Guatinka
In Guatinka, you can discover the charms of a fun hike, with a certain degree of physical exertion. Admire the contrasts between the aridity of the gorge and its cacti (which serve as a kind of local sentinel), the abundant green of the vegetation by the river, and a host of rocky formations.
Season: Year-round
Type of Excursion: Half-day hike
Difficulty: Moderate. A degree of physical aptitude is required for traversing rocky stretches.
Altitude: 3,000 – 3,200 meters above sea level.
Distance: 3.5 km
Duration: Two hours
Environment: Pre-plateau / Gorge / River
Itinerary: We depart from Casa Atacama by van, heading 30 minutes towards the northeast until we reach the Gorge of Guatín. We then hike along the gorge, following the river towards the south. We return to Casa Atacama by van (30 minutes).
Description: The hike starts at the beginning of the Gorge of Guatín, where the Purifica and Puritama Rivers join to form the Vilama River, one of the two rivers that feed the San Pedro oasis. The trail continues into the gorge amid tall foxtails and giant cacti, crossing the river several times and descending past waterfalls and rocky terrain while taking in some very special geological formations. Near the end, we wind our way up the gorge to an old corral, a rest stop for shepherds and caravans, which is still in use today. The final stretch of the hike takes us along an ancestral herding route and back to the van, which will take us back to Casa Atacama.
Recommendations: Bring light clothing, long pants, a jacket, comfortable footwear with quality soles (for the stretches of irregular and slippery terrain), sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, and a backpack.
Noi Equipment: The hotel provides walking sticks, if needed.
Includes: A cooler (water and refreshments), trail mix.
Duration:
Distance and Altitude
Environment:
Prepuna / Quebrada con río
Difficulty:
Media. Requiere habilidad física para pasar tramos rocosos.
Excursion mode
Trekking
Transport mode
Caminata, Van
