San Pedro Expedition

Introduction
Northern Chile Chile

The Atacama Desert of Chile is a sparsely populated virtually rainless plateau, running from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountains. The landscape is so desolate it is sometimes described as "moon like". In the heart of this desert is the village of San Pedro, at an altitude of 7,000 feet and surrounded by a green oasis. Many years ago it was considered the center of a Paleolithic civilization that built impressive rock fortresses on steep mountains encircling the valley. With narrow streets and a church constructed in 1577, San Pedro is a step back into the Spanish colonial times and even earlier at the Father Le Paige Museum which chronicles man for 10,000 years.
You will discover the 11th century desert and be connected with an ancient culture and their spirits. The magic of Atacama, with the purest sky in the world, will leave an everlasting trail in your soul. 
This is an expedition ride that covers the big salt flats, the desert, the mountains and valleys. The scenery is ever changing and breathtaking. Our trip is a two loop ride that starts and ends in San Pedro de Atacama. It leads us along the Vilama River to the Valley of Arenoso with its the Petroglyphs Corral, where some ancient figures  are drawn into the rock. We then ride via the 'Devils Throat' to Rio Salado. Then we follow a canyon to Coca Stone and back to San Pedro. Just enough time to rest and clean up before we head back out in a different direction towards Beter and Cejar befor we reach the Valley del Tiempo. Along the way we visit the archeological site of the Hamlet of Tulor. We ride through the big valley of Quebrada de Kari and arrive by surprise to the well known Moon Valley, with its original geological forms. We ride up a big dune to be able to have a general view on this Moon Valley. We then return to San Pedro by a big open plain in front of the Andes Mountains and by the main oasis of San Pedro concluding an adventure of a lifetime.

Accomodation

Accomodations: Some nights are in local B&Bs or guesthouses - simple, but clean with hot showers. The rest of the nights are camping with limited facilities.

All meals are included. Wine and spirits will be served with dinner during the camping nights.
Picnics and water are carried on a pack horse.
We are met each evening by the support vehicle and are always in contact with the group via radio.
The vehicle brings food and water for riders and horses, wood fuel for camping.

All camping equipment is provided, including: sleeping mats and sleeping bags (we provide very good down sleeping bags "pluma de ganso" -20 °C).
The tents are comfortable, with two guests to a tent. 
Solar shower for the camping depends on the weather and arrival time at campsite - don't count on it !

This trip includes some wine with dinner.

Riding
Level:       Intermediate+
Tack:        Chilean Saddles
Horses:     Criollos
Pace: Moderate with canters and gallops
Min/Max Riders:  2-6
Minimum Age: 15 years
Maximum Weight: 85 kg

Chilean horse, short on height, but very strong and stable for mountain riding;

The saddles provided are Chilean type, which are called Avios. Its origin is Spanish and they have been designed specially for long trips. Its wooden mount, reinforced with iron, is cushioned with “chiporro” and protected with leather. The other clothing beneath the saddle are called: batán, pellón and matra, and are normally laid on ground by gauchos to provide a soft and warm bed.

