Summit Volcán Licancabur

Located in the southwest corner of Bolivia on the border with Chile is picturesque Volcán Licancabur. At the base of Volcán Licancabur are Lagunas Verde and Blanca, colorful lakes that create a surreal scene. People have been climbing the volcano for centuries and you may be able to make out remains of Incan temple foundations if you reach the summit. You may have seen photographs of the volcano from the Atacama Desert, as the nearest town to the isolated volcano is San Pedro de Atacama. However, the trail to the summit is in Bolivia.

It is possible to reach the volcano independently, but a guide is mandatory for the climb. After sleeping in one of the little refugios on the shore of Laguna Blanca, the hike begins an hour before sunrise. The dark silhouette of Licancabur is ominous at this hour. You’ll start shedding layers once the hot sun reaches over the horizon. The new light will emblazon the desert plain speckled with volcanic lumps. Your guide will ensure that you move slowly, as the elevation can be crippling. If you get a soroche headache even before the halfway point you won’t be allowed to summit. Chewing on coca leaves can help reduce the effects of altitude sickness. During the last 500 meters of the climb nobody speaks between gasps because no one can. Eventually you’ll hit snow, a false peak, and then piles of sticks and stones that mark the top.

Between flashes, remember to enjoy the experience without your camera in front of your face. Your guide will give you around 10 minutes on the summit, where you can check out the small lake within the volcano’s crater.

If you’ve made it to the top, the descent should be simple. Each meter you climb down, you will find that breathing is easier. By the time you reach the bottom, you’ll be ready for your next adventurous Bolivia vacation.



This guide to summiting Volcán Licancabur in Bolivia was written by a Bolivia travel expert at Bolