Láscar Volcano Climb

Description

We’ll head south from San Pedro de Atacama, passing Toconao and Talabre. You’ll have breakfast on route and, after a 2-hour drive, you’ll reach the base of Lascar (4,900 m), just 70 km from town.

You’ll begin a 3 to 4 hour ascent up a steep slope where the altitude is noticeable. You’ll reach the active crater, about 300 m deep, to see its steaming fumaroles and smell the sulfur, with wide-open views of the Andes.

If the group fitness and weather conditions allow, we’ll continue another 40 minutes to the Lascar’s summit (5,630 m). The descent takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, then we’ll return by vehicle to San Pedro de Atacama.

Important notes

• Stay 2 nights in San Pedro de Atacama before the tour to acclimatize.
• Recommended gear: base layer, warm mid-layer (fleece/sweater), windproof outer layer, closed high-ankle trekking boot, hat, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• This route is demanding due to altitude; reduced oxygen can be felt from 4,900 m onward.
• Summit access depends on participants’ fitness and day-of weather conditions.
• Pick-up and drop-off not available for lodgings outside the urban area, in ayllus (Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor, Coyo) or in Toconao.