Cultural,
archeological, and hiking trip in the high plains
Man has always relied on his feet as a means of transportation, even
over great distances. In this program, we will travel through canyons,
valleys, plains, and towns, following in the footsteps of ancient
peoples who left the record of their lives stamped on the desert.
We will hike at an average altitude of 2,600 m. We will have water
enough to bathe. We will be able to appreciate and photograph the
rich plant and animal life unique to this region. We will be in direct
contact with the descendants of ancient cultures, who still live in
the solitary confines of these high plains, mute witnesses to an extraordinary
past.
This program is the regular option for trekking lovers in one of the
most beautiful Chilean places to be: the Atacama Desert. Discover
San Pedro de Atacama region from a different sight.
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| Day 1
CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - MOON VALLEY (4 hours) |
| Arrival
at the Calama airport. Reception and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama.
Lunch. In the afternoon we will hike along the Salt Mountains towards
the Moon Valley, with its impressive geologic formations and extensive
sand dunes, and its lovely panorama at sunset. Camp in the nearby
of San Pedro. (L,D) |
| Day 2
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - SAN BARTOLO (4 hours) |
| In the
morning guided visit of the archaeological Museum and, the archaeological-sites
of Quitor and Catarpe. Trekking along a beautiful canyon, which leads
us to San Bartolo. Camp. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3
SAN BARTOLO - RIO GRANDE (8 hours) |
| Trekking
to Rio Grande, we follow a stream along an ancient Indian route over
terraced fields until we reach the town of Rio Grande, home of farmers
and shepherds who still retain their ancestral customs. We put up
the camp. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4
RIO GRANDE - MACHUCA (6 to 8 hours) |
| After breakfast,
we continue our journey on foot through the canyon of the Peñaliri
River. Along the way we will see examples of terrace agriculture,
carried out today just as it was in ancient times. Climbing from 2700m.
up to an altitude of 3400m., we come to the village of Machuca, This
village was a regular stopover for ancient llama caravans traveling
the Inca Highway. Despite the lovely surroundings, rich in flora and
fauna, only a few shepherds now live in this lonely spot where we
spend the night. Camp. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5
MACHUCA-BAÑOS DE PURITAMA-GEYSERS DEL TATIO |
| Meet the
support vehicle and drive to the hot springs of Puritama (3400m.).
Short hiking to reach the hot springs and time to enjoy a relaxing
bath before continue to the Geysers del Tatio. Here we set up our
camp. Walk in the day's last sunlight until dusk. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6
GEYSERS DEL TATIO - CASPANA (6 hours) - CALAMA |
| Early departure
to visit the Geysers del Tatio (4,300m). Breakfast and visit to the
geological relief. Hiking through Tatio geysers towards to the village
of Caspana. Late drive to Calama and transfer to the airport (or hotel
but not included) (B,L) |
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| B= breakfast;
L= picnic lunch and D= dinner |
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Min. 2 people
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US$ 1.370
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Single supplement
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US$ 70
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| Note:
This program is also available as private trip from min. 2 people
for unscheduled departures at request. |
| July |
8
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August |
5
|
September |
23
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| October |
21
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November |
18
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December |
2
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| January |
6
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February |
17
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March |
3
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| April |
14
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May |
19
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June |
18
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Note: Other departures available upon request and cost will be acording
to final number of passengers. |
| *Please
ask for promotional departures for April, May and June 2006. |
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INCLUDED :
-
Support transportation during the whole itinerary
at the point we need
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All accommodations quoted per person based on
sharing double tents
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All meals in camp
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Park entrance fees
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Bilingual speaking guide and camp staff
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Full camping gear.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Any type of insurance
- Medical expenses
- Tips and extra expenses as laundry, meals and drinks out of
program and other items not mentioned
- Sleeping bag and air mattress
- Air local flights.
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QUALIFICATIONS:
Moderate to strenuous. Members are expected to be in good physical
and psychological condition. |
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RECOMMENDED
CLOTHING:
Parka and wind breaker. Wool socks, cap, and gloves. T-shirts, shorts,
bathing suit. Comfortable hiking boots, sneakers and sandals. Part
of the journey will be along the small river walking on the water,
therefore is important to bring 2 pairs of shoes. Jeans or the like.
Sweater or fleece. Personal bath articles and towel. Headlamp, camera
with extra batteries, personal medicaments. Small backpack sun glasses,
sun cap, protector cream. |
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