Along the way

This is “the” circuit for the volcano lover… The show started hundreds of thousands of years ago and still goes on today… the titanic clash between two tectonic plates, the Nazca and the South American continental plates, which gave birth to the legendary Cordillera of the Andes.
The Cordillera of the Andes crosses the continent in its entire length, which represents 5000 miles, starting in Colombia and ending in Tierra del Fuego. In the South of Peru Is located the “Apolobamba knot”, where the Andes split in two distinct mountain ranges, creating in the space in between a vast arid and desolate region known as the “Altiplano”.
The Occidental Cordillera, marking the frontier between Bolivia and Chile, will be our playground. By attempting the ascent of a few of its giants, this entirely volcanic chain allows us to enjoy one of the most fascinating natural phenomenon the continent has to offer. At the menu, no less than 7 volcano ascents, all towering between 5000 and 6000 m of altitude!
After a mandatory acclimatization on lake Titicaca, we start our, un-supported, 4WD expedition. From La Paz, we first follow the Cordillera until we reach the most point of Bolivia, via the famous Salar de Uyuni and the lagunas of the South Lipez. From there we enter Chile.
From San Pedro de Atacama we begin making our way back along the same Cordillera, but this time following the Chilean side. The atmosphere is different, but just as spectacular. After passing a string of National Parks (Park Isluga, Salar de Surire National Monument, Park Lauca) and innumerable volcanoes we are back in Bolivia! What a great adventure!

Note: the ascents are not technically difficult and don’t require any specific gear.

Program

Day 1: LA PAZ - ARRIVAL

Pick up at the airport (flight number and arrival time to be confirmed) and transfer to hotel (check in time 12 p.m.; if you wish to have a room upon arrival, it is possible to pay for one extra night, check with us).
Rest of the day open.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Day 2: LA PAZ / PANORAMIC TOUR – VALLEY OF THE MOON – ANDEAN MARKETS

Meeting in the hotel hall at 9 a.m. for a discovery, in private transportation, of the most spectacular viewpoint over the city, unbelievably located at the bottom of the Choqueyapu river canyon, with the Royal Mountain Range “Giants” as the background: Huayna Potosi, Mururata and Illimani.
This tour, particularly designed for photo lovers, first takes us to the Jach´a Apacheta Mirador, on the edge of the precipice of the city of El Alto. Then we go to the K´Illi K´Illi Mirador and to the Laykakota Park (closed on Mondays), on the Northwestern side of the city. Afterwards, we cross the Americas Bridge to go to the “Plaza de España” Mirador, in the colonial neighborhood of Sopocachi. From there, an abrupt descent leads us to the “South Zone”, passing through Llojeta and the “Garden Cemetery”, and finally to the Valley of the Moon, a place where we will be able to walk between psychedelic looking limestone formations.
In the afternoon our vehicle brings us back to the City Center and drops us off in the heart of the colorful and animated Andean market of La Paz.
Return to the hotel on foot, accompanied by our guide.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Day 3: LA PAZ - COPACABANA – TREK YAMPUPATA - ISLA DEL SOL – CHA´LLAPAMPA

Departure from the hotel at 8 a.m. in our private vehicle. We skirt Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Real to reach Copacabana (3 ½-hour drive).
A motorboat takes us to the Virgin of Lourdes fom where our trek on the village of Yampupata starts. A boat awaits us there to take us to the nearby Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) (1-hour crossing). In the village of Cha´llapampa we visit the little museum of Marka Pampa before admiring the sunset over the Cordillera Real.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).
Note: During the following 2 days a boat will be at our disposal to transport the group as well as the gear during the walks.
Hiking time: 5h; Elevation gain/loss: +250m/-250m

Day 4: CHA´LLAPAMPA - TREK ISLA DEL SOL – YUMANI – LA PAZ

In the morning, we climb to the ruins of Chincana (“the labyrinth” in Aymara) and the sacred rock of the Puma, from where God Viracocha created his son Manco Capac, the first Inca. A very nice hike following the crest takes us to the village of Yumani at the Southern point of the island.
We then go down the 500 steps of a stone staircase to the pier of the “Fuente del Inca”.
A short hop by boat takes us to temple Pilkokaina, built by the Inca Tupac Yupanqui for his pilgrimages on the Isla del Sol. Our boat then takes us back to Copacabana (1-hour crossing), where our vehicle awaits us to take us back to La Paz.
Cold lunch. Dinner open. Hotel.
Hiking time 3-4h; Elevation gain/loss: +450m/-450m

Day 5: LA PAZ – ORURO - JIRIRA

Private, un-supported, 4WD expedition from Paz to La Paz / Spanish-speaking driver

We leave the hotel at 7 a.m. for the long traverse of the Altiplano in our private 4WD. We skirt lake PooPo and Uru-Uru and arrive in Oruro, then at Challapata we leave the asphalted road.
We stop at the enormous meteorite crater Tambo Tambillo before reaching the Aymara village of Jirira, at the foot of volcano Tunupa.
Lunch on the way (included). All included. Lodging with local hosts Doña Lupe and Don Carlos (Basic comfort)

Day 6: ASCENT OF TUNUPA (PARTIAL / el. 4700 m.a.s.l.)

