Arrival in Copiapó · Pan de Azúcar
Meet the team at the airport and transfer to Pan de Azúcar National Park. Settle into seaside cabins and meet your fellow participants over dinner.
From the Pacific to the high Andes
Altitude Trail Atacama
Coastal trails, salt flats and high mountain camps, with a conditional 6,000-meter volcano ascent.
- Itinerary
- 10 days
- Gateway
- Copiapó
- Focus
- Running & summit attempt
- Designed for
- Experienced runners
The experience
Begin beside the Pacific at Pan de Azúcar, then travel inland through El Salvador and Salar de Pedernal to Laguna Verde. Jean-Marie’s itinerary combines running, trekking, time at altitude and a possible volcano ascent before returning to the coast at Bahía Inglesa.
Who this program is for
Designed for intermediate to advanced runners who can run 15–20 km continuously, train consistently and have trail-running or endurance experience. Previous altitude experience is strongly recommended. The summit attempt and higher sessions depend on individual response to altitude, conditions and the guide’s assessment.
Your 10-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.
Pan de Azúcar · El Salvador
Run a coastal route in Pan de Azúcar, with a refreshment stop along the way. After lunch, travel inland to El Salvador for the night.
El Salvador · Salar de Pedernal
Begin with a run into the hills above El Salvador, then return for breakfast. Continue by vehicle through the Altiplano to a salt-flat camp at Salar de Pedernal.
Salar de Pedernal
Follow dirt and rocky trails along the salt flat, with time to take in the landscape and watch for wildlife. Rest at camp during the afternoon.
Salar de Pedernal · Laguna Verde
Transfer to Laguna Verde and establish camp beside the lake. Allow time to settle in and rest, with an opportunity to visit the natural hot springs.
Laguna Verde
A running session beside the lake offers a shorter out-and-back option or a longer circuit. Distance, pace and any structured training are adjusted to how participants are responding to altitude.
Atacama Camp · Tejos Refuge
Travel by 4WD toward Atacama Camp, then make an out-and-back high-altitude excursion toward Tejos Refuge. Running or walking pace and the turnaround point are set by conditions and the group’s readiness. Return to Laguna Verde to sleep.
Conditional 6,000-meter summit attempt
Attempt a 6,000-meter volcano if conditions and participant readiness permit. The guide selects the objective and confirms the required equipment; the summit is not guaranteed. Return to Laguna Verde camp.
Laguna Verde · Bahía Inglesa
Break camp and travel back across the desert to the Pacific coast. Spend the final night in Bahía Inglesa, with time to unwind by the sea.
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport serving Copiapó and Caldera 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 private ground transport for the planned itinerary.
- Mountain guiding, with French, Spanish and English listed in the program.
- Seaside cabin, hotel and camp stays as outlined, with arrangements confirmed in your proposal.
- Shared mountain tents, dining tent, foam sleeping pad and camp kitchen equipment.
- Meals as listed in the daily outline, plus a professional first-aid kit.
- Bathroom facilities and Starlink connectivity at Laguna Verde base camp.
Plan separately
- Domestic and international flights and airport taxes.
- Personal running, trekking and summit equipment.
- Travel, accident and rescue insurance.
- Final dinner in Bahía Inglesa, personal purchases, drinks, laundry and tips.
- Any service not expressly included in your confirmed proposal.
Preparation & equipment
Bring trail-running footwear, layered clothing, sun protection, hydration equipment and suitable overnight gear. The guide will confirm a route-specific packing list, including any footwear and technical equipment needed for the summit objective. Do not treat ordinary running kit as sufficient for every high-altitude condition.
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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