Climbing a mountain or a volcano and reaching peaks of more than 5,000 meters (16,400 feet above sea level) is a unique experience. Preparing to go up to the Licancabur volcano is a challenge for every mountain lover, and even more so considering its inevitable attractiveness and its sacred nature for the Atacameño people. This 7-night program has been specifically designed including trekking and hikes to different mountains and volcanoes before reaching the Licancabur’s summit, also known as the people’s mountain.
Licancabur, Atacama, Chile/Bolivia
LICANCABUR ADVENTURE (5.000-6.000 m.a.s.l./ 16,400 – 19,600 f.a.s.l.)
Climbing over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet above sea level) is an unforgettable experience and a challenge for your body, which must gradually get used to the altitude. At greater heights, there is less oxygen. Hence the importance of the acclimation process on the days before climbing the Licancabur volcano.
This program has been designed so that travelers can explore at different altitudes and climb progressively. This reduces the common impacts of altitude sickness, including dizziness, headaches, and fatigue, which are different in every person.
Staying hydrated and eating healthy is crucial during acclimation. We recommend drinking 4 liters (135 oz) of water every day, healthy meals and avoiding alcohol. Also very important is for travelers not to overexert themselves during the first days and to breathe slowly to make the most out of each inhalation.
Licancabur, Atacama
DAY TO DAY
Days 1 -3 | Acclimation
Day one begins with Kamur, an exploration at the same height as San Pedro de Atacama, at 2,500 m.a.s.l. (8,200 f.a.s.l). On day two, we go over 3,000 m.a.s.l. (9,840 f.a.s.l) following the exploration Ruta del Agua (within the Puritama Natural Reserve) and on day three, we reach 4,000 m.a.s.l. (13,100 f.a.s.l.) with Kulamar, a full day exploration in the Andean highlands.
Days 4-5 Final Preparation
Once over 4,000 m.a.s.l.(13,100 f.as.l.), days four and five we carry out high mountain explorations at more than 5.000 m.a.s.l. (16,400 f.a.s.l.) Saciel Volcano, Toco Mountain, and Corona Volcano were the explorations selected to prepare travelers before reaching the base camp.
Day 6 | Base Camp
Licancabur, Atacama, Chile
We cross the Chile – Bolivia border (Cajón Milestone) to settle in the base camp of the Licancabur Volcano, at 4,633 m.a.s.l. (15,200 f.a.s.l) -8 kilometers (5 miles) away from the border. On this day and depending on the lighting conditions, we take the last trekking before dinner, scheduled for 19:30.
Day 7 | Licancabur Volcano
We start before dawn to ascend the Licancabur Volcano and reach the summit. The return to Explora Atacama is scheduled for 17:00, reaching the hotel at about 19:00.
*This exploration needs to be confirmed with at least 60 days in advance to arrival in Explora. Minimum 2 travelers. A visa is required to enter Bolivia. Explora keeps the right to modify or remove parts or the entire itinerary of expeditions to protect the safety of travelers in case of bad weather conditions.
Want to add this epic adventure into your next trip? Check out these itineraries that work well with this volcano climb:
- 4-Day Wonders of Atacama
- 4-Day San Pedro de Atacama, Geysers, and Salt Flats
- 5-Day Patagonia: Torres del Paine Luxury Explora
- 4-Day Uyuni Salt Flat Exploration
- 6-Day Highlights of Bolivia
- 4-Day Northwest Argentina: Trekking to the Clouds
- 5-Day Northwest Argentina: Culture, Food and Mountains
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Your friendly Chile expert,
Gretchen