With guide – No technical difficulty – Good physical condition required

Early departure for the ascent of the volcano dominating the entire Salar (our 4WD drops us off at the end of the dirt road above the village). In about 4 hours, we reach the viewpoint (el. 4700 m.a.s.l.) offering an exceptional panorama. The summit (el. 5400 m.a.s.l.) cannot be attempted because of the potential danger due to the presence of rock bands obstructing the way.
Return to Jirira in the afternoon.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos’ (basic comfort).

Day 7: JIRIRA – SALAR D´UYUNI – SAN PEDRO DE QUEMEZ

In the morning we visit Coquesa, little village on the shores of the Salar, famous for its Chipayas mummies. Then we enter the Salar of Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l), the biggest salt desert in the world. The sensation is unique: the eyes cannot find the horizon anymore and the immensity of the scenery invites us to silence.
We stop in the heart of the Salar on Incahuasi Island. This island, of volcanic origin, is covered with stromatolites (fossilized bacteria representing the first traces of life on earth) and giant cacti.
In the afternoon, we head south towards the village of San Pedro de Quemez. On the way we stop at the Galaxy Cave, where the stalactites seem to have been carved out of lace.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in Ecolodge.

Day 8: SAN PEDRO DE QUEMEZ / ASCENT OF IRUPUTUNCU (el. 5163 m.a.s.l.)

Ascent with guide – no technical difficulty – good physical condition required

We depart from San Pedro de Quemez at 4 a.m. The track climbs in the direction of volcano Iruputuncu (2½-hour). 3 to 4-hour walk and we reach the beautiful sulfuric crater. A last effort and we are at the summit! We descend before noon towards our vehicle awaiting us at the base of the volcano. Return to San Juan late afternoon.
All included. Hotel.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain/loss: +700m/-700m

Day 9: SAN JUAN – “ROAD OF THE JEWELS” - LAGUNA COLORADA

After leaving San Juan, we cross the Salar de Chiguana. From there, the dirt road climbs from 3600 m to about 4200 m of altitude.
We pass at the foot of volcanoes Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) and Ollague (still active), on the Chilean border. We stop at the mirador of volcano Ollague, still active and sheltering one of the world’s highest sulfur mines.
We then skirt the Chilean border going south following the “Road of the jewels”: lagunas Cañapa, Hedionda, Ch’arkota, Honda, sanctuary to three varieties of Flamingos.
The track continues on through the beautiful scenery of the Siloli Desert and its famous “Stone Tree” where we can sometimes spot viscachas, before arriving, in the afternoon, at Laguna Colorada. This laguna owes its intense red-brick color to the light sensitive phytoplancton present in its water.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in shelter (basic comfort).

Day 10: LAGUNA COLORADA – LAGUNA VERDE

We depart early in the morning for an excursion to the geysers Sol de Mañana (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.) a volcanic crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and heavy water. We then stop for breakfast in Polques before skirting Laguna Salada and crossing the Dali Desert (named after the scenery reminiscent of one of his paintings).
We reach Laguna Verde, at the foot of volcanoes Juriques and Licancabur (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.) before noon, to witness a curious phenomenon: the wind picks up and the waters of Laguna Verde change to a spectacular emerald color.
Afternoon open. Option to bathe in the Hot Springs or to hike around Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in shelter (Basic comfort).

Day 11: ASCENT OF VOLCANO LICANCABUR (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.) – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

Ascent with guide – no technical difficulty – good physical condition required

Start at 4 a.m. for the tentative ascent of Licancabur. The 4WD drops us off at the foot of the volcano (el. 4550 m.a.s.l.). From there we begin our ascent under the faint glow of our headlamps. The whole mountainside is nothing else but scree. From the summit we overlook entirely one of the Cordilleras of the Andes: exceptional view over Lipez and the Atacama Desert as well as over lagunas Verde and Blanca (between 6 and 10 hours round trip).
Upon return, our 4WD vehicle takes us to the border post of Hito Cajón, from where we descend towards the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. Evening open.
Cold lunch. Dinner open. Hotel.
Ascent time: 8h; Elevation gain/loss: +1410m/-1410m

Day 12: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / ALDEA DE TULOR – PUKARA DE QUITOR – CATARPE - MUSEUM OF FATHER LE PAIGE – VALLEY OF THE MOON

