter awaits us, full of history about the ancient indigenous cultures. Discover the Atacama Desert and South Lípez together with SPONDYLUS!
Highlights
- The Atacama Desert is the most arid place on Earth, but holds many hidden surprises.
- During our many treks through the Atacama Desert and the Lípez mountain range we will follow in the steps of the forefathers and their culture.
- As a nature lover, one must see and experience the Salt flat of Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, at least once in your lifetime.
- Observation of the unique flora and fauna that form part of an exceptional ecosystem.
- The ascent of the 3 sacred volcanoes, Irruputuncu (5080 m), Uturuncu (6020 m) and Licancabur (5916 m) They are nontechnical ascents and offer amazing views over the Chilean and Bolivian high Andean plateau.
- Laguna Colorada. It is located in the highlands of Bolivia and has an impressive red colour.
- At the geothermal field, “Sol de la Mañana”, we will feel as if we have been transported back in time to the beginning of life on planet Earth.
- The small village of San Pedro de Atacama is an international magnet for nature and cultural history enthusiasts. The busy dirt streets that make up the historic centre invite one to spend some time to explore the village.
Level of difficulty
Header | For everybody | Medium | Difficult | For experts |
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Physical Level | Cell | Cell | Cell | |
Technical level | Cell | Cell | Cell |
Season
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell |
We offer this trip on FIXED DATES, but also as PRIVATE TRIPS.
Fixed dates - Season 2021/2022
The participants can make reservations freely for fixed date trips. SPONDYLUS will define the starting /ending dates of each service.
Minimum number of participants: 5 persons
Maximum number of participants: 12 persons
If there are less than 5 participants in the group, there will be a small group extra charge.
Code | Start | End | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
T03FD1 | 25.10.21 | 13.11.21 | Space available |
T03FD2 | 24.10.22 | 12.11.22 | Space available |
Private Trips
The dates for private trips are requested by the participants. In general it is not possible to add external persons to the group. If required, the itinerary can be adapted to the group´s needs and priorities.
Prices
The price depends on the number of participants, and they are based on a double room/tent.
5 participants | 4.650 USD/Person |
6-8 participants | 4.110 USD/Person |
9-12 participants | 3.790 USD/Person |
Additional expenses
Single Room / Tent Supplement: * 490 USD
* The extra charge for single room & tent will be done at the moment of making a reservation for the single room. If there is no other person found for sharing a room at the moment of making the reservation of a double room, we will charge half of the extra charge.
Small Group Surcharge: If the size of the group is smaller than the minimum number of participants (5 people), a small group fee will be charged. All this depends on the final number of participants.
Included services
- Accommodation in 3-4* hotel in double room in San Pedro de Atacama (DAYS 1, 2, 6, 18 & 19), San Pedro de Quemez (DAY 8) and Uyuni (DAY 11) according to the itinerary
- Basic accommodation in Jirira (DAY 10), Quetena (DAY 15), Laguna Colorada (DAY 16) and Laguna Blanca (DAY 17) according to the itinerary
- Fully equipped camps (expedition tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, mattresses, etc ...). The dining tent is equipped with tables and chairs. For sleeping, quality triple expedition tents are used for two people, and double tents are used for a single person. Our high density foam mattresses offer a good level of comfort while sleeping.
- Catering is offered as mentioned in the itinerary. Food is carefully selected and prepared for all meals. The special conditions and the energy requirements for a high altitude expedition are always taken into consideration at the moment of preparing the meals. Drinking water and hot drinks are available at the camp all the time.
- Private transportation during the whole trip. Vehicles are available all the time for the transportation of people and equipment.
- Experienced, bilingual trekking guides (Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, according to availability). The number of guides / assistants is provided according to the number of participants.
- Driver(s) and cook(s) according to the program and depending on the number of participants
- Security and emergency equipment: radios, first aid kit
- Acquisition of all necessary permits
- All entrances, park fees, etc. according to the itinerary
Not included
- Arrival & Departure Calma
- Services in Santiago. We will be very pleased to organize for you: shuttles, accommodation, city tours, etc. Please contact us if required.
- Drinks at restaurants and hotels
- Tips
- Personal international health and accident insurance
- Personal equipment (look at the recommended list of equipment)
- Any other service not included in the program
Itinerary
DAY 1: CALAMA (IN) – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (2.450 M)
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
DAY 2: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / LAKES MISCANTI & MIÑIQUES (4.120 M)
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
DAY 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – SAN BARTOLO (2700 M)
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
DAY 4: SAN BARTOLO – RIO GRANDE (3240 M)
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
DAY 5: RIO GRANDE – MACHUCA (4010 M)
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
DAY 6: MACHUCA – PURITAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (2.450 M)
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
DAY 7: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – VOLCANO IRRUPUTUNCU (4350 M)
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
DAY 8: ASCENT IRUPUTUNCU (5080 M) – SAN PEDRO DE QUEMEZ (3710 M)
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
DAY 9: SAN PEDRO DE QUEMEZ – PESCADO ISLAND (3650 M)
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
DAY 10: PESCADO ISLAND – JIRIRA (3670 M)
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
DAY 11: JIRIRA – UYUNI (3670 M)
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
DAY 12: UYUNI – SALTO ESCONDIDO (3885 M)
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
DAY 13: SALTO ESCONDIDO – CITY OF ROCKS – BOFEDAL DE PLUMA (4080 M)
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
DAY 14: BOFEDAL DE PLUMA (4080 M)
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
DAY 15: BOFEDAL DE PLUMA – QUETENA (4190 M)
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
DAY 16: QUETENA – VOLCANO UTURUNCU (6020 M) – COLORADA LAGOON (4280 M)
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
DAY 17: COLORADA LAGOON – BLANCA LAGOON (4350 M)
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
DAY 18: BLANCA LAGOON – LICANCABUR (5916 M) – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
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
DAY 19: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
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
DAY 20: ARICA (OUT)
Transfer to the airport of Calama. END OF SERVICES.
Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast
Recommended equipment
Technical clothing
Warm jacket (down or synthetic fiber), Breathable windbreaker jacket (Goretex or similar), Medium weight fleece pullover (Polartec or similar), Trekking trousers, Thermal underware, Thermal trekking socks
Head & Hands
Sun hat, Woolen hat or similar with ear protection, First layer thin gloves, Trekking gloves (Goretex, Windstopper or similar)
Sleeping gear
Goose down or synthetic fiber sleeping bag (comfort zone -10ºC) with compression bag
Shoes
Strong trekking boots, Light trainers, Sandals or similar for the camps and river crossing
Technical Equipment
Telescopic trekking poles
Additional Equipment
Sun glasses with 100% UV protection, Wide mouth water bottle, Thermos, Sun block factor 30+, Lip sun protector factor 30+, Pocket knife, Watch with alarm, Personal first aid kit, Expedition Duffel Bag, Head lamp with batteries & extra batteries, Back pack 30L +, Swimwear, Towel
Security
To guarantee maximum security, all along the trekking we always take with us VHF radios, a first aid kit and medicine for emergencies.
Besides this, we strongly recommend every participant to hire a Foreign Health insurance and an Accident insurance for South America.
We know that reaching the top of a mountain is the dream of every mountaineer. This is the reason why we make our best effort to make a successful ascent possible. Due to our wide experience on climbing high mountains, we normally succeed. However, it is not possible for us to guarantee reaching the summit of any mountain, and we will never put our health at risk trying to achieve the goal. The security of our clients, our mountain guides and the whole expedition team is our highest priority!
