The ancient cult to the apus (sacred mountains) continues to our day, even if the rites are not the same. Today the objective is to reach the summit, with or without offerings, but always with veneration and awe at getting nearer to the heavenly sky, climbing up a steep and irregular path. 

In this destination, the mountain chain of the Andes has peaks of up to 19,685 ft (6,000 m) above sea level. This is why the tourists that love high summits climb mountains and volcanoes framed in breath-taking landscapes as an acclimatization option to later conquer higher summits in South America such as the Lluaillaco, Ojos del Salado and Aconcagua.  

It is important to consider that these volcanoes stand at over 18,044 ft (5,500 m) above sea level, which is why it is fundamental to take a few days for proper acclimatization to the altitude. It is also necessary to consider that the rain and snow seasons are in the summer months, between January and March. It is advised to make these trips with specialized agencies of San Pedro de Atacama.

We recommend this mountains:

Licancabur Volcano: (19,520 ft or 5,950 m), located 19 miles (30 km) to the east of San Pedro de Atacama, it has a beautiful lake and vestiges of the Inca culture. It is climbed through Bolivia, and can also be climbed through Chile, along a harder and less accessible route.

Lascar Volcano: (18,221 ft or 5,554 m), it is in the vicinity of the Toconao town, 55 miles (90 km) from San Pedro de Atacama. It is an active volcano with a great crater. It is easy to access and can be climbed starting at 15,420 ft (4,700 m) in about 4 hours.

Cerro Sairecabur: (19,850 ft or 6,050 m), it is easy to access. In San Pedro de Atacama, the tourist agencies offer a tour that includes transportation to the base of the volcano, as well as breakfast and oxygen. It is climbed starting at 17,717 ft (5,400 m) in about 5 hours.