In the morning, our vehicle takes us to the archaeological site of Aldea de Tulor (2800 B.C) and its surprising shelters, preserved in the sand during close to 5 millenniums.
We continue our visit through “Devil’s Canyon” until we reach the pre-Inca fortress of Quitor. This last place was the theatre of gory battles during the Spanish conquest. There, all the cacique atacameños (local chiefs) were decapitated.
We then follow Rio San Pedro over a few kilometers until we reach the archaeological ruins of Catarpe before returning to San Pedro for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit of the museum of father Le Paige exhibiting an impressive quantity of objects from the Atacameño culture.
At 4:30 p.m., our vehicle takes us to the Cordillera de Sal (or Salt Cordillera) and the Valley of the Moon and its impressive landscapes of dunes and sculpted Sandstone Mountains. We admire the sunset (superb colors over the contorted scenery) before returning to San Pedro.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Day 13: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – CAMPAMENTO APAGADO

Morning open to enjoy the charms of the oasis of San Pedro.
After lunch, we head north on a track leading to the geysers of Tatio. Shortly after we reach the sulphur mine of Saciel, and then turn right to reach “campamento apagado”, on the foothills of volcano Putana.
Lunch open. Dinner included. Night in shelter (basic comfort)

Day 14: CAMPAMENTO APAGADO – ASCENT OF VOLCANO PUTANA (el. 5890 m.as.l.) – TATIO

Ascent with guide – no technical difficulty – good physical condition required

Volcano Putana, also called Jorgencal, is one of the most active of the area as testify the numerous fumaroles escaping from it summit. It is also one of the least known, and therefore, one of the least visited. It was climbed for the first time in 1810.
We leave the camp in our 4WD and follow an abandoned track to reach the sides of the volcano (1-hour trip). We continue on foot to the summit. We get back to our vehicle and drive towards the flat area surrounding the Tatio, where is located our comfortable guesthouse. Option to bathe in the local hot springs, nice reward after the efforts of the day.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in a guesthouse.
Hiking time: 8h; Elevation gain/loss: +1000m/-1000m

Day 15: TATIO GEYSERS - CASPANA - LASANA - CHIU-CHIU

Wake up at dusk. It is indeed in the first light of the day that the site of Tatio awakes. The geysers project gigantic boiling water sprays and vapor to a height often exceeding 60 feet. It is an impressive show.
We head up then to the villge of Caspana, a gorgeous village tucked in the canyon of the same name fortress of Lasana, dating from the 12th century, before arriving Chiu Chiu, a charming village with typical Andean churches. Lunch and dinner included. Night at a small guesthouse.

Day 16: CHIU CHIU – VOLCANO ROAD - OLLAGÜE

We head north, in the direction of the “twin” volcanoes of San Pablo (el. 6092 m.a.s.l.) and of San Pedro (el. 6145 m.a.s.l.). We reach the train tracks where we can sometimes spot the “ghost” train linking Calama to Uyuni, and then cross the Salars of Ascotan and of Carcote, surrounded by beautiful volcanoes: Ascotan (el. 5478 m.a.s.l.), Paloana (el. 6023 m.a.s.l.), Polapi (el. 5949 m.a.s.l.), Azufre (el. 5849 m.a.s.l.), Araral (el. 5680 m.a.s.l.), Aucanquilcha (el. 6176 m.a.sl.), etc… Late afternoon, we reach the windy border hamlet of Ollagüe, swept by constant winds.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in a guesthouse.

Day 17: OLLAGUE / ASCENT OF VOLCANO OLLAGÜE (el. 5870 m.a.s.l.)

Ascent with guide – no technical difficulty – good physical condition required

Departure in the morning in the direction of volcano Ollague (active). In our 4WD we follow a track that used to lead to an ancient sulfur mine located at an elevation of 5500 meters above sea level. We leave our vehicle as high as we can and finish the ascent on foot.
At the end of the day we return to the village.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in a guesthouse.
Hiking time: 5h; Elevation gain/loss: +500m/-500m

Day 18: OLLAGÜE / ASCENT OF VOLCANO AUCANQUILCHA (el. 6176 m.a.s.l.)

