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San Pedro de Atacama |
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Included:
Round trip transfers from airport in Calama to Hotel (1 hour),
lodging, 3 gourmet meals daily, daily activities led by bilingual guide:
hikes, drives, horse back riding
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The Atacama Desert is the driest desert
in the world, famous for its crystal clear night skies, flamingo- filled
salt lakes, massive volcanoes (6000 meters/ 20,000 ft), geyser fields, local
culture and ruins dating back 11,000 years.Explorations in Atacama will allow you to become acquainted with the multiple aspects of this territory. Its geography, its history, its fauna, its geological features; approaching volcanoes and visiting ancient villages. explorations have been designed considering a gradual acclimatization to height. There are excursions which are made at the level of San Pedro oasis, between 2.500 and 2.800 meters above sea level, others are made at intermediate levels, and the most difficult reach steep heights above 6.000 meters above sea level. During your stay at explora you will gradually feel the challenge to see more, and perhaps, to reach higher, although explora is not a competition. Our motto is "here each person decides what he or she does", and sometimes it is just as good to go out for a walk or to go by bicycle or simply stay at the hotel and relax. Our weather is good all year round, and there are almost no limitations to make all the trips, every day.
Reaching the summit becomes an irresistible drive. However, it is necessary to become "acclimatized" to do this. After a night and a day in Atacama a person is in better condition to go over 3,000 meters above sea level. Going on explorations beyond 4,000 meters requires experimenting minimum heights to see if physical condition allows for higher altitudes.
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Treks
& Trips
Altitudes:
(2,400 - 3,000 mts / 7,872 - 9,840 ft) These explorations can be done starting from the 1st day. 1.TREKKING ALONG THE QUEBRADAS Length: 7 to 8 hours, walking for 3.5 to 5 hours.
Distance by
foot: 4.8 km (a.m.) and 4.5 km (p.m.). Itinerary: Departure from explora
by van (20 min.) along the road towards Calama. Trekking along Quebrada Kari
inside the Cordillera de la Sal. Picnic lunch. Afternoon hike coming down
the settlement of Guatín towards Punta del Inca. Return to explora by
van (35 min.). Schedule: Full day. 2. JOURNEY THROUGH THE CORDILLERA DE LA SAL
Length: 7 to
8 hours, walking for 4 to 5 hours. Distance by foot: 7.3 km (a.m.) and 4.8
km (p.m.). Itinerary: Departure from explora by van (40 min.) towards
Catarpe Valley. Trekking along the cornices of the Cordillera de la Sal with
panoramic views. Valle de la Muerte. Picnic lunch. Afternoon trek along
Quebrada Kari inside the Cordillera de la Sal. Return to explora by
van. (15 min.). Schedule: Full day. 3. EL HOJALAR
Length: 6 to
7 hours, walking for 4 to 5 hours. Distance by foot: 13 km. Itinerary:
Departure by van (40 min.). Trekking along ancient shepherd trails until
reaching Quebrada de Jere. Picnic lunch. Trekking down along the gorge by
the shade of the orchards. Schedule: Full day. 4. KAMUR
Length: 2.5
to 3 hours, walking 2 to 2.5 hours. Distance by foot: 5.8 km. Itinerary:
Departure by van (35 min.) towards the Valle de la Luna. Trekking will allow
visitors to appreciate the variations of sunlight and will conclude at an
outpost to contemplate sunset. Schedule: Half day. 5. ATACAMA CULTURE
Length: 3.5
hours. Distance: 15 km (approx.) by van. Itinerary: Departure by van to
Museo Padre Le Paige. This is a good introductory approach to this area.
Then, departure by van towards Pukará de Quitor. Trekking with an optional
climbing to the Pukará's summit. By van we visit Ayllu de Solor with a
chance to observe how the Atacama people live nowadays. Schedule: Half day.
6. CUCHABRACHE HEIGHTS
Length: 3.5
to 4 hours, walking 2 to 2.5 hours. Distance by foot: 4.9 km. Itinerary:
Departure by van (50 min.) towards the bocatoma of San Pedro river. Uphill
walk to Alto de Cuchabrache, discovering petroglyphs along the trail, with
views to Catarpe and Quitor valleys. Return to explora by van (35
min.). Schedule: Half day. |
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7. LAS APACHETAS
Length: 7 to
8 hours, walking 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Distance by foot: 5 km (a.m.) and 6 km
(p.m.). Itinerary: Departure from explora by van (35 min.) to Guatín,
where the trekking begins climbing along a 250 mts slope towards Puritama
(3,528 mts) along ancient settlements and hundred years old cactuses.
