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15-day Guided Expedition of the Parinacota Volcano – Chilean Altiplano

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World traveler and AEGM certified mountain guide Pako De Miguel leads this one-of-a-kind cultural expedition through the Chilean Altiplano to the summit of the Parinacota Volcano.

Not specified

Andes

15 Days

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Occasional

Intermediate


Description

Chile is one of the most geographically diverse countries on the planet.

Spanning more than 4300 kilometers from North to South, Chile is home to deserts, islands, mountains, forests, lakes, glaciers, volcanoes and countless other natural phenomena.

During this expedition, we will explore the Altiplano in the far north of Chile. This “high plateau” formed by the Andes extends into neighboring Bolivia and Peru and is one of the largest in the world. It is also the only high plateau covered by giant volcanoes, many of which are active.

The highlight of our expedition will be reaching the snow-capped summit of the Parinacota Volcano (6342m). The Parinacota, along with it’s “twin” Pomerape (6282m), is located within the Lauca National Park. 

Before reaching the Parinacota, we will explore the other natural wonders of the high plateau as we acclimate to the altitude. We will climb Chatiza (3500m), Guaneguane (5050m) and Acotango (6055m) in preparation for our final summit on the Parinacota.

We will also visit Chungara Lake and the wetlands of the Cotacotani Lagoon in the Lauca National Park. This park is known for the many animals that roam within its boundaries, including flamingos, rheas, llamas and alpacas.

This expedition is about more than just experiencing the unique natural landscape of the Chilean Altiplano, however. We will also spend time in the villages that dot the high plateau, including Socoroma, Parinacota and Putre. We will learn about the daily life and culture of the people who have called this place home for generations.

I have rated this expedition as an intermediate level trip. You should have prior experience trekking up 3000m mountains over the course of 2+ days with a 15kg backpack. You should also be familiar with the use of crampons.

We will approach the Parinacota from the South West and trek across snow and ice-covered slopes at up to 40 degrees.

You can find the complete itinerary for this trip below. If you have any questions about this expedition, please click “Request to book” to get in touch with me.

This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of the Chilean Altiplano and come face to face with the isolated populations who call it home. 

I also lead a 14-day expedition to the summit of the nearby Llullaillaco, sacred ground of the Incas and the highest archaeological site in the world. Click here for more information.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

Price details

Meals in Putre are NOT included in the price.


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

  • Arrival to Airport in Arica, Chile (ARI)

  • Transfer from ARI to Socoroma (3050m)

Day 2: Mount Chatiza

  • Ascent on Mount Chatiza (3500m)

  • Transfer to Putre (3500m)

Day 3: Trek to 4000m

  • Trek to 4000m

  • Return to Putre

Day 4: Parinacota Village

  • Transfer to Parinacota Village (4300m)

Day 5: Cotocatani Lagoon

  • Trek to the Cotocatani Lagoon

  • Return to Parinacota

Day 6: Mount Guaneguane

  • Ascent on Mount Guaneguane (5050 m)

  • Return to Parinacota

Day 7: Acotango Base Camp

  • Transfer to the Acotango Base Camp (5035m)

Day 8: Mount Acotango

  • Ascent on Mount Acotango (6055 m)

  • Return to Base Camp

Day 9: Putre

  • Transfer to Putre

Day 10: Putre

  • Rest Day in Putre

Day 11: Parinacota Base Camp

  • Transfer to the Parinacota Base Camp

  • Ascend to Camp 1 (5200m)

Day 12: PARINACOTA SUMMIT

  • Parinacota Summit (6342 m)

  • Return to Camp 1

Day 13: Extra Day

  • Extra Day

Day 14: Putre

  • Return Transfer to Putre

Day 15: Departure

  • Return Transfer to ARI

 

Details

Accommodation

We will sleep in tents (provided).

Meeting point

Airport in Arica, Chile (ARI)

About the guide

I try to do things differently, I do not like boxes. I have lived in the corporate world, in a caravan, working as an au pair, a frustrated travel photographer and a Spanish teacher in Denmark. Travel backpacking from Spain to Vietnam for a year and travel the length of Chile on my mountain bike.

Always in love with travel, I have been working for the outdoor industry since 2008 traveling the world in more than 30 countries. I love to guide and share my experience and mountaineering skills with other lovers of remote and isolated destinations, far from crowded mountaineering centers. When I'm not working or in the mountains you can find me playing the Spanish guitar sitting on the porch of my house sharing the sunset with my lovely girlfriend.

Languages

English

Certificates

AEGM | UIMLA


What people are saying about Explore-Share

Kumari Selvakumar

5.00

Sept 14, 2022

I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!

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5.00

Sept 6, 2022

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5.00

Aug 23, 2022

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Aug 17, 2022

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Lesley Weber

4.00

July 16th, 2022

Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.

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5.00

July 20, 2022

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4.00

May 8, 2022

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5.00

April 14, 2022

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5.00

March 9, 2022

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Leonardo Rodriguez

5.00

March 4, 2022

Everything went very well! Above our expectations! Thanks Explore-Share and Thanks Kiliholidays! Great support from all you! Thanks for the hard work and excellent level of commitment.

Daniel Martinez

5.00

Feb 2, 2022

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