Ascent with guide – no technical difficulty – good physical condition required

Departure from Ollagüe before dawn. The 4WD dropps us off at an altitude of 5400 meters above sea level. From there, we continue on foot under the first light of the day. The trail climbs between neves to the ancient sulfur mine, the highest in the world, where a few small rusted wagons and the pylones of an abandonned cable car still seem to be waiting, at an altitude of over 6000 m.a.s.l.
We return to our vehicle and then Ollagüe for the night.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in a guesthouse.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain/loss: +775m/-775m

Day 19: QUETENA – ASCENSION DU VOLCAN UTURUNCU (6008 m alt.) – LAGUNA COLORADA

The mine of Chuquicamata is closed on weekends and holidays and can only be visited in the afternoons

The track heads south, following a railroad track, until it reaches Chiu Chiu and Calama. Lunch in Calama. At 2 p.m., start of the visit of the copper exploitation of Chuquicamata, the largest open pit mine in the world. Return to Chiu Chiu in the late afternoon.
Cold lunch. All included. Hostal.

Day 20: CHIU CHIU – CALAMA - PICA

From Chiu Chiu, we head to Calama. This town owes its wealth to the proximity of the copper mine of Chuquicamata, the largest open pit mine in the world.
We take the Pan-American Highway connecting Alaska with Tierra del Fuego and cross the entire pampa de Tamarugal. This arid area was swept at the end of the 19th century by a true “rush”, not for gold this time, but for salpeter. Numerous abandoned “oficinas” testify to this ephemeral and tragic past. On the surrounding hillsides pre-Columbian civilizations have drawn close to 350 figures, representing human, animal and abstract shapes known as geoglyphs.
Lunch on the way. All included. Hostal.

Day 21: PICA - SALAR DE HUASCO - COLCHANE

After a good night’s sleep, we follow the Cordillera to reach the Salar de Huasco. This depression at 3700 meters of elevation and surrounded by volcanoes, is impressive by its solitude. The track continues to towards the North. We clear Potezuelo Pass (el. 5075 m.a.s.l.!) to then circumnavigate volcano Cariquima (el. 5390 m.a.s.l.) before reaching the border village of Colchane.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

Day 22: COLCHANE / ASCENT OF VOLCANO ISLUGA (el. 5375 m.a.s.l.)

Ascent with guide – no technical difficulty – good physical condition required

Before dawn we depart in our 4WD to witness the light of the sun rising over the first slopes of the volcano. Isluga is an active volcano which first eruption occurred in 1888. Its summit’s fumaroles are visible from the village as well as beautiful sulfuric concretions. We climb to the beautiful crater from where escapes some melted sulfur. Descent to the vehicle and return to the village.
Cold lunch. All included. Night with local host (basic comfort).
Hiking time: 10h; Elevation gain/loss: +925m/-925m

Day 23: PCOLCHANE - ISLUGA - ENQUELGA – SALAR DE SURIRE - PUTRE

We had to the North through bofedals inhabited by the llamas of Isluga Park. We traverse the colonial villages of Isluga (el. 3980 m.a.s.l.) and of Enquelga (el. 3850 m.a.s.l.). A narrow dirt road that seem to play hide and seek with the border takes us to the Salar de Surire (el. 4245 m.a.s.l.), which received its name from the ostriches that inhabit it (suri in aymara). There, we can spot three varieties of flamingos, as well as numerous llamas, alpacas and vicuñas (2h30 from Colchane).
Lunch break near the Hot Springs. We follow the road, guided by volcano Guallatiri and its sulfuric vapors, across the vicuña Natural Preserve, before arriving, at the end of the day, in the village of Putre.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort)

Day 24: PUTRE – LAUCA PARK– BOLIVIA –SAJAMA PARK

We climb to the village of Parinacota and its charming colonial church located in Lauca Park. A pleasant trail takes us to the myriads lagunas of Cota Cotani; option of a short hike near the lagunas. We then return to our 4WD and head for Lake Chungara (el. 4570 m.a.s.l.), dominated by the imposing volcano Parinacota (el. 6340 m.a.s.l.).
A short stops allows us to see some Andean geese and ducks as well as flamingos and other bird species typical of high altitude lagunas. We then clear the Bolivian-Chilean border to enter the Sajama Park. Excursion to the geysers, area particularly active offering a unique display of boiling baths spread out over a few hundred square meters, and then to the hot springs for a well-deserved relaxing bath at the foot of volcano Sajama. Cold lunch. All included. Night in the village of Sajama at Doña Isabel and Don Marcelo’s (basic comfort).

Day 25: SAJAMA – TREK TO TOMARAPI - LA PAZ

We depart on foot towards laguna Huaña Khota, where flamingos mix with ducks and wild geese. We keep walking around the base of volcano Sajama and its eternal snows, until we reach the historical village of Tomarapi and its magnificent Andean church (4 to 5-hour walk) From there, we get back to our vehicle for the return to La Paz. We arrive in La Paz at the end of the day.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel.

Note: During the trek, our vehicle will transport our bags.

Day 26: DEPARTURE

Pick up at our hotel in a private vehicle, 3 hours prior to flight departure time, for transfer to airport / international flight number and time to be confirmed.
Meals open.

Included