Itinerary

10-day Itinerary      12-day Itinerary     8-day Itinerary
 

10-day Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up in Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama via shuttle service. Dinner in restaurant (if arrival in time) and overnight at local B&B.
Day 2 : SAN PEDRO-GUATIN
We meet the horses and ride to Vilama Oasis and up the Vilama river bed. We deviate up East, by a valley full of pingo-pingo bushes. We have the Andes mountains in front of us. A valley appears, Guatin, small oasis where alfalfa grows, and where 3 people live, with a big troop of goats. Around, lots of cactus grow on the hills. We camp near the Puritama river, where you even can have a bath.
Day 3 : GUATIN - VALLE ARENOSO
We ride down in direction of the Gatchi mountains to join the small canyon of Calar, where the Vilama river is, and where the shepherds built a "house" ( local "estancia"). Bath possibility. We cross Vilama river and arrive to the Petroglyphs Corral, archeological resting shepherds corral where some figures in the stone are drawn. We ride down to the plain by a small track and camp in a sandy valley on the foot of the cliff.
Day 4 : VALLE ARENOSO - RIO SALADO
We visit Quitor Pukara, which is a pre-Inca fortress, conquered by the Spanish, at the entrance of San Pedro river valley. We ride up the contrasted (green and reddish) river canyon. We deviate into a narrow canyon, the Devil's Throat, which goes zigzagging inside salt Chain. We go up by a canyon, and down by another to arrive to Catarpe Oasis, on San Pedro River. We continue north and cross the Cuchaorache Oasis. Further, we reach our camping place, near the Rio Salado. You will be able to see and admire one of the most important rock art places of the region.
Day 5 : RIO SALADO - SAN PEDRO
After a big esplanade where the sight to the Andes Mountains is beautiful, we take a canyon leading us to Coca Stone, ceremonial stone of local Indians traveling between ocean and mountains. Some rock art there. Their trail was used a lot of years after (end of 19th, beginning of 20th century) by cattle and their local "cow boys". We will follow their tracks which lead us up to a cliff. We go to San Pedro all along the border of that cliff, from where you can see all San Pedro plain, Salt Flat, Andes, down to the Salt Chain crests. The view is really amazing. We ride down to the plain by the dunes and the Death Valley canyon. Dinner in a San Pedro restaurant and night in a B&B.
Day 6 :  Free morning to visit the village. Lunch in a San Pedro restaurant.
In the afternoon, by horse from SAN PEDRO to BETER
We visit the Solor Oasis, where local people grow alfalfa, corn and also some fruits. We cross the desert south and visit the Beter Village ruins, dating back to  colonial times and almost all covered by dunes. Like a savanna landscape. We camp near the village.
Day 7 : BETER - CEJAR
We continue south, where the landscape is flat, and where the ground crackles under our feet : the Salt Flat. We ride first to Tebinquinche Lakes. Two sweet water eyes and a blue salted lake. It is a very solitary landscape. Then, we join Céjar Lake, turquoise, surrounded by golden herbs. We camp there. Wonderful sunset on the Andes mountains. Sometimes some flamingos fly over the lakes, specially in the morning.
Day 8: CEJAR – VALLEY DEL TIEMPO
We go back to the fertile oasis to visit the archeological site of the Hamlet of Tulor. It is the living place of the first sedentary Indians, dating back to 800 before Christ to 500 after. Then, we ride to the foot of Salt Chain, to Chulacao caves, where there are ancient copper mines. We camp in another canyon, on the foot of Salt Chain : Valle del Tiempo.
Day 9 : VALLE DEL TIEMPO - VALLE DE LA LUNA - SAN PEDRO
We begin the day by riding up a big dune which will lead us to the Salt Chain hart and its small canyons. We cross along a big valley, Quebrada de Kari dominated by a huge cliff, and loose ourselves in lots of small canyons. We arrive by surprise to the very known Moon Valley, with its original geological forms. We ride up a big dune to be able to have a general view on this Moon Valley. We come back to San Pedro by a big plain in front of the Andes Mountains and by the main oasis of San Pedro. Dinner in a restaurant and night in a B&B.
Day 10 : Transfer to Calama airport after breakfast.

