Lauca Park & Parinacota Climb
Lauca Park & Parinacota Climb
In the extreme north of Chile, in the border triangle between Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, lies the Lauca National Park. It is one of the most beautiful natural reserves in South America. A unique ecosystem home to the great Parinacota volcano. It majestically dominates the landscape with its 6,342m/20,807ft. From its slopes, those who seek to conquer it have an unforgettable view of the intense blue color of Lake Chungara and the infinite extension of the Altiplano plateau in the heart of the Andes. Without a doubt, this region is one of the greatest natural treasures of Chile.
12-Day mountaineering expedition in Chile
From: US $ 2,970.00
We have designed an absolutely new itinerary in the spirit of discovering and exploring the natural and cultural secrets hidden on the way from the Pacific coast to the roof of the Andes. This is possible thanks to the knowledge of our guide Rodrigo San Martin. He has been traveling to this remote region for almost two decades, looking for hidden and unusual wonders on various exploration tours.
The numerous hikes and camps in the purest and most remote landscapes of civilization are just part of the highlights of this trip. It is suitable both for walkers and nature lovers without ascending the Parinacota and mountaineers with the primary goal of climbing it. You will find out that Parinacota is perhaps the most beautiful volcano on earth.
• Season: March to December
• Duration: 12 days. Starts and ends in Arica, Chile.
• Participants: Small groups up to 9 guests
This tour is available for private groups and solo travellers, please feel free to contact us using the form above to receive a fully customized offer
Highlights
Allane and Suriplaza valleys.
Socoroma, Codpa and Belen villages
Lauca national Park
Chungara Lake
Cotacotani Lagoons
The hikes and climbs in the desert and in the highlands.
The spectacular landscapes of the Andean highlands.
The climb of a 6000 meters peak: Parinacota volcano. (6,342m/20,807ft)
Difficulty:
Adventure overland trip, with camps, hikes, and climbs.
The 6000 summit proposed for this expedition is technically accessible, but requires the use of ropes, crampons and ice ax. Additionally, the altitude, the cold, and the wind can make this ascent strenuous.
A good physical shape is a must, as well as precedent experience in similar mountains.
There is only one high camp, for the climb of Parinacota volcano. The climb to high camp and back are the only days you will need to bring a big backpack, sharing with the guides the loads of tents, fuel and food. Please keep in mind that it is possible to book porterage service for that days.
Otherwise, all along the expedition, for all hikes and climbs, you will be carrying only your small daypack with some warm clothes, water and your box-lunch.
RATES
US $2970.00 per person (based on double room & tent accommodation)
All departures are guaranteed with 4 people.
Included in the price.
• Private transportation throughout.
• Expert local mountain guide Spanish & English & German (ratio 1 guide every 3 clients).
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
• All activities as mentioned in the program.
• Private airport transfers as mentioned in the program.
• First aid kit including oximeter.
• Oxygen bottle for emergencies.
• Permits for the mountains.
• All entrance fee to visits and parks.
• VHF radio communication.
• Satellite phone for emergency communication
(Clients could use it on pay per minute basis)
• 24 hours assistance from our office in Santiago de Chile
Day 1: ARRIVE TO ARICA AIRPORT, CHILE – CODPA (1850m/6070ft)
On the flight from Santiago to Arica, we will see the wild coast of the Pacific and the Andes Mountains passing under our gaze. Arriving in Arica, the city of "eternal spring" in the country's extreme north, our expedition team will be waiting for us. We will leave the coastal area to enter the Cordillera de la Costa. Our destination today is Codpa, a town of pre-Hispanic origin. It is located in the mountains, in the upper course of the Vítor ravine, with a temperate climate and pure water. Its narrow valley is of remarkable fertility, suitable for all fruit trees, highlighting guava and mango. Famous is the pintatani wine, thick and tasty. After arriving at our hotel, we enjoy a two-hour hike in this hidden valley of abundant vegetation. Length of the hike: 2 hoursLodging: Hotel*** 1850m/6070ft
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: CODPA - SOCOROMA (3060m/10,040ft)
After breakfast, we will start a leisurely walk, 2 to 3 hours, in the Codpa Valley. It takes us to a ceremonial site of the local indigenous people. Here at the Ofragía petroglyphs, we marvel at a multitude of varied representations. These are artistic figures carved in the rock of several hundred years. The vehicles will be waiting for us at this point, and we begin an impressive journey towards Socoroma. This adventurous path takes us through ancient and fascinating towns such as Tignamar, Lupica, and Belén. The day continues through wild gorges until the international route that connects Arica with the city of La Paz in Bolivia. We are now not far from Socoroma, a charming little village that produces the best oregano in Chile. Here we set up our camp in a peaceful spot and spend our first night under the starry sky. Length of the hike: 2 to 3 hoursLodging: Camp 3060m/10,040ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:SOCOROMA – PUTRE (3560m/21,325ft)
