San Pedro de Atacama - Day 3

The goal of today was the Lascar Volcano, whose summit is about 5600m above sea level. Our starting point San Pedro de Atacama is at about 2400m. So we had to overcome 3200m in altitude.

At 4:00 am the alarm clock rings and we dress in layers according to the recommended principle, because it will be below zero up there.

Shortly afterwards, the 4x4 pickup collects us and we head directly towards the volcano. After 45km of well-paved road, we switch to the gravel road, which in some sections would definitely not have been passable with a conventional pickup. After a 1.5-hour drive, we reached a mountain lake at an altitude of about 4300m. Here we are supposed to acclimatize to the altitude. We already notice that the air is thinner and admire the lake, which lies incredibly calm, so that we could take the first impressive shots here. The flamingos seem to be undisturbed by the remaining sub-zero temperatures. After a short acclimatization including breakfast, we continued to climb another 500m, so that we started the actual ascent at an altitude of 4800m.

Our group consists of six people - besides us, another couple and two guides. In addition to us, there are three other groups of a similar size on site who are climbing the still active volcano.

We start crawling up the mountain at a snail's pace and in a goose step. The pace is set by the guides and is intended to prevent problems like vomiting, dizziness, or worse. We manage quite well. However, after 45 minutes, our group splits up and we walk ahead with one of the guides. The other two participants did not cope so well with the very thin air and had to take more breaks.

After a 2.5-hour goose march uphill, we reach the edge of the volcano crater, from which plenty of steam rises. The volcano is one of the five most active in Chile, we are told - it last erupted in 2007. The view was breathtaking and after a short break, we climb for another 30 minutes, where the summit is waiting for us. We are very relieved and happy that we managed the ascent more or less without any problems. (A bit of dizziness and heavy legs don't count).

However, with the descent, the tragic part of the excursion also begins. On the last 30-minute uphill section, a guide from another group had already given an SOS signal to the other guides. Two of the guides then ran downhill to help. Then we also receive the very sad news that a participant from another group died of a heart attack during the ascent. By now, this news had of course reached all participants and the atmosphere on the way back was accordingly gloomy.

Tonight, we were supposed to go stargazing, which was canceled yesterday due to cloudy weather, but it was canceled again today because of the clouds. To be honest, we didn't mind. The total of 6400m we have covered is still very exhausting for us, and tomorrow we will start the 3-day tour through the salt flats.