Cornice

Season: Year-round
Type of Excursion: Half-day hike
Difficulty: Easy. The hike may prove difficult for those suffering from severe vertigo.
Altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level.
Distance: 3.7 km
Duration: Two hours
Environment: Valle de la Muerte (“Death Valley”), Salt Mountain Range

Itinerary: We depart by van from Casa Atacama, heading northwest until we reach Death Valley (15 minutes). We hike through Death Valley along the cornice, taking in the panoramic view. From the cornice, we descend a 100-meter-tall dune and cross the valley until we reach a van waiting to take us back to Casa Atacama (15 minutes).

Description: After ascending a small dune, we will hike north along one of the cornices bordering the “Valle de la Muerte” (“Death Valley”). The stunning panoramic view allows us to appreciate how erosion has molded the Salt Mountain Range, revealing the geological processes that shaped it. The most entertaining part of the excursion is a steep but enjoyable descent down a dune, from where we cross the valley on our way back to the van.

Recommendations: Bring light clothing, a jacket, comfortable footwear for hiking, sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, and a backpack.
Noi Equipment: This excursion requires no special equipment.
Includes: A cooler (water and refreshments), trail mix.

**SHORT CORNICE EXCURSION

There’s a shorter version of the Cornice excursion, specially designed for families with young children and people who don’t want to walk too far.
It begins at the same point as the regular excursion, but only requires 30 minutes of walking to the first dune, which the whole family can enjoy. From there, it’s just another 15 minutes back to the van to return to Casa Atacama.
Total duration: Two hours