After a hearty breakfast, we get ready for our first long trekking day. We will need 7 to 8 hours to reach our destination: Putre town. We will walk along the paths of old caravans and follow the tracks of the ancient cultures that came to this region from the north 11,000 years ago to settle in the country. The landscape of the foothills is spectacular, and the great cacti that line our path as guardians inspire all nature lovers. There is a good 500 meters of altitude to conquer, but the fantastic nature generously rewards us for our effort. In Putre, we arrive in a comfortable lodge and rest. This town lies on the slopes of the Taapaca and Ancoma volcanoes. It is considered the gateway to the wildest plateau of the Lauca National Park. This Aymara village is a strategic and vital point in one of the world's most desolate corners. Its name in the Aymara language means "murmur of waters." Length of the hike: 7 to 8 hoursLodging: Hostel(3560m/21,325ft)
Meals:Breakfast, Box-Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: PUTRE – QUEBRADA DE ALLANE (4095m/13,435ft)
It is essential to gradually adapt our body to the high altitude of the highlands. Little by little, we achieve a degree of acclimatization that allows us to fully enjoy our trekking and mountain trip. For this reason, it is time for us to cross the 4,000-meter mark. We leave Putre with our four-wheel-drive vehicles and quickly gain altitude. We begin our hike of several hours, very close to the imposing Taapaca volcano. The view is now more and more spectacular. It is a day of deep gorges, endless expanses, and an unreal landscape. At the end of our walk, we arrive at the Quebrada de Allane, where we set up camp again to spend the night. Length of the hike: 5 hoursLodging: Camp 4095m/13,435ft
Meals: Breakfast Box-Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: QUEBRADA DE ALLANE – SURIPLAZA (4690m/15,387ft)
Our breakfast tastes delicious outdoors. Today we will take it easy. This is of great benefit at the considerable height at which we find ourselves. After dismantling the camp and loading the vehicles, we continue climbing towards the great Suriplaza area. Here, we explore the surroundings on a fantastic hike. A classic route has yet to be explored in this place. Still, the scenic beauty and the experience of Rodrigo, our guide to this region, promise a unique undertaking. Our goal is to climb one of the peaks in the area. Additionally, get closer to the 5,000-meter mark in the process. Length of the hike: 5 hoursLodging: Camp(4690m/15,387ft)
Meals: Breakfast Box-Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: SURIPLAZA – PARINACOTA VILLAGE (4430m/14,534ft)
We are getting deeper and deeper into the unique world of Lauca National Park. On our route today, the Bofedal de Parinacota with its incomparable fauna and the majestic twin volcanoes Pomerape (6,282m/20,610ft) and Parinacota (6,342m/20,807ft) dominates the landscape. To have an exceptional 360 ° view of this landscape, we will climb Cerro Guaneguane (5,097m/16,722ft), the best viewpoint in the entire region. With our four-wheel-drive vehicles, we reach a height of 4,500m/ 14,763ft, here we take our backpacks and start our hike towards the summit. The climb is an easy walk. It doesn't present any technical difficulties. Still, due to the high altitude, a suitable physical condition is required. Thanks to our excellent acclimatization of the previous days, we will have no problems reaching the top in 3 hours or so. Here we enjoy an unbeatable view of all the volcanoes in the area, as well as the Cotacotani lagoons. At the summit, remains of structures built by indigenous people have been found. The antiquity of these structures has not yet been established. Still, there is a possibility that they belong to the Inca period. According to the Aymara tradition, these would have served to celebrate ritual ceremonies linked to the gods or guardian spirits that inhabit the hills. After the descent, we drive to the nearby town of Parinacota. Length of the hike: 5 hoursLodging: Hostel 4430m/14,534ft
Meals: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: PARINACOTA PUEBLO / LAKE CHUNGARA TREK (4.560m/14,960ft)
