Fixed Departures: Every Monday
Difficulty: Demanding

This is a classic trek that leads through some remote and beautiful areas of the Atacama. As it takes place at high altitude it is physically demanding and should only be attempted after adequate acclimatization by people who are physically fit. However, there is vehicle support and you will only have to carry your day pack. All camp gear will be transported from one location to the next by car. There are regular departures for this trip every monday throughout the year.

Day 1 (Mon): Calama - San Pedro
Upon arrival at Calama you will be picked up at the airport. We set off on our drive to San Pedro de Atacama (98km) right away. En route we will see amazing rock formations as we pass through the Cordillera de la Sal. A briefing is scheduled at lunchtime. In the evening we'll take a 3-4hrs walk into the silent Moon Valley, hike enormous sand dunes and admire the sunset.
Overnight at our Hotel in San Pedro;(L)

Day 2 (Tue): Valle de Marte - Fortress of Quitor
After breakfast we set off for the Valle de Marte and start walking the Corniza trail (3hrs) over a ridge of sandstone mountains. We descend to San Pedro Valley and walk (1hr) to the remarkable fortress of Quitor (XII century). After exploring the fortress we return to San Pedro (3km). In the evening we visit the Archaeological Museum. Overnight at our hotel in San Pedro.(B, BL)

Day 3 (Wed): Salar de Atacama - Chaxa Lagoon - San Bartolo
After breakfast we set off to the sparkling white Salar de Atacama to observe the flamingoes at Chaxa lagoon. We return to San Pedro (50 Km) and continue (6-8km) along the river valley to our trail head. At first the trail follows a broad valley, but finally it sneaks into a magnificent canyon, sculpted by erosion. During summer (Nov-Mar) we trek down the riverbed, shaded by the immense walls that close above us. In wintertime, we avoid the freezing water and walk above the gorge. The trail leads to the old mine of San Bartolo (2,700m/8,100ft) where we will set up camp. - Today we'll hike about 15km, which will take about 5 hours. We'll be crossing several small rivers on the way. Make sure your footwear is waterproof or if you are trekking during the summer, you can use comfortable walking sandals. (B, BL, D)

Day 4 (Thu): Rio Grande
After breakfast we set off again, slowly ascending as we leave the riverbed and hike at the plateau level. The trail follows the river canyon and we can observe some rare and strange forms of life, such as giant cacti that emerge from the arid, barren desert. We arrive at the village of Rio Grande (3,500m/ 10,500ft) where we set up camp by the river. We'll be hiking a total of about 12km today, which will take us 6 hours as we will be doing many river crossings again. (B, BL, D)

Day 5 (Fri): Machuca
Today the trail follows the course of smaller waterways, which form narrow and beautiful valleys inhabited by indigenous people and their llamas. We keep gaining altitude until we reach the green pastures of Machuca (4,100m/ 12,300ft) that teem with wildlife and offer a spectacular view of Licancabur. Today we will be hiking 15km again, which will take us about 6 hours. There are no river crossings today. We will be setting up camp in Machuca (B, BL, D)

Day 6 (Sat): El Tatio - San Pedro
At 5am we start driving towards El Tatio (4,500m/13,500ft) on time to observe the geysers in action at sunrise, which is the best time to see them in their full glory. We'll enjoy breakfast in the open while we explore the geothermal field. If the group is well acclimatized we will attempt to hike across the 5,000m/ 15,000 ft slopes of an inactive volcano. Drive back to Puritama hot springs for a rejuvenating bath. Farewell dinner and overnight in San Pedro; The length and duration of the hike today depends on the condition of the group and which route is chosen, whether we will hike Cerro Tatio or Volcano Soquete. (B, BL, D)

Day 7 (Sun): San Pedro - Calama
Drive back to Calama on time for your flight. (B)

Rates for 2008/2009

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Private departures possible - rates on request.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Pre-Departure Notes

A trek in Atacama requires a lot more physical preparation than most vacations. On NOR 030 you will be trekking between five to seven hours a day, mostly on dry sandy terrain. In the last days the trail through the high lands (average 4,100mt/10,500ft) will also constitute a demanding factor.

Although the treks themselves are not particularly strenuous, their length and challenging terrain will be more taxing than expected. Please keep in mind that the weather in Atacama changes from day to night causing the temperatures to drop considerably. These weather conditions can easily affect both the body and the morale. You need to be in excellent health and physical condition to enjoy such an experience.

You should start your moderate training several months before departure, then slowly build up to a more strenuous level. Stop the strenuous activities if you feel dizzy, faint, have difficulty breathing, or experience any other significant medical discomfort.

Here is a recommended program that should get you in good shape. This is only a guideline and can be adapted to your preferences depending on your actual fitness level. Consult a physician before commencing any new workout program.

Week 1 through 4: Start moderately and work out a minimum of four days per week. Strike a good balance between aerobic workout and muscle strengthening. Outdoors, you can run, hike, or mountain bike on hilly terrain to best achieve the aerobic fitness component. Indoors at a gym, you can use the stairmaster and treadmill wearing a backpack with some weight in it to substitute for the outdoor activities. Work on muscle strengthening either by lifting weights or by doing pushups, sit-ups, and squats. Include a long hike at the weekend (there's no better way to train for a trek than to trek!)

Running: 3 to 5 miles is an adequate training run.
Biking: 1- to 2-hour rides. Try to include some hills.
Hiking: 5- to 6-hour hikes. Try to include some hills.
Treadmill or Stairmaster: 50- to 60-minute sessions.

Week 5 and onward until departure: Increase your workouts to a minimum of five days per week.

Remember that an Atacama trek can be the trip of a lifetime and you really want to enjoy it, so please take your training program seriously- it'll be worth it!

Altitude Sickness

During our trips in the Atacama region you might experience altitude sickness. Some people experience altitude sickness at altitudes above 3.000 m. Symptoms are headaches, vertigo, drowsiness or insomnia, shortness of breath and others. (see staying healthy section

To avoid altitude sickness you should avoid a quick ascend from sea level to the altiplano to let your body adapt gradually to the reduced oxygen. Furthermore you should avoid or limit alcohol consumption, drink extra fluids and don't overeat. Given rest and relaxation most people will recover from the symptoms. Pain killers might combat headache. If symptoms do not disappear or get even worse you have to move to a lower elevation so as to avoid further complications and serious damage.