explora provides travelers with trekking poles, helmets, bikes and riding gaiters and give them a water bottle.

Climate

With more than 90% of sunny days, San Pedro de Atacama has privileged weather all year-round. During the day, temperature goes from 8°C to 23°C in winter (June to September) and from 12°C to 28°C in summer (December to March).

Uyuni´s weather is as dry as San Pedro’s but, because it is higher, it is usually colder. During the winter (June to September), daily temperatures fluctuate between 2°C and 18°C, and during the summer (September to December) between 5°C and 20°C. Temperatures at night can be as low as -20°C.

Between January and March, the area if affected by “the Altiplano Winter” whose heavy rains deeply damage the tracks. For this reason, the travesías are only available from April to December. In San Pedro, explora Atacama is open all-year round as the effect of the climatic phenomenon is much lighter.

Altitude

During the journey through the Altiplano, the altitudes fluctuate between 3,600 m.a.s.l and 4,700 m.a.s.l.

Potosí is located at 4,000 m.a.s.l. while the oasis of San Pedro is located at 2,500 m.a.s.l. Iquique is at sea level.

During the first day of the travesía, we will only take small walks that do not require an important physical effort in order to gradually acclimate our bodies to the altitude before the rest of the journey.

How to get there

From Calama: Once in Santiago de Chile International Airport, you need to take a connecting 2-hour flight to the northern city of Calama. It takes around two hours to reach. We advise you to book an early flight in order to be able to relax at the hotel and participate in an easy exploration during the afternoon. We will be waiting for you at Calama airport and will drive you to explora Atacama.

After crossing the Bolivian Altiplano, the travesía ends in the coastal city of Iquique. In the morning of the 11th day, we will take you to the airport where you will be able to board a plane back to Santiago.

From Potosí: To start this travesía in Bolivia, you will need to reach Potosí from La Paz, Santa Cruz or Sucre which are the closest airports. We will pick you up in Potosí to begin the journey.

Once the travesía is over, we will take you to Calama airport from explora Atacama, where you will be able to take a flight to Santiago.

Safety

During the journey, we use special vehicles, well equipped and with satellite communication. A group of maximum six people can take part in the travesía, along with an expert guide and supporting staff.

Our guides have been carefully selected and trained in our Guides School. They all know perfectly the explored areas and hold the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification, a guarantee that they are capable of helping people in remote places. In all the travesías, we travel with a complete first aid kit.

Requirements

To be healthy enough to be able to face heights and fluctuating temperatures.

Adventure and good spirit, flexibility when facing unexpected events.

Some people are sleep deprived when in altitude. Only in that case, we advise you to bring some products that can help you sleep.