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TREKKING ATACAMA DESERT 7D/6N TOUR
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1. - INTRODUCTION
Trekking in Atacama Desert region will take us off the beaten path, into areas not accessible by vehicle and trodden only by local natives and their llama or goat herds. We will encounter small villages, archeological remains, Andean wildlife along with the most spectacular desert and mountain landscapes, always crowned by high dormant volcanoes. This program is an excellent combination complement to any of the Patagonia treks in order to witness Chile’s dramatic contrasts.
2. – ITINERARY
B = Breakfast BL= Box Lunch L = Lunch D = Dinner
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DAY 1: CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - HOTEL
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Meet and assist at the airport of Calama and drive to San Pedro de Atacama (98 km) with views of amazing rock formations at Cordillera de La Sal. Arrive to San Pedro de Atacama, check in at Hotel and enjoy a free afternoon. Lodging at Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.
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DAY 2: CARI GORGE AND MOON VALLEY TREK – 4 HRS
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Morning at leisure to explore the town and surroundings.
In the afternoon we’ll trek trough the CARI GORGE to the Moon Valley, approximately 4 hours.
We will drive for approximately 10 km into it, and take a turn through an old path towards the highest part of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt mountain range). From this vantage point we would admire incredible scenery. Then we will start trekking following a narrow ledge, until we find a dune that will take us down. Later we will penetrate into the Quebrada Cari (Cari Gorge), going through spectacular landscapes, observing various sediment formations, tunnels and curious saline structures. At the end of the gorge we will arrive in the Moon Valley to experience an incredible sunset with a cold Pisco sour and cocktail under the stars.
Lodging at Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
/ B / CKTL /
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DAY 3 / 08:30: GUATIN – PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS TREK - 3 HRS
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Transfer to Guatin and trekking to the Puritama Hot springs for 3 hours.
After breakfast we set out in a northeasterly direction from San Pedro, heading for the Purifica River (Agua Buena). Our hike this morning takes us along ancient Indian caravan trails down the Guatin canyon (altitude 3,000 m), an area noted for its amazing variety of cactus plants as well as for its sparkling pools of fresh water. When reaching to Puritama hot springs (3400m/11220ft.) we’ll enjoy a relaxing bath in the river and have lunch here. Then head back to San Pedro de Atacama and rest of the day at leisure.
Lodging at Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
/ B / L /
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DAY 4 / 04:30: TATIO GEYSERS AND MACHUCA VILLAGE TREK – 5/6 HRS
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Very early in the morning we’ll drive for approximate 2 hours to the Tatio Geysers and walk at the geothermal field while you’ll observe some of the Altiplano flora and fauna. Enjoy a tasty breakfast with geysers boiled eggs. Trek for 2 hours at the geothermal area.
Drive to the village of Machuca and walk for another 2 hours. You’ll be able to observe some lamas, vicuñas, alpacas and Andean birds.
Return to San Pedro de Atacama and rest of the day at leisure.
Lodging at Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
/ B / L /
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DAY 5/09:00: MIÑIQUES & MISCANTI LAGOONS AND CALLEJON VARELAS TREK – 5/6 HRS
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Our trip begins with the ascent to 2,400 meters of height, were we will reach a peak altitude of 4200 meters in the Andes Mountain; due to the enormous summits that the mountain offers in this place we will feel inserted in an enormous valley surrounded by gigantic hills.
During the route, we’ll be able to observe a great amount of animals like vicunas, alpacas, foxes, ñandues, flamingoes, vizcachas and a great variety of ducks. Once reached our goal we will be in front of the breathtaking altiplanics lagoons Miscanti that in its blue waters reflects the white snow that covers the top of the mountains and Miñique lagoon, located at the foot of beautiful volcanoes. Miscanti and Miñique are located between the same hills name to an altitude of 4,100 and 4,350 meters respectively. In addition to the existence of flamingoes, the fauna is made up of tagua cornuda, juarjual ducks, chorlos de la puna, playeros bird and dunces. These lagoons are one of the 7 sectors that conforms Los Flamencos National Reserve. They are located 18 kilometers to the south of Socaire town.
We will enjoy our lunch with view to the Miñiques Lagoon and afterwards start a 4 hrs trek for 4 from Laguna Miñiques trough the Callejon Varelas. Once arrived, we will get on the car and drive back to the village of Socaire where we will have the dinner and our lodge at a basic refuge.
Lodging at a basic refuge in Socaire town
/ B / L / D /
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DAY 6/05:00: LASCAR VOLCANO TREK/ASCEND AND LEJIA LAGOON – 6 HRS
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We’ll departure early, driving to the village of Talabre and then to Volcano Lascar. After 2.5 hours, we’ll arrive to the base of the Volcano at 4,500 m altitudes and enjoy breakfast.
Afterwards, we’ll start slowly to climb up from 4.500 m to 5.525 m until reaching the crater of the Volcano. It will take us approximated 5 hours to come at the crater and enjoy a marvellous view of the Atacama Salt Flat and the Andes Mountain Range.
Then we’ll return to the base, have a soft lunch and rest for a while. Afterwards we’ll drive to the Lejia Lagoon and have a short walk along the shore. Return to San Pedro de Atacama.
Lodging at Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
/ B / L /
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DAY 7: TRF OUT SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – CALAMA AIRPORT
Morning at leisure and in the afternoon you’ll be transfer to Calama Airport.
2. – PROGRAM INCLUDES
• Private transportation 4X4
• English speaking guide
• Entrances to National Parks and hot springs
• Transfers In and Out
• All meals mentioned on the itinerary
• Lodging at DBL room at Hotel in San Pedro
• 1 night lodging at Socaire basic refuge
3. – NOT INCLUDED
• International and local flight
• Insurance
• Tips
info@ecotours.cl
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