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