Chile Mountain Trek: Atacama 2027
07.03 – 18.03.2027
Volcanoes, lunar landscapes, sun, desert, hot springs and salt lagoons – and to top it all off, a hike to 6000 meters altitude
The end of the dark winter months is perfect for a sunny and adventurous trip to the Atacama Desert. It hardly ever rains, and the sun shines about 90% of the time. It’s the perfect place to warm up and recharge your batteries.
If you’ve ever fantasised about walking through landscapes that look more like Mars than Earth, the Atacama Desert is your gateway to a surreal world. This high-altitude desert plateau is so unique that NASA has even conducted simulations of its Mars expeditions here.
Our base for the tour is San Pedro de Atacama, from where we will take day trips to the surrounding areas of natural beauty and hike to the peaks of the surrounding high volcanoes.
The hiking tour is designed so that you only need to bring your own hiking clothes. Most days, we’ll return to a familiar hotel room at the end of the hike. You won’t have to worry about carrying camping or cooking equipment, leaving you with more energy to enjoy the breathtaking views and truly memorable hiking experiences.
The highlight of the trip is the ascent to 6000 meters — no special equipment required! Beyond hiking, many other unforgettable experiences await you: stunning views of the lunar-like landscape, swimming in a salt lake over 3000 meters above sea level, relaxing in hot springs, and the chance to spot flamingos and wild desert animals such as vicuñas.
If you’re looking for an active trip that combines truly unique natural landscapes with a physical challenge, then a hiking tour in the Atacama Desert is just for you! As a bonus, you’ll have a great opportunity to reach the significant 6000-meter altitude limit — without mountaineering equipment or special skills!
NB! This tour is organized in collaboration with adventure travel organizer Elamus Pluss.
Overview
Goal: Hike to the summit of 5 volcanoes in the Atacama Desert in Chile, including 6000+ m
Dates: 07.03—18.03.2027 (flight time will be added)
Starting point of the trip: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile (flight tickets not included in the price)
Adventure guide: Tanel Tilk (language skills: Estonian, English, Spanish)
Technical difficulty level: 1/5 (easy mountain hike, no special equipment needed)
Physical difficulty: 3/5 (strong physical effort, we eventually climb to 6000 m)
Group size: min 6, max 8 (including guide)
Discounted price until 31.05.2026 — €2900
Registration 01.06-06.12.2026 — €3190
Late registration from 07.12.2026 — €3490
cost of the tour
Price includes
Entire trip organization and on-site guidance
An Elamus+ guide who has previously hiked in the Atacama, based in South America, and a Spanish-speaking assistant guide from South America.
Local guide service from a partner organization
Meals, snacks on hiking days with a local partner organization
Hotel accommodation (2-person rooms) in San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation at base camp on a 2-day hike to the top of Licancabur volcano
Transportation during the trip and all transfers in San Pedro de Atacama
Entrance fees to nature parks
Breakfast at the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
Stylish Elamus+ sports shirt for each participant
Group pharmacy (including high-altitude medications) and health assessment
Price does not include
Flight tickets and transfer to Chile, San Pedro de Atacama and back (from ~ €1200).
Insurance (travel insurance and MANDATORY sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking).
Personal hiking gear (can also be borrowed from Elamus Pluss or locally if needed). Note: For this trip, you basically only need to bring your own hiking clothes. Most days, we return to the hotel by the end of the day.
Meals outside of hikes (mainly dinners in San Pedro), lunch snacks on some days.
Extracurricular activities and transportation for them
Personal hygiene products and medications
Internet and data packages
Registration for the tour
Before registering, please read the travel conditions. To secure your place on the trip, you must pay an advance payment of 20% within 3 working days of receiving the confirmation and invoice by email. If there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more: Frequently Asked Questions and package tour information sheet.
PS! The tour is organised in collaboration with an adventure tour organizer Elamus Pluss, registered in Estonia.
Schedule and activities
Day 1: Arrival
The starting point of the tour is in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
It depends where you are coming from but probably it makes sense to take a flight to the capital of Chile, Santiago de Chile. From there, take a domestic flight to Calama (approx. €50 one way with luggage), from where you can transfer (approx. €18) to our base in San Pedro de Atacama. If you wish, you can also consider a few extra days before or after the hiking trip to explore Santiago.