Optional baths on thermal springs. Picnic lunch. Van trip to Valle de Quitor.
Hiking from Quebrada del Diablo to Vilama. Schedule: Full day. 8. QUEBRADA DE JEREZ
Length: 8
hours, walking 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Distance by foot: 13 km. Itinerary:
Departure from explora by van (30 min.) to Toconao. Ascending trek
along Quebrada de Jere. Contrasting views among orchards and the dryness of
the desert. Picnic lunch. Crossing of several gorges as ancient shepherd
trails are followed. Schedule: Full day. 9. RÍO GRANDE
Length: 8 to
9 hours, walking 4.4 to 5.5 hours. Distance by foot: 14 km. Itinerary:
Departure from explora by van (1.5 km) towards picturesque village of
Machuca (4,000 mts). Downhill trekking on a slope of some 800 mts along the
river's bed. Picnic lunch at Peñaliri. A trail follows along the edges of
the crop terraces of the Río Grande village. Return by van. Schedule: Full
day. 10. CASPANA / CHIU-CHIU
Length: 8
hours by van. Distance: 200 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora by
van (2.5 hours) crossing the altiplano towards the picturesque village of
Caspana (3,322 mts). Walk across farmlands. Lunch at the village. The trip
continues with the visit of the ancient Lasana Pukará, Chiu-Chiu church,
towards airport in Calama. Schedule: Full day, ending at Calama airport. |
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11. MISCANTI HEIGHTS
Length: 11
to 12 hours, walking 8 to 9 hours. Distance by foot: 22 km. Itinerary:
Departure from explora by van (90 min.) towards the altiplano.
Trekking along the cornices with a view to Laguna Miscanti and Salar de
Atacama. Picnic lunch. Descent along Quebrada de
Nacimiento. Schedule: Full day. 12. QUEBRADA DE NACIMIENTO
Length: 9 to
10 hours, walking 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Distance by foot: 12.5 km. Itinerary:
Departure from explora by van (1.5 hrs) south towards Socaire.
Ascending hike with views to the volcanoes up to the entrance of the ravine.
Picnic lunch. Descent along shepherds' trail. Schedule: Full day. 13. COPA COYA
Length: 10
to 11 hours, walking 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Distance by foot: 12.5 km. Itinerary:
Early departure from explora by van (2 hrs) towards geothermal field
(4,321 mts). High altitude hike and breakfast with views. Descending hike
following the course of an ancient river. Picnic lunch. We then take a
llaretero road once again ascending (350 mts difference in level) on the
edge of Copa Coya hill. Return by van with an optional bath at Puritama hot
springs. Schedule: Full day. 14. RUTA DEL AGUA
Length: 10
to 11 hours, walking 2.5 to 3 hours. Distance by foot: 8.5 km. Itinerary:
Departure from explora by van (2 hrs) to El Tatio. Walk with a view
to the geothermal field. Traveling on a van towards Puritama (1 hr). Two to
three-hour walk following shepherd trails. Picnic lunch. Optional baths at
Puritama hot springs. Schedule: Full day.
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Climbing high hills and volcanoes are demanding excursions which are suitable for people who have a good physical condition. These are not permitted for people who have trouble with heights or a heart condition. Sometimes there are paths, although they are generally ascended by rope hauling or rocks and there is a chance of finding ice or snow. Climbing these hills allows for the observation of the beauty of the landscape and the features of the terrain, and competition is not an aim (neither competing against oneself nor against others). However, it is necessary to have a previous acclimatization for two or more days by doing high altitude trekking. The recommended season for these climbings is September to April, having in mind the inconveniences which may arise from the altiplanic rainy season (January and February). The coldest season at high altitude level goes from May to August. 15. CERRO TOCO (5,604 mts / 18,381 ft) Length: 6 to 7 hours, walking 2 to 3 hours. Slope: Approximately 550 mts (5,050 to 5,600 mts), depending on the amount of snow. Itinerary: Departure from explora by van, reaching an old sulfur plant (1.5 hrs). Here is where climbing begins and should take between 1.5 and 3 hours. Summit offers panoramic views. Climbing down is easily done by rope hauling for 1 hour. Schedule: Morning. Level: Moderate. 16. VOLCÁN LASCAR (5,591 mts / 18,338 ft)
Length: 8 to
10 hours. Slope: 750 mts approx. (4,850 to 5,591 mts), depending on the snow
amount. Itinerary: Departure from explora by van to Laguna Lejía (2.5
hrs) where climbing begins and should take between 2.5 and 4 hours across
rock and volcanic ash. Arrival at the crater allows for the appreciation of
its activity. It is possible to continue up to the summit (another 40 min.).