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12-day Itinerary

Day 1 : TRANSFERT from Calama airport, dinner in a restaurant and night in a B&B
Day 2 : SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA-GUATIN (+/- 25 KM)
This is the parallel road to the Tatio Geysers. We go progressively to altitude, from 2340m (san Pedro) to 3000 more or less (Guatin. Guatin is a sort of oasis (without trees) where two rivers join themselves : the Puripica and the Puritama rivers. Some alfalfa cultures and a lot of cactus in the surrounding hills. A couple live there, with a big troop of goats and sheep. We camp near the Puritama river.
Day 3: GUATIN-MACHUCA (+/- 20 KM)
First, we pass the Puritama river canyon, and we go up slowly in altitude. The landscape open itself, plants are more numerous (but they are still bushes!). The road crosses a wonderful rock chaos. Then, Machuca lagoon appears, and the village (1 street!), with its little church set hi up the hill, and the lamas. (+/- 4000m). Night in a bed.
Day 4 : MACHUCA-RÍO GRANDE (+/- 18 KM)
We go by the river side, the by a track up the valley. It is a track people from the two valleys cover with their animals. Lot of stones, but a wonderful landscape, with little hamlets of stony houses and corrals. Rio Grande is situated in the bottom of the big river (Rio) Grande canyon. It is bigger and lower (3200m) than Machuca, Its inhabitants grow garlic, broad bean, onions, aromatic herbs... in terraces. Night in a bed.
Day 5 : RIO GRANDE-SAN BARTOLO (+/- 12 KM)
We let the river to go up the valley (beautiful view) then up hill and down dale... to finally go down to San Bartolo and the Rio Grande river (not already San Pedro river) where copper mines have been exploited, and still are. Camping in the oasis.
Day 6 : SAN BARTOLO-SAN PEDRO (+/- 18 KM)
We go along the valley, and then up out of it to join Rio Salado river where you will be able to admire one of the most beautiful site of rock art of the place. We cross the river and join the Rio San Pedro, which is the mix of Rio Salado and Rio Grande. We go down the river, passing by Cuchaorache and Catarpe oasis. We enter in the Devil's throat, a small canyon inside the Salt Chain, to end in a ancient corral, with rock art. We come back to the plain by a very deep track, still used by local shepherds, pass by Pukara de Quitor, a pre-Inca fortress, and back to San Pedro village. Night in B&B
Day 7 : PURITAMA THERMAL BATHS (by car)
Relaxing day. Have a massage in the natural Jacuzzi 34°C water is a really delightful experience, in a deep rocky canyon.
In the afternoon, visit of the Gustavo Le Paige archaeological museum. Night in B&B
DAY 8 : SAN PEDRO-LAGUNA CEJAR (+/- 20 KM)
We will found ourselves in the wide desert plain, sprinkled with oasis. We will cover some of them (also named ayllus) to move and enter in the Atacama Salt Flat. The ground is more crunchy. Suddenly, a turquoise lagoon appears : Cejar. It is a very salted water, where, if you want to have a bath, you will float!. Some flamingos sometimes eat there. The sunset is an amazing sight. Camping.
Day 9 : LAGUNA CEJAR- PUEBLO DE BETER (+/- 12 KM)
After you leave the Salt Flat, we join Tulor hamlet, passing by the main oasis of San Pedro. We visit this archaeological site (800/+500) dating from the first times of sedentary Indian life. This site was conserved thanks to the sand which had covered it during several hundred years. Once visited the site, we take the horses again to go to Beter abandoned village, where we camp. It is a colonial village covered by the dunes... so totally in ruins.
Day 10 : PUEBLO DE BETER- VALLE DE LA LUNA (+/-18KM)
After passing through Coyo oasis, we make for Salt Chain. Once on the foot of that chain, we enter in one of the most renowned sites: Moon Valley. But not a lot of people are there in the morning... We cross the most open part of the Moon Valley, to go up a little dune and ride into a maze of canyons. We go out this labyrinth into a wide canyon : Kari, which will lead us to sand dunes by a series of tangled small valleys. We ride down the dune to arrive at the Time Valley and camp there.
Day 11 : VALLE DEL TIEMPO- SAN PEDRO (+/- 18 KM)
We take the horses to Quitor oasis, and enter into the river valley. we take a zigzagging cattle track, El Paso de los Toros, made at the end of XIXth century. We go down to the other side of the hill, by a canyon, to stop at Piedra de la Coca (Coca Stone), ceremonial stone, with some rock art. Up again to come back direction to San Pedro by all the border of the cliff. Wonderful dominating view on the Andes cordillera, Salt Chain, Salt Flat, Oasis. Last general view of all the covered landscape. Back to San Pedro by Death Valley Canyon. Dinner in a restaurant and Night in B&B
Day 12 : TRANSFERT to Calama airport.

