Cerro Toco Climb

Description

Cerro Toco is an ancient, now inactive volcano and one of the classic climbs near San Pedro de Atacama, just 60 km away. It’s a high-altitude trek suitable for travelers who are already acclimatized and want sweeping Altiplano panoramas.

We’ll drive from San Pedro de Atacama to an old sulfur mine, about 1 hour 30 minutes. From there, at an altitude of 5,000 m (16,404 ft), you’ll start up a well-marked trail. The ascent takes 2–3 hours to the 5,600 m (18,373 ft) summit, with breaks for hydration and pacing. For much of the year you may see penitentes, ice formations created by sublimation, along the route.

At the summit you’ll enjoy 360° views of Andean peaks and the Atacama Desert. The descent follows the same trail and takes about 1 hour. We’ll then drive back to San Pedro de Atacama.

Important notes

• Stay 2 nights in San Pedro de Atacama before the tour to acclimatize.
• Recommended gear: base layer, fleece midlayer, windbreaker jacket, high-ankle hiking boots, beanie, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Reaching the summit depends on participants’ fitness and weather conditions.
• Return time is approximate; it may vary ±1 hour due to weather, road conditions, and group pace.
• Pick-up and drop-off not available for lodgings outside the urban area, in ayllus (Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor, Coyo) or in Toconao.