Climbing down is by rope hauling for 1.5 hours. Lunch. Schedule: Full day. 17. VOLCÁN SAIRECABUR (6,010 mts / 19,712 ft)
Length: 8 to
9 hours. Slope: 650 mts approximately. Itinerary: Departure from explora
by van towards Azufrera Sasiel. Climb up for 2.5 to 3 hours across large
rock and loose stones. Arrival at the highest summit of the area. Climbing
down is difficult and takes 2.5 hours. Lunch and optional bath at Puritama
hot springs. Schedule: Full day. 18. VOLCÁN COLORADO (5,748 mts / 18,853 ft)
Length: 11
to 12 hours. Slope: Approximately 1,250 mts (4,500 to 5,750 mts) Itinerary:
Departure from explora by van to El Tatio. Climb up for 6 to 7 hours
across large rock and loose stones. Arrival at summit. Picnic lunch with
views. Climbing down is difficult and takes 3 to 4 hours. Schedule: Full
day. 19. VOLCÁN LICANCABUR (5,916 mts / 19,404 ft)
Length: 2
days. Slope: 1,350 mts approximately (4,550 to 5,950 mts), depending on the
amount of snow. Itinerary: Departure from explora by van crossing the
Bolivian frontier. Base campsite at 4,533 mts. Afternoon trek towards Laguna
Verde. Early morning ascent with flashlights along Incas ruins. We reach the
summit after 7 or 8 hours and get a view to the crater and the world's
highest lagoon. Climbing down is difficult and takes 3 to 4 hours. Schedule:
2 days. |
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Horseback
Riding
Horseback riding explorations which are described in the following pages have been devised for people having a good riding experience and feel safe riding for several hours in the desert. People who can trot and/or gallop. We have the best Chilean and English saddles, leggings, and helmets. Those who do not know how to ride a horse and would like to learn to do so, or those who have some experience but would like to improve their riding skills may take 1 hour lessons in the morning (for no more than six people) before the walking or biking explorations they choose for each day. After at least two lessons, the instructor will determine whether the person is qualified to go horseback riding on these explorations. Half day horseback riding explorations will be combined with trekking and bicycle explorations. 20. CÚCUTER
Length: 5 to
6 hours. On horseback 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Distance: 15 to 20 km. Itinerary:
Departure from explora towards the south, crossing several ayllus,
observing typical Atacama houses along the route. Picnic lunch. Return by
horse to explora. Schedule: Full day. 21. LAS CORNISAS
Length: 3
hours on horseback. Distance: 20 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora
on horseback towards Valle de Quitor, climbing to cornices of Cordillera de
la Sal. Panoramic view. Return along Valle de la Muerte. Schedule: Morning
or afternoon. 22. QUEBRADA DEL DIABLO
Length: 3
hours on horseback approximately. Distance: 16 km. Itinerary: Departure from
explora to Quebrada del Diablo. This is a narrow and uneven road,
with ascents and descents, leaps and curves. Mirador Cordillera de los
Andes. Return along the village of San Pedro. Schedule: Morning or
afternoon. 23. CATARPE / VILAMA
Length: 3
hours on horseback. Distance: 17 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora
into the Cordillera de la Sal. Visit to Catarpe church. View of the
Cordillera de los Andes. Return along the village of San Pedro. Schedule:
Morning or afternoon. 24. RÍO SALADO
Length: 5 to
6 hours on horseback. Distance: 30 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora
to the cornices of Cordillera de la Sal, Río Salado. Picnic lunch. Return is
made following the river's course and along abandoned villages of
Cuchabrache and Catarpe. Schedule: Full day. 25. VALLE DE QUITOR
Length: 1.5
to 2 hours approximately, on horseback. Distance: 9 km. Itinerary: Departure
covering the northern part of the oasis up to the viewing of the Pukará and
the crops of the Valle de Quitor. Schedule: Morning or afternoon. 26. DUNAS DE LA CHULA
Length: 2 hours approximately, on horseback. Distance:
9 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora on horseback to Cordillera de
la Sal. Panoramic views of ayllus, salt lake, Cordillera de los Andes.
