Multi-sport | Horseback riding | Sea Kayaking | Skiing | Trekking |
Suggested itinerary:
The Altiplano trekk 6 days
Day 1: Calama- San Pedro de Atacama
Early Morning arrival at Calama airport and transfer to San Pedro (100 km) crossing the dramatic rock formations found in the Cordillera de la Sal. When the sun goes down, we visit the impressive Moon Valley and enjoy the beauty of the place with its amazing rock formations. Later at night we meet for a get-together dinner to discuss the itinerary. Overnight in a Hostería;
Day 2: San Pedro- San Bartolo
We leave San Pedro through the valley of the same name in direction to San Bartolo, an old indian mine. We visit the fortress of Quitor and later trek in the river-bed, where we can enjoy a spectacular landscape. We arrive at San Bartolo where our camp is already waiting for us. Dinner and overnight under the stars. (B, L,- D)
Day 3: San Bartolo - Río Grande
In the early morning we start our trekking in the river-bed, crossing the old mine of San Bartolo, and start going upwards. We have the sensation of real dyness and extension when the immense desert opens before us. When night goes down, we arrive at Rio Grande where we camp on the edge of the river where the babbling of the river will accompany us in our dreams. (B,L-,D);
Day 4: Río Grande - Machuca
We continue our trekking, following the river Peñaliri, passing terraces where we can appreciate the oldest form of agricalture. We ascent from 2.700 m to 3.500 m, trekking through gorges and valleys until we reach the small village Machuca, situated on a high platform, and famous for its rich vegetation and great variety of wildlife. Nowadays Machuca is half abandoned, only a few shepards are still living there. We set up camp to spend the night at this lonely place. (B,L-,D);
Day 5: Machuca - Guatin
We trek in the Machuca gorge to enjoy its incredible vegetation and wildlife. Later the vehicle takes us to the quebrada of Guatín from where we trek until the hotsprings of Puritama to enjoy its relaxing hot water pools. After a pic-nic lunch the vehicle take sus back to San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy a delicious good-bye dinner and overnight in the hotel (B,L-,D);
Day 6: San Pedro - Calama
In the morning we tour San Pedro: We visit the famous arqueological museum to get an insight of the ancient cultures, the beautiful church, the market place and the handicrafts market. In the afternoon transfer back to Calama on time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago (B).
Tour operators offering this trip: