Sairecabur Volcano Climb

Description

Sairecabur Volcano stands out for its beauty, remote location, and challenging access. It rises on the border between Chile and Bolivia and is the highest of a tight chain of four volcanoes: Curiquinca (5,700 m), Escalante (5,800 m), Cerro Colorado (5,700 m), and Sairecabur (6,000 m).

We’ll depart by vehicle from San Pedro de Atacama toward the Tatio Geysers. You’ll have breakfast at 4,000 m and continue to an abandoned sulfur mine, where you’ll receive instructions and begin the ascent from 5,500 m of altitude.

The climb, about 3 hours, depending on group pace, is steep and at high altitude. When reaching the summit (6,000 m of altitude), the effort is rewarded with panoramic views of Licancabur, Juriques, and Bolivia’s Laguna Verde. After taking in the scenery and resting, we’ll start the descent and then drive back to San Pedro de Atacama.

Important notes

• Stay at least 2 nights in San Pedro before the tour to acclimatize.
• This is a high-altitude, steep route; reduced oxygen can be felt from 5,500 m.
• Recommended gear: base layer, warm mid-layer (fleece/sweater), windproof shell, high-ankle trekking boots, hat, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Summit access depends on group fitness and day-of weather conditions.
• Pick-up and drop-off not available for lodgings outside the urban area, nearby ayllus (Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor, Coyo), or Toconao.
• The itinerary does not cross into Bolivia.