Schedule: Morning or afternoon. 27. BETER / TULOR
Length: 3.5
hours on horseback. Distance: 18 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora
to the southern ayllus. Walk around the oasis and the desert. Galloping in
the dunes. Schedule: Morning or afternoon |
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Bicycle
Trips in the Desert The challenge in this case consists on going along the desert trails and cordilleras on a mountain bike. Using the equipment we provide to assure comfort and safety, you can fully enjoy the geography of Atacama. The use of helmets, gloves, sunglasses and adequate footwear are an important element for each of these outings. Half day bicycle explorations will be combined with trekking and horseback riding explorations. 28. RUTA DE LOS MIRADORES
Length: 3
hours on bicycle. Distance: 18 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora
to Valle de la Muerte. Ascent to Paso de Jaranillas with a view over the
Cordillera de la Sal. Descent on a winding road, taking the road to Calama
up to explora. Schedule: Half day. 29. LAGUNA SEJAS
Length: 3.5
to 4 hours. On bicycle 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Distance: 19 km. Itinerary:
Departure from explora by bicycle towards the south, crossing the
ayllus until the entrance to the area of Salar de Atacama with its
interesting vegetation. Bath floating on the salty waters of Sejas and Agua
Piedra lagoons. Schedule: Half day. 30. CIRCUITO DE LOS VALLES
Length: 3 to
4.5 hours on bicycle. Distance: 45 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora
by bicycle. Crossing the Cordillera de la Sal, a descent allows for the
viewing of Cordillera de Domeyko to Llano de la Paciencia, where a winding
road leads to another crossing of Cordillera de la Sal, this time along
Valle de la Luna. Return to explora. Schedule: Half day. 31. PUTANA TO GUATÍN DESCENT
Length: 10
to 12 hours. On bicycle 6 to 8.5 hours. Distance: 33 km. Itinerary:
Departure by van (1.5 hrs) to Altos de Putana. Descent by bicycle along an
unpaved road with slopes and ascents on the gorge, until reaching
picturesque town of Machuca. Picnic lunch on the road. The trip continues
with a view to Salar de Atacama looking over the settlement of Guatín.
Return to explora by van (30 min.). Schedule: Full day.
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Trips
through Atacama The purpose of these trips is to go to very outstanding places where a night is spent at some local home or camping. In this way we can observe sunset or sunrise and it is possible to make an excursion to its surroundings which are usually difficult to visit otherwise. This includes high altitude salt lakes, special historic villages or archaeological sites. These trips are optional for guests whose stay is longer than four nights. For itineraries and fees, please contact explora hotel or offices. 32. SALAR DE AGUAS CALIENTES
Length: 24
hours. Distance: 12 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora by van (1.5
hrs) along Socaire. A six-hour hike begins, surrounding Cerro Capur (4,571
mts). We climb to the summit where we can appreciate a view to the salt
lakes (an additional 1.5-hour walk). Coming down, we walk next to salar de
Aguas Calientes up to base camp (3,900 mts). Dinner and an optional short
night walk under the stars. The night is spent on a tent. Breakfast. Camping
site is cleared and we return to
explora by van (1.5 hrs). Schedule: 1.5 days. 33. SALAR DE TARA
Length: 24
hours. Distance: 10 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora by van (1.5
to 2 hrs) along Paso Jama road, and then along secondary road until arriving
at the impressive rock formations of Monjes de la Pakana. Later on we arrive
at a viewpoint. Here is where hiking begins (3.5 hrs), walking along a
crevice until salar de Tara is sighted, as well as our base camp (4,320 mts).
Dinner and an optional short night walk under the stars. The night is spent
on a tent. Breakfast. Camping site is cleared and we return to explora
by van (1.5 to 2 hrs). Schedule: 1.5 days. 34. JOURNEY ALONG ATACAMAN VILLAGES
Length: 32
hours. Distance: 8 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora by van (2
hrs) along Guatín road. At this point there is a detour towards Machuca,
where it is possible to visit the town. Ascent along a high road reaching
4,700 mts. with a view to Montes de Cablor on the left. At this point hiking
begins (4 hrs approx.), until reaching Caspana, a
picturesque town where guests can spend
the night (3,250 mts). Dinner and an optional short night walk along
the town. Breakfast. Optional hike for two hours along Quebrada de Caspana
the following day. Return to explora by van (2 to 3 hrs). Schedule:
1.5 days. 35. NOMADS' JOURNEY
Length: 32
hours. Distance: 17 km. Itinerary: Departure from explora by van (2
hrs) until arriving at the small town of Peine, with views to Salar de
Atacama. Then we take an unpaved road (1 hr) to reach the starting point of
our hike with views to the Andes. This hike, which lasts, approximately 7
hours, goes along the Tulán ruins and its petroglyphs, and reaches the town
of Tilomonte, where base camp (2,365 mts) will be located, and from where
the Salar de Atacama can be sighted. Dinner and an optional short night walk
under the stars. The night is spent on a tent. Breakfast. Optional walk for
2.5 hours along the edge of the salar, all the way up to Tilocalar. Return
to explora by van (2 hrs). Schedule: 1.5 days. |
