Cerro Toco or Lascar: To the Summit of Chile’s Volcanoes
Among some of the unmissable things to do in the Atacama Desert is conquering the summit of Cerro Toco. As one of the most popular mountains to hike close to San Pedro de Atacama, Cerro Toco is easy to access and doesn’t involve a lot of technical preparation. This dormant volcano is 5,604 m (18,372 ft) high and is located right on the border with Bolivia.
Originally, we wanted to tackle the more strenuous hike to Lascar, an active volcano at 5,592 m (18,346 ft) of altitude, near San Pedro de Atacama. But, due to lack of time and the Lascar trip not being available on our chosen day, we settled on the Cerro Toco hike.
Are you wondering which hike is better between Cerro Toco and Lascar? Or what it is like to climb a 5,600 m volcano in the world’s highest and driest desert? In this blog post, not only will I answer these questions, but I will also provide insights on how to tackle an ascent to a volcano, what you should know before hiking a volcano, how to deal with altitude sickness, when is the best time to hike and much more!
Overview: Hike A Volcano In The Chilean Atacama Desert
If you’re an avid hiker or a mountain lover, you might want to try tackle the summits of both Cerro Toco and Lascar. But, if you can only choose one hike to do in the Atacama Desert, I’ve prepared a comparison to make the decision easier.
| Description | Cerro Toco | Lascar |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5,604 m (18,372 ft) | 5,592 m (18,346 ft) |
| Distance | 4.3 km (2.7 mi) | 5.3 km (3.3 mi) |
| Elevation Gain | 445 m (1,460 ft) | 594 m (1,949 ft) |
| Duration | 2 to 4 hours | 3 to 5 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate (altitude) | Challenging (altitude) |
| Technical Requirements | None | None, but more rugged |
| Risk | Low, no volcanic activity | Low to moderate, active volcano |
| Scenic Views | Panoramic views of desert and surrounding volcanoes | Dramatic volcanic landscape, fumaroles, crater |
| Best For | Altitude acclimatization | Volcano enthusiasts |
Note: don’t attempt to climb Cerro Toco or Lascar without proper acclimatization. If you’ve entered Chile at the end of your Uyuni Salt Flats tour or if you’ve spent some time in Cusco before, your body will be more accustomed to high elevation. Remember that hiking Cerro Toco or Lascar isn’t technically difficult. What makes the difference is the altitude!
How To Handle Altitude Sickness When Hiking A Volcano
Although hiking to the summit of Cerro Toco or Lascar may sound like an arduous challenge, the main difficulty is the altitude. If you follow the steps below, you’ll reduce the risk of getting nauseous or get headache. But, at the end of the day, every body is different and even the most fit people might suffer from altitude sickness.
- Be sure to drink plenty of water the night before the hike to Cerro Toco or Lascar.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and red meat, as they can lead to dehydration and slow digestion at high altitudes.
- Stay hydrated during the hike and drink regularly to prevent headache after your descent. I recommend using a thermal flask, for better insulation, as your water could freeze at those altitudes.
- Consider bringing electrolyte tablets to mix with your water for added hydration.
- Snacking on light, high-energy foods like nuts and energy bars can also help sustain your energy levels as you climb.
- Listen to your body and don’t rush to the top. Remember, this is not a normal hike, oxygen is thin and you’ll notice that breathing will get harder.
- Take as many breaks as you need and follow your own pace. At the end of the day, it’s all about the experience than who got to the top first.
What To Bring On Your Hike To Cerro Toco Or Lascar
If you’re doing the hike with an organized tour, most of the items below will be provided by them. But, I would make sure you bring as many of your own warm items as you can. Although it might feel quite warm in San Pedro the Atacama, at the summit the temperature ranges between -8 and -12 degrees (17-10F).
I wore three different layers of technical trousers, two pair of gloves, two jumpers, a hat, a wind and puff jacket. Still, my fingers and toes were frozen and throughout the hike I never though “I wish I wouldn’t have brought these many clothes”. To summarize, make sure you bring at least these items on your hike to Cerro Toco or Lascar:
- Warm and thermal clothing, such as base layers
- Trekking shoes
- Merino wool socks
- A layer (or two) of trousers
- Gloves
- Warm hat
- Balaclava or something to cover your face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- At least 2 liters of water
- Snacks and dry fruit
Best Time To Hike Cerro Toco Or Lascar
The best time to hike Cerro Toco or Lascar depends largely on the weather conditions in the Atacama Desert at that point in time. In fact, it might happen that a tour company cancels a trip to the volcanoes because of bad weather. Generally, the best time to visit is between March and May or September and November. This is when temperatures during the day are the warmest and weather is more stable.
