Calama · San Pedro de Atacama
Meet the guides at Calama airport and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Check into the hotel before a sunset excursion to the Salt Mountain Range and a welcome dinner.
San Pedro de Atacama & the Altiplano
Altitude Trail Antofagasta
Desert running, highland villages and mountain trails, with time at El Tatio and Puritama’s thermal springs.
- Itinerary
- 7 days
- Gateway
- Calama
- Focus
- Running & trekking
- Designed for
- Regular runners
The experience
Explore northern Chile on foot from a base in San Pedro de Atacama, then continue into the highlands around Río Grande and Machuca. Jean-Marie’s program combines trail running and trekking with a cycling outing, hot springs and time to experience the desert beyond the trail.
Who this program is for
For regular runners with a solid aerobic base who can run at least 10 km continuously. Previous altitude experience is not a prerequisite in the program, but the route includes sustained trekking and nights near 4,000 m. The team will discuss your experience and fitness before confirming a suitable plan.
Your 7-day itinerary
This is the proposed route, not a fixed departure schedule. Activities, distances and overnight stops may be adjusted for weather, access, fitness and individual response to altitude. Share your preferred dates and we’ll discuss what we can arrange.
San Pedro · Salt Mountain Range
Run from the village toward the Salt Mountain Range and through Mars Valley, with a refreshment point along the route. Enjoy free time in San Pedro before a cycling outing toward sunset.
Catarpe · Rainbow Valley · Río Grande area
A morning running session explores Catarpe and the Devil’s Throat, with pace adjusted to the group. After lunch, travel toward Rainbow Valley and the Río Grande area, with an optional easy outing near camp.
Río Grande · Machuca
Follow the river, agricultural terraces and rocky trails toward Machuca. This is a substantial trekking day, with a route through remote valleys before reaching the lodge.
Machuca · El Tatio · Machuca
Visit the El Tatio geothermal area, with stops to enjoy the Altiplano landscape and wildlife. Include a walking excursion, with running options only as appropriate; an optional loop near Machuca can round out the day.
Machuca · Puritama · San Pedro
Trek toward Puritama for a visit to the thermal springs, then return to San Pedro de Atacama. A final sunset run near the Atacama salt flat is part of the proposed outline.
San Pedro · Calama
After breakfast, transfer to Calama airport for your onward travel.
Trip arrangements
Your written proposal will confirm the final itinerary, accommodation, inclusions and booking terms before you commit.
Program arrangements
- Airport transfers and mountain guiding, with French, Spanish and English listed in the program.
- Hotel stays in San Pedro de Atacama.
- A camp night and lodge stays in the itinerary, with accommodation and camping arrangements confirmed in your proposal.
- Admission to Puritama Hot Springs.
- Welcome dinner and meals as listed in the daily outline.
- Running, trekking and the cycling outing described in the itinerary, with final logistics agreed before booking.
Plan separately
- Domestic and international flights and airport taxes.
- Admission to El Tatio, Death/Mars Valley and Catarpe.
- Personal running and trekking equipment.
- Travel, accident and rescue insurance.
- Dinners in San Pedro other than the welcome dinner, plus personal purchases, drinks, laundry and tips.
- Any service not expressly included in your confirmed proposal.
Preparation & equipment
Bring trail-running footwear, trekking footwear, warm layers, wind protection, sun protection and hydration equipment. A sleeping bag and overnight kit are listed in the original program; the team will confirm what is needed for the camp and lodge arrangements in your final itinerary.
Discuss your health and altitude plans with an appropriate medical professional before travelling. Training at altitude and mountain travel carry risks; neither a summit nor a particular performance improvement is guaranteed. Confirm that your insurance covers the planned activities, elevations and emergency evacuation.
Let’s plan your trip
Tell us what you have in mind.
Send your preferred dates, group size, running or trekking background and previous altitude experience. We’ll review the options with you and provide a tailored proposal. This is an enquiry, not a confirmed booking.
Email opens your email app. You can also write directly to panamadventuresteam@gmail.com.
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