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8-day Itinerary

Day 1: TRANSFER IN from Calama
Day 2 : SAN PEDRO – CALAR (+/- 15 KM  - 5 hours )
Our horses take us from San Pedro at about 9:00 to go to the foot of the Salt Chain and we take the Time Valley canyon. Then we ride to Quitor pukará, pre Inca fortress. We go on to join our pique-nique (cold lunch) place, Rio Vilama. We take the horses again and go along the Gatchi hills to join the small deep canyon of Calar during the afternoon. You will have the possibility to have a bath in the river.
Day 3 : CALAR – RIO SALADO (+/- 18 KM, 6 hours)
We will join a shepherd track which leads us to Vilama canyon by the Gatchi hills and then to an archeological corral where you can see rock art. After the cold lunch in that corral, we will disappear into Devil’s throat, a deep small canyon into clay, salt and gypsum. We will arrive to the Rio San Pedro, near Catarpe Oasis. We ride up the river, pass by Cuchaorache Oasis. We go away from the valley to arrive to Rio Salado, very important rock art place in the region. We camp in the surroundings.
Day 4 : RIO SALADO – SAN PEDRO (+/- 21 KM, 7 hours )
It’s by a wide plateau and then a canyon that we will join Piedra de la Coca (Coca Stone), Atacamenian Indians ceremonial stone during their trip in caravan between Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains. Cold lunch. Then we take a ancient cattle track which crossed the region at the beginning of the 19th century. We arrive at the top of the cliff which dominates the river valley and all the landscape and take the cliff track. Spectacular view on the valley, Atacama oasis, Salt Flat, Mountains and wonderful view from above to the Salt Chain crests. We go down to the San Pedro Plain by Death valley dunes and canyon. Night in a B&B, dinner in a restaurant.
Day 5 : SAN PEDRO-LAGUNA CEJAR (+/- 20 KM  - 5 hours )
We will found ourselves in the wide desert plain, sprinkled with oasis. We will cover some of them (also named ayllus): Solor, Cúcuter, Poconche to move and enter in the Atacama Salt Flat. The ground is more crunchy. Suddenly, a turquoise lagoon appears : Cejar. It is a very salted water, where, if you want to have a bath, you will float!. Some flamingos sometimes eat there. The sunset is an amazing sight. Camping.
Day 6 : LAGUNA CEJAR- PUEBLO DE BETER (+/- 12 KM - 4 hours)
After you let the Salt Flat, we join Tulor hamlet, passing by the main oasis of San Pedro. We visit this archaeological site (-800/+500) dating from the first times of sedentary Indian life. This site was conserved thanks to the sand which had covered it during several hundred years. Once visited the site, we take the horses again to go to Beter abandoned village. It is a colonial village covered by the dunes... so totally in ruins. We camp in the oasis.
Day 7 : PUEBLO DE BETER- VALLE DE LA LUNA – SAN PEDRO (+/-25 KM  - 8 hours)
After passing through Coyo oasis, we make for Salt Chain. Once on the foot of that chain, we enter in one of the most renowned sites: Moon Valley. But not a lot of people are there in the morning... We cross the most open part of the Moon Valley, to go up a little dune and ride into a maze of canyons. We go out this labyrinth into a wide canyon : Kari, which will lead us to sand dunes by a series of tangled small valleys. Down dune to join San Pedro plain and village. Night in B&B and dinner in restaurant.
Day 8 : TRANSFER OUT to Calama airport in the morning. End of the services.

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Rates and Dates for San Pedro Expedition

Dates Note: Available any time with a minimum of 2 riders.
Nov 15 to 24 - 10-day trip confirmed.
Looking for a few more riders.

Other Info
Meeting: San Pedro de Atacama
Airport: Calama
Transfer: Airport Calama-San Pedro

Climate:

The weather in San Pedro de Atacama is unpredictable radiant sun,
cold weather below 0°C some nights, wind and sand storms, rain storms.

There are no ATM machines in San Pedro de Atacama and only a few places where you can pay with credit cards (mainly Visa).  Bring cash.  Some shops will exchange dollars but the rates fluctuate).

Clothing: due to the marked thermal fluctuation, it is necessary to bring summer clothing to wear during the day (cotton sports shirts or T-Shirts, bathing suit, shorts and thin fabric pants), as well as winter clothing to wear at night and to visit the geysers of Tatio (polar, thick windbreaker pants, feather parka, and hat). 
The riders carry only personal basic items on the daily rides: warm clothes for the evenings, cameras, sunglasses. 

Note: For trips in May to October  (this is their local winter season, and the Machuca is at a high altitude) bring a bonnet, gloves, wool scarf and socks, a good jacket will be very useful.