The Cotacotani Lagoons are undoubtedly one of the most amazing natural treasures of our plateau. Our hike today goes through this set of lagoons of unique shapes. They are connected to each other by underground channels whose emerald waters take our breath away. The lagoons are the source of rich biodiversity, both flora, and fauna. It is the habitat of more than 130 native species, among which ducks, coots, and flamingos stand out. We can see rheas, foxes, alpacas, guanacos, llamas, vicuñas, and the occasional condor in its surroundings with a bit of luck. After crossing this magical land in the shadow of the great Parinacota volcano, our path takes us to Chungará Lake. It lies at 4,500 meters (14,763ft.) and is one of the highest in the world. With its colossal beauty, this landscape is the setting for an experience that will remain forever in our memory. In the afternoon, we return to our hostel in the town of Parinacota.Lodging:Hostel 4430m/14,534ft
Meals: Breakfast Box-Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: PARINACOTA PUEBLO – CAMPO BASE VOLCÁN PARINACOTA (4520m/14,829ft)
After the efforts of the previous days, we will take it easier this morning. It is worth visiting the historic center of the town or walking along the edge of the bofedal. After lunch, we depart with the vehicles to the Parinacota volcano base camp, from where we will begin our ascent attempt the next day. Length of the hike: 4 to 5 hoursLodging: Parinacota Volcano Base Camp(4520m/14,829ft)
Meals: Breakfast Box-Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: PARINACOTA BASE CAMP - HIGH CAMP (5300m/17388ft)
After enjoying the comforts of our base camp with a good breakfast, we get ready to start the climb. The personal equipment is verified for the last time. There is no going back now. Our goal is to reach the summit or, rather, reach the edge of the gigantic crater of the volcano. At almost 5,300 meters (17388ft), we set up our high camp in a well-protected spot. Here we enjoy the afternoon and sunset hours with an incomparable view of Lake Chungará. Then we get ready for the night. We are confident that the excellent acclimatization we have achieved on the precedent days will allow us to reach the top. IMPORTANT: Participants who decide not to attempt the ascent to the Parinacota volcano stay at the camp, waiting for the ascent group until the next day. They can choose to return to Parinacota town (with vehicle and driver / without additional expense) to spend the night in the same accommodation on DAYS 6 and 7 of the itinerary. Option: porterage service is available for the Parinacota high camp, to be book ahead. Please let us know at the moment you book your expedition. Length of the climb: 4 to 5 hoursLodging: Parinacota Volcano High Camp(5300m/17388ft)
Meals: Breakfast Box-Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: PARINACOTA HIGH CAMP – PARINACOTA SUMMIT (6,342m/20,807ft) - PARINACOTA VILLAGE
Summit Day! Around 4:00 a.m., we leave the tents. A slow but steady walking pace is one of the keys to our success. Due to the often extreme cold in the hours before sunrise, long breaks are not possible. Depending on the terrain and weather conditions, the ascent to the summit lasts between 6 and 8 hours. We will not have to overcome critical technical difficulties. Still, depending on the season, there are fields of penitents that make it difficult to pass. At the highest point of the crater rim, we are rewarded for our efforts with a unique panorama. The climatic conditions and the physical condition of the expedition group are the factors that will determine the duration of our rest at the summit. Then we need about 3-4 hours following the same route to descend to the high camp and to the base camp. Next, we drive to Parinacota town. Here we won't miss the opportunity to toast the success of our expedition. The tension of the previous days is now moving away from us. The joy and relief of the experiences and achievements mark our emotions. Together with the whole group, we enjoy this moment of fulfillment. Length of the climb: 6 to 8 hoursLodging: Hostel 4430m/14,534ft
Meals: Breakfast Box-Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: PARINACOTA VILLAGE – ARICA
Today is the time to say goodbye to the Andes and head towards the sea. We descend the foothills ravines, following the winding route to the Arica coast. The last part of this journey (approx. 5 hours) takes us through the fertile Lluta Valley. Arica is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its privileged climate. It is also a cultural melting pot in the border triangle between Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. From a historical perspective, the Chinchorro culture that settled here thousands of years ago is of particular importance. The city played a crucial role in the War of the Pacific in the late 19th century, still under the Peruvian flag at the time. Without forgetting the fact that it is one of the most important port cities in Chile. Here we end the day in a typical restaurant and say goodbye to our expedition team.Lodging:Hotel****
Meals: Breakfast Box-Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: ARICA – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Private transfer to the airport for your flight home. End of our services.Lodging:
Meals: Breakfast
Important notice:
The day by day itinerary is flexible. The expedition leader may modify this itinerary according to weather conditions, or other unforeseen factors.