You can ask the adventure guide for advice on flight tickets. You must be there on the evening of March 7 or, in extreme cases, the following morning. San Pedro de Atacama is located at an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level.
Day 2: Moonscape and salt lagoons
On the morning of our first full day, we drive out of San Pedro de Atacama to visit Laguna Cejar, a crystal-clear salt lake whose water is so salty that it keeps our bodies afloat like the Dead Sea. The surrounding white salt crust and the turquoise color of the lake create a surreal landscape.
In the second half of the day we will discover the Valle de la Luna, a moon garden where wind and time have carved fantastic shapes out of sand and stone. At sunset, the entire valley turns orange and red, creating the feeling as if we have stepped onto another planet. The silence, emptiness and beauty of the landscape make this a truly unforgettable experience.
DAY 3: We continue acclimatisation and enjoy the green oasis
The next morning we head to the Guatín Canyon, where a narrow river winds between cacti and volcanic rocks. A walk through the canyon takes us through an unexpectedly green oasis, which offers a pleasant contrast to the dry and harsh nature of the Atacama. After the hike, relaxation awaits us at the Termas de Puritamas – natural hot springs located between the cliffs. The combination of warm water and cool desert air offers real refreshment for body and mind.
Days 4 and 5: First steps to the top of the volcanoes
We begin our exploration of the volcanoes of the Atacama region with day hikes to progressively higher altitudes. These ascents help the body acclimatize and prepare us for the higher peaks ahead.
Our first objective is Cerro Quimal (4,278 m), whose isolated location offers magnificent views over the Atacama Desert and the surrounding salt flats.
The following day we may hike Cerro Jorquencal (4,994 m) – higher and slightly more demanding – or Cerro Toco (5,604 m). The trail to Cerro Toco starts at high altitude and allows us to experience the atmosphere of true high-mountain climbing with a relatively short ascent. From the summit, there are spectacular views of the Chajnantor Plateau and the mountains of Bolivia.
On both days we start and finish at our hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.
Day 6: Rest day or optional activity
After two consecutive days of hiking, we take time off to let our bodies recover from the effects of the altitude and enjoy a more leisurely pace. This day provides an opportunity to simply rest, stroll the streets of San Pedro, or enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the cafes.
However, if you still have energy left, you can also choose some lighter activities – for example, try sandboarding on the Atacama dunes or visit some of the beautiful lagoons in the surrounding areas, where you can experience the beauty of nature and the quiet presence of local wildlife. The choice is yours – the important thing is to listen to your body and prepare for the days ahead in the higher mountains.
Day 7-8: Licancabur Volcano 5920 m
Next, we’re going on a two-day expedition to the peak of Licancabur – an iconic volcano at 5920 meters, located exactly on the border of Chile and Bolivia. Its regular conical silhouette dominates the entire Atacama horizon, and the peak offers exceptional views across the desert, salt flats, and even the crater below, which houses one of the world’s highest crater lakes.
The expedition begins with crossing the border into Bolivia from where we head further to the southern slopes of Licancabur. The hike will be carried out by Elamus Pluss local partner, who takes care of logistics, equipment, accommodation and mountain guides. On the first day we arrive to the base camp, which is located at an altitude of about 4500 meters – we will spend the night and rest before starting the climb. We will head to the summit early in the morning, when the conditions are stable, and the sun has not yet risen high. The climb is physically demanding, but with proper acclimatisation, it is completely doable and an extremely memorable experience.
Days 9 and 10: goal 6000 m!
After conquering Licancabur, we will continue our journey to even more mighty peaks in the Atacama highlands. The exact schedule remains open depending on the preferences of the travelers, but we will most likely take the next few days. Lascar volcano (5592 m) – one of the most active volcanoes in Chile, with its smoking crater and hot-tub-like surroundings creating a powerful atmosphere. The climb to Lascar Peak is technically easy, but due to the altitude, it requires good acclimatisation and a strong will.
The Tour will culminate with a climb to Pili volcano(also known as Acamarachi) – 6048 meters above sea level. We will reach the symbolic 6000 meter limit, which is a significant milestone for many high-altitude hikers. Pili is an exceptionally beautiful, majestic and less visited peak, at the top of which lies an ancient Inca sanctuary – it was here where the ancient people came together between heaven and earth.
