Machuca/ Río Grande
This excursion immerses us in the landscapes of the High Plateau, a pleasant hike along rivers where we´ll discover an old shepherd route where you can still see the vestiges of human occupation, with its crop terraces, the world of shepherds and llamas.
Season: Year-round
Type of Excursion: Full-day hike
Difficulty: Easy. Walking with no notable obstacles, although you should take into consideration that this is a full-day, high-altitude hike.
Altitude: 4,000 – 3,200 meters above sea level.
Distance: 12 km
Duration: Six hours
Environment: High Plateau / Gorge / River
Itinerary: We depart from Casa Atacama, heading northeast until we reach the town of Machuca (45 min). We’ll walk to the town of Río Grande, following riverbeds in the middle of gorges. The van will await us in the town of Río Grande to take us back to Casa Atacama (one hour).
Description: In the town of Machuca, situated 4,000 meters above sea level, the hike begins with a descent through a desert moor towards the gorge, passing through lands used by shepherd caravans. We will be stopping for lunch mid-way through the hike at an abandoned Peñaliri homestead. After lunch, we trek downriver until reaching the town of Río Grande, where the van will be waiting.
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), picnic lunch.
Duration:
Distance and Altitude
Environment:
Altiplano / Quebrada con río
Difficulty:
Baja. Se debe considerar que dura toda una jornada y es en altura.
Excursion mode
Trekking
Transport mode
Caminata, Van
