OverviewCerro Toco is located 50 km east of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, near the bolivian and argentinean borders. Although it is 300 meters less high and far less spectacular of a sight than it´s famous neighbour Licancabur, Cerro Toco still provides rewarding hiking opportunities. Novices can get a gentle introduction to high altitude climbing, while the views from the summit to the surrounding volcanos such as Licancabur and Lascar and beyond the bolovian border to Laguna Blanca are breathtaking. For more experienced climbers this is still a good summit to get acclimatised for trips to one of the nearby higher mountains.
Getting ThereCerro Toco is easiest tackled in one day from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, a 45 km drive out of town. The nearest airport is in Calama. There is no direct bus from the airport to San Pedro but private vans take you there for 7´000 chilean pesos per person. Alternatively you can take a taxi to Calama for 5´000 pesos (no buses here either) and then hop on one of the buses (e.g. Tur Bus at Balmaceda 1852, phone: 55/341472) to San Pedro. They leave about four times daily, cost 1´300 pesos per person and take approximately 90 minutes. There are also buses from other major cities such as Aríca (approx. 11 hours, night bus).
For an overview on how to get to the trailheads, see the draft below and visit the pages of the routes.RoutesCerro Toco has two routes:
The Southern Route has an elevation gain of about 600 meters and takes 2 to 3 hours up, 45 min down.
The Northern Route is longer with an elevation gain of about 1000 meters, taking 4 hours up.GuidesVolcano Expediciones in San Pedro guides people up all major volcanos in the area.Red TapeNo permits required. Volcano Expediciones in San Pedro de Atacama offers a transfer to the old mining camp for 60´000 chilean pesos per car (3-4 people). A guided ascent up the short route costs 45´000 chilean pesos per person. Rates for the long route are slightly higher.
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