These final climbs push us to the limit of physical and mental exertion, but also offer an indescribable sense of satisfaction, silence, and views that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Day 11: Backup day
We have this day reserved as a backup in case any hike or expedition should unexpectedly change or be postponed. If everything goes according to plan, we will use this day for a peaceful rest in San Pedro de Atacama– to enjoy the city, buy souvenirs, or simply take a breath of the desert air.
Day 12: Departure
The end of the itinerary in San Pedro de Atacama is scheduled for the morning of March 18th
NB! The schedule and planned activities may be subject to minor changes depending on the traveler’s wishes or the weather.
Chile
Capital: Santiago de Chile
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP) (€1 ≈ 950–1000 CLP, exchange rates may fluctuate)
Traffic: right-hand
National language: Spanish
Population: about 19,5 million
Area: 756 102 km²
Neighbours: Peru, Bolivia, Argentina
Chile is generally a relatively safe country, but petty theft can occur in the big cities and tourist areas. Larger protests tend to take place in Chile’s larger cities like Santiago or Valparaíso. Our destination, San Pedro de Atacama, is usually calm and safe.
Places to eat: simpler cafes and smaller restaurants cost around €5–10, while slightly fancier places can cost €10–20 for a meal.
There are several cash machines (ATMs) in San Pedro de Atacama where you can withdraw money in both the local currency (Chilean pesos) and sometimes in USD.
Card payment is available in most larger restaurants and stores, but some smaller places or markets may not accept card payments.ATM fees in Chile depend on your bank and card terms, but local ATMs can add a fee of 3000–5000 CLP (3–6 €) per transaction. Your home bank may also charge an additional fee for cash withdrawals abroad, which depends on the bank.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a nice way to show appreciation for good service. If you feel that the service (both from your guide and the waiter in the restaurant) was particularly good, leaving a small tip will make everyone feel good.
Travelling to Chile
Estonian citizens can travel to Chile visa-free for 90 days (within any 6 months).
We recommend vaccination against hepatitis A. Further information can be found at vaktsineeri.ee and travel medicine offices.
You can consult the adventure guide regarding flight tickets.
From Santiago de Chile, take a local flight to Calama, from where you can take a bus transfer to San Pedro de Atacama.
Cheap direct flights from Europe to Santiago are available, for example, with Air France from Paris.It is important to be in San Pedro de Atacama by the evening of March 8th (or at the very least by the morning of the next day).
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
passport (no visa required; 90 days visa-free every 6 months);
sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable sports insurance policy must be carried and is a prerequisite for participating in the mountain hike;
travel insurance.
Important health information. During the hiking tour, we plan to climb to an altitude of over 5000 and even 6000 meters. At such altitudes, there is less air, and it is tougher anyway, but it is possible that you will initially experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, fatigue, and dizziness.
We will take the necessary measures to reduce the risks. Days for acclimatisation are planned at the beginning of the trip. The adventure guide will carry high-altitude medication. However, most hikes are day hikes, and by the end of the day, we will be back in San Pedro, which is very suitable for recovery due to its altitude. If necessary, it is possible to skip some hiking days, and the hikes will have an assistant guide (partly also a local guide) with whom you can descend if necessary.
Read more about travel conditions, or feel free to ask the adventure guide.
FAQ
I’ve never been this high before. Can I still do it?
People’s bodies behave very differently at altitude. It’s important to be aware of the dangers, but don’t worry too much about it. The adventure guide is always there and if problems arise, we can easily find a solution.
What clothes and equipment should I pack?
Layered sportswear. In the desert, temperatures fluctuate greatly between night and day. A shirt may be enough during the day, but at night and at altitude you must be prepared for sub-zero temperatures. During the day, you must take into account very strong sunlight. Warmer layers and a decent windproof jacket for summit climbs.
It is not necessary to bring camping or cooking equipment for this trip.
What happens after registration?
After filling out the registration form, we will send you an invoice for prepayment. After the payment, you are registered for the tour. 30 days before the tour, we will send you an invoice for the total cost of the trip. We will create a common chat between the trip participants, where you can discuss everything you need with each other.
Read more also frequently asked questions.
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