Chile is a long and skinny country consisting of a 4,300km strip of land stretching from north to south, averaging less than 200km wide. Chile shares its borders with Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the towering mountain chain of the Andes on the other. As June, July and August are winter months for the southern hemisphere, teams will head to the north of the country when it is the ideal time to visit Chile’s northern national parks and explore the desert canyons and high Andean planes adjoining Bolivia. The main trekking area is known as the Norte Grande, dominated by the Atacama, the world’s driest desert. Surprisingly temperate and accessible throughout the year; teams will be able to explore the wonders of the Norte Grande, such as its emerald lagoons, crystal clear skies, vast salt flats, mysterious Inca geoglyphs and flamingo studded lakes. Challengers will have the opportunity to trek on some of the highest volcanoes in the world.
Chile is a perfect destination for adventurous teams looking for challenging trekking. Conditions are generally sunny by day but very cold by night. Even though Chile is considered a relatively well developed country, it will be a demanding expedition where the high altitude, remoteness and conditions will challenge even the fittest of teams. Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Programme Manager for Chile will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.
Acclimatisation
Santiago
Teams will fly into Santiago and explore the capital city. There are a couple of day treks up in the surrounding hillsides which reward the team with a bird's eye view of the capital city.
Elqui Valley
This fertile valley, famous for its grapes, poetry and UFO sightings is also ideal for 1-2 day treks.
Just north of the bustling oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama, the team can spend 3-5 days trekking through twisting desert canyons, admiring giant cacti, and exploring the ruins of a former Inca fort. A visit to the stunning Valle de Luna, where its weirdly shaped rocks and giant sand dune can be explored also gives an opportunity to experience an unforgettable sunset.
Main Trekking phase
Volcan Lascar (5,610m)
This impressive volcano with its distinctive crater rises above the village of San Pedro de Atacama. Teams may attempt to summit Lascar, but it is also an impressive achievement to trek along the 'lower' slopes which stand between 3-4,000m.
Quebrada Nacimiento
A six day trek in the mountains surrounding San Pedro de Atacama. The route takes the team through the salt flats and the pristine Miscanti and Meniques Lakes trekking against the backdrop of the Quebrada volcanoes. Using the Salar de Capur camp as a base (4000m) you trek up to an altitude of 4,300m.
Lauca National Park
This is perhaps the most distinctive national park in the north and is above 4,000m in most parts. The team will acclimatise in the andean village of Putre (3,500m). They will then trek around the highest known non-navigable lake in the world, Lake Chungará, (4,500m) amidst a breathtaking landscape of volcanoes and plains. During this phase the team will have the opportunity to see numerous animals, such as flamingo, vicuna, llama and alpaca. Teams dedicated to attempting a peak can chose to trek up Montañas Coloradas (5,200m).
Projects
Teams can carry out projects with a youth centres, children’s homes and charities throughout the northern part of the country. You could work with Hogar de Cristo, Chile’s largest developmental charity. Projects tasks include repainting buildings, carrying out basic construction tasks and organising sports events.
Rest and Relaxation
Teams can choose to visit the remote and beautiful salt pans by four wheel drive or relax on the Pacific beaches around Arica or Iquique. Horseriding and off-road biking are also possibilities in San Pedro de Atacama (subject to satisfactory risk assessment).
