Volcano Tarapaca (5775M), Volcano Tacora (5988M) and Volcano Llullaillaco (6739M)

Our first day of acclimatizing with a small trek. We make an easy trek in the area to the Wilakauranny rock paintings. the trail follows the river leaving Putre we keep following this until the rock paintings. This is going to be an easy day for acclimatizing. The area has a lot of history, mainly pre-Colombian. We have the chance to see some old Inca ruins and notice the area was heavily cultivated.
4 - 5 hour trek (BLD) Hotel 2*

We head out towards the Lauca National Park, and gang a bit higher altitude. We first drive to Parinacota village and from here we make a walk to the Lago Cotacontani. We start to notice the altitude, so we want to take it easy. We have the chance to see some wildlife mainly birds from the area. We will stop at the village of Parinacota to visit the old church. After the days walk, we drive back to Putre.
2 hour drive, 3 - 4 hour trek (BLD) Hotel 2*

Each day we gain more altitude and today we drive up to Lago Chungara. From the lake we can see Volcanos, Parinacota(6333m), Pomerape(6282m) and Sajama(6549m) in Bolivia. On the way back we can make a stop and climb a small. On the drive to the small peak, we pass an old Inca coral where they used to catch Vicunas for their wool which was highly priced by the Incas and only worn by Inca royalty.
2 - 3 hour drive, 3 - 4 hour trek (BLD) Hotel 2*

An early start today for our accent of Tarapaca. After breakfast we drive up to the base of the mountain from where we start our ascent. We follow some small trails heading up the mountain. After 1 to 2 hours we reach a col and from here the trail gets steeper. Depending on the time of year we can be climbing on snow or loss gravel. On the summit we have a 360-degree view of the surrounding area and can see all the volcanos in the nearby area. Same way back down and drive back to Putre.
1 1/2 hour drive, 6 - 8 hour climb (BLD) Hotel 2*

We can have a late start today, as we plan to leave after lunch to drive to the high camp of Volcano Tacora. We will have lunch in Putre and then head out towards the Peruvian border. The drive goes through canyons and open plains. Near the mountain we can see the old mine form the 50’s and 60’s, which used to mine sulfur. We going to drive as high as we can and make out high camp on the old mining road.
2 - 3 hour drive (BLD) camping

Another early start in the morning. First part of the trail is easy, as we go higher the steep it gets. Depending on the time of year we can be climbing on snow or loss gravel. Last bit to the summit is a small climb on rock. From the summit we can see Peru and all the way down to the Pacific coast. Same way back down to our high camp. We make a small rest at high camp and drive back to Putre.
1 1/2 hours drive, 6 - 8 hour climb (BLD) Hotel 2*

Here starts our second part of the trip which means heading south to Antofagasta. We drive down to Arica and have some lunch before driving onto Iquique.
5 - 6 hour drive (BLD) Hotel 3*

We keep heading south to Antofagasta along the Pacific Ocean. The drive is quite spectacular. We stop for lunch along the way for some fresh sea food. After Antofagasta we head east to the border of Argentina and Chile. We have a lot of climbing and pass large open areas. After passing the mine Escondida we must find our way through the maze of roads. In one of the valleys is the ranger station of CONAF. We camp near the ranger station.
8 - 9 hour drive (BLD) camping

After breakfast we pack our packs ready to head up to our high camp. We still must drive a bit to reach the end of the road, from where we start our walk. There is a small trail which we follow this until we find a good high camp spot. Porters help carry gear up to high camp.
30 minute drive, 6 - 8 hour trek (BLD) Camping

Today we make an early start. We head up between the two summits to the saddle.Staying on the left of the snow field. Once at the saddle (6650m) we head left to the summit. From the summit we have views of the Atacama Puna, Punta Negra, Aguas Calientes and Arizaro (Argentina) salt flats, the Escondida mine and volcanoes San Pedro, San Pablo, Licancabur, Pili Lascar, Socompa, Lastarria, among many others! After the summit we head back to our high camp have a rest either stay the night or head back down to our vehicle. We then drive back to base camp.
12 - 16 hour climb, 30 minute drive (BLD) Camping

This day can be used for bad weather or rest day.
(BLD) Camping

An easy day drive back to Antofagasta, drop off at hotel.
3 hour trek, 5 - 6 hour drive (BL) Hotel

Transfer to the airport, (B) 30-minute drive.
END of SERVICE.