Pakana Monks Tour
Tour Start Time : Depending on the time of year, it varies between 8 and 9 am
A few minutes after sunrise, we will begin our journey towards the Andes mountain range, towards the heights of the Altiplano, passing in approximately half an hour from 2,500 meters above sea level to 4,000 meters above sea level, where the volcanic arc that we can see to the east of San Pedro de Atacama is located, and which is part of the Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex (CVAP), a gigantic magmatic province and volcanic systems that covers part of the territories of Chile, Argentina and Bolivia.
Stops
Licancabur Volcano : Our first stop will be at a viewpoint 4,000 meters above sea level, facing the Licancabur Volcano, one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Chile, the "Mallku of the People," a sacred mountain for both the Atacameño people and the Incas when they inhabited this region. It is a colossal cone of lava and volcanic rock, at whose summit lies one of the highest lakes in the world.
Alma Project and Quepiaco : Continuing east, we can see from the main road the Chajnantor Plateau at 5,000 meters above sea level, where the world's largest radio telescope, the "Alma Project", is located, consisting of 66 antennas. A few minutes later, we will visit the Quepiaco wetland, a true natural sanctuary surrounded by mountains, where, depending on the time of year, numerous flamingos, ducks, and vicuñas can be seen.
Monks of Pacana : " The monks of Pakana" are located in the heart of the fourth largest caldera in the world, the "PaKana Caldera". Here we can see a unique series of "natural stone sculptures" sculpted by nature in the volcanic rock, several meters high and weighing tens of tons, among which one stands out at 20 m high, perfectly sculpted by nature, called the "Indian of Pakana" having the resemblance with the facial features and hat of an Andean person.
In this place we will take the opportunity to walk, take photos, learn more details about this caldera, and be amazed by the magnificence of the place.
Salar de Aguas Calientes : A few kilometers further on we will stop at the viewpoint of the "Salar de Aguas Calientes", whose waters are heated by one of the countless magma chambers that we have in the Andes mountain range, very close to the surface.
Quisquiro Salt Flat : To finish our tour and as our last stop we will visit the "Quisquiro Salt Flat", also called the Loyoques Salt Flat, very close to the border with Argentina, where the Jama international pass is located.
It is one of the dozens of salt flats in the Atacama Desert, on whose surface some bodies of water still remain, remnants of what was once a large, ancient lake from the post-glacial era. Occasionally, flamingos can be seen there, recovering from their long seasonal flights between different areas of the desert.
After this point, we will begin the return to San Pedro de Atacama, approximately 150 km away, to be back in San Pedro de Atacama at your accommodation at approximately 4:00 PM.
"Depending on the group's wishes, lunch is served at the most convenient time and in the most suitable place, so that passengers can replenish their energy and enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings of the Andes Mountains."
Recommendations:
Bring SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and/or cap, hiking boots, warm clothing (several layers on top and bottom), gloves, and a hat. Drink in moderation and get plenty of rest the day before.
Updated Information
Pick-up time
8-9 am
Approximate return time
3-4 pm
Total distance to travel 280 km
Includes lunch, snacks and water
Short walks with a slight incline
Maximum altitude 4,830 meters above sea level
Wear a hat
Temperature between
0°C and 20°C
Trekking
Several clothe layer
Bring sunscreen
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It is not needed
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Nature