Best Tour Agencies To Organize A Hike To Cerro Toco
The best place to find a tour to hike one of the volcanoes in the Atacama desert is along the Caracoles street, in San Pedro de Atacama. Here, you won’t be short on options and you’ll come across several excellent tour operators. But, it can be overwhelming when you don’t have much time. So, to make it easier for you, I’ve summarized below my top 4 tour operators.
We booked the tour with Nortrek, which, after comparing multiple companies, is by far the cheapest and best in San Pedro de Atacama. I advise booking a couple of days in advance, as the treks depend highly on weather conditions and availability.
Tip: Based on my own experience, only two companies truly specialize in hiking volcanoes: Nortrek and Vulcano Expediciones. Other tour operators that offer similar hikes typically rely on these specialists for their client network and earn a commission. As a result, you’ll often find that their prices tend to be higher compared to what Nortrek and Vulcano Expediciones offer directly. Generally, prices range between $65.000 and $100.000 CLP.
How To Choose Between Cerro Toco And Lascar
Let’s get to the heart of the matter! Which hike is better between Lascar and Cerro Toco? And why did we choose to hike Cerro Toco? Quite simple. Initially, we planned to tackle Lascar, but since it wasn’t available on our chosen day, we opted for Cerro Toco instead. We were short on time and could not wait for Lascar to become available on another day.
But, if both hiking experiences are available to you, make your decision by considering the following factors:
- Hike Duration and Location: Cerro Toco (5,604m / 18,385 feet) is closer to San Pedro de Atacama, making it suitable for a half-day hike. But, Lascar (5,592m / 18,346 feet) is about 2-3 hours away and required a full day to complete.
- Volcanic Activity: Cerro Toco is a dormant volcano, while Lascar is one of the most active in northern Chile.
- Costs: Hiking Cerro Toco is more budget-friendly, while Lascar lands in the upper price range. If you’re budget aware, Cerro Toco could be a better option.
- Gear: Both volcanoes experience frigid temperatures, typically ranging between -30° and -20° Celsius, depending on season, so be prepared for the cold. If you opt for a guided hike, the agency will usually provide additional gear and warm clothing, which is essential!
- Volcanic Hazard: Lascar’s crater continuously releases gases, serving as a reminder of its potential danger. Its last major eruption was in 1993, sending ash as far as Buenos Aires. In December 2022, it rumbled to life, emitting a significant cloud of smoke, though no eruption or damage occurred.
- Overall Experience: Cerro Toco is a great introduction to high-altitude hiking, while Lascar is more suitable for volcano enthusiast. Both volcanoes offer breathtaking views, so I wouldn’t make this the deciding factor.
Which one is better: Cerro Toco or Lascar?
If you’re new to high-altitude hiking or have limited time, Cerro Toco won’t disappoint! It’s accessible, shorter but it still offers stunning views. If you’re seeking a more challenging experience, where you get to climb an active volcano, then Lascar should be your choice. Although the hike is more challenging, it provides a stunning surrounding landscape.
Hiking Itinerary Of Cerro Toco & Map
On the day of the hike, we were picked up very early in the morning by our two guides. We drove to approx. 4,900m / 16,076 feet, where we parked the car and layered up with more clothing.
To say it was cold would be an understatement. It was only when we started hiking, that I could feel my fingertips again. Although I had initially thought that we were moving at snail pace, I soon realized that it was absolutely necessary. It is very important to breath at a regular pace and not rush to the summit.
Generally, the hike was easy, with the only difficulty being the lack of oxygen. We reached the top in around 1.5h and we were able to soak in the stunning views from the top.
According to many people we talked to, the views from Cerro Toco are less impressive than on Lascar. But, I can assure you that our views were not bad either. Cerro Toco faces the border with Bolivia, which we had just crossed a couple of days before. Not only could we admire the majestic Licancabur (5,916m / 19,409 ft), but we were also able to glimpse at part of the Green Lagoon.
You can also plan the trip on your own, provided you have a car. However, you need to know the limits of your body and be prepared for the weather conditions. In September, when we went, there was no snow on the path to the top. This of course could be different, if you travel during a different time of the year.
Can I Hike Cerro Toco On My Own Or Should I Go With A Guide?
If you’re new to hiking or it’s your first time hiking at high altitudes, I recommend you go with a guide. Most of the guides are certified and carry a radio with satellite signal in case of emergencies. Since you don’t know how you’ll react to high altitudes, having an experienced guide that can provide the right kind of support is essential. The additional perk is going up with two guides, as this allows one to stay behind if someone feels sick.
