Program
of moderately easy hikes with base in San Pedro
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. |
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| DAY 1
CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - MOON VALLEY TREK 4 HOURS |
| Morning
arrival at the Calama's airport. Reception and transfer to San Pedro
de Atacama. Accommodations at the hotel. At 1 p.m. brief drive to
the Salt Mountains and hike through the Valley of the Moon, with its
impressive geologic formations and extensive sand dunes, and its lovely
panorama at sunset. Before turning in for the night, we gather at
the hotel to go over details of the trip. Meals on your own. Overnight. |
| DAY 2
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - MACHUCA & RIO GRANDE TREK 8 HOURS |
| Early breakfast,
followed by departure northward from San Pedro towards the village
of Machuca (altitude 3,600 m). At that point we begin a hike of around
five hours over uneven terrain, through the Machuca salt marshes,
and down a shallow valley to Peñaliri. From there 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. After a late picnic lunch, we
drive back to San Pedro, stopping along the way to visit the Yerbas
Buenas petroglyphs. Dinner on your own. Overnight. |
| DAY 3
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - GUATIN & PURITAMA TREK 3 HOURS |
| Early breakfast,
at 8 a.m. we set out in a northeasterly direction from San Pedro,
heading for the Purifica River (Agua Buena). Our hike this morning
takes us along ancient Indian caravan trails down the Guatín
canyon (altitude 3,000 m), an area noted for its amazing variety of
cactus plants as well as for its sparkling pools of fresh water. Upon
reaching Puritima the hot springs (3400m/11220ft.), where we enjoy
a relaxing bath before returning to San Pedro around 1 p.m. Afternoon
at leisure. Meals on your own. Overnight. |
| DAY 4
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - CALAMA |
| Breakfast,
free time to explore the village of San Pedro, with its famous archeological
museum, town square, handicrafts fair, and civic center. At the agreed
times, transfer to Calama for return flight. |
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Number of people
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Hotel 3*
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Bed & breakfast
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Min. 2 people
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US$ 815
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US$ 760
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3 to 4 people
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US$ 640
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US$ 580
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5 to 6 people
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US$ 540
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US$ 480
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Single Supplement
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US$ 188
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US$ 105
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| *Prices
valid up to June 2006. |
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INCLUDED :
- Transfers Calama-San Pedro-Calama
- Support transportation at key points during the trip
- Overnight stays at San Pedro de Atacama hotel with breakfast
- Meals such as box lunches or snacks during the excursion.
- Bilingual guide for trekking, as well as support personnel for
groups of more than six people.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Air tickets
- Tips
- Meals not specified
- Insurance
- Extras of any kind.
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RECOMMENDED CLOTHING :
- Parka and wind breaker
- Wool socks, cap, and gloves
- T-shirts, shorts, bathing suit.
- Comfortable hiking boots, sneakers, sandals
- Jeans or the like
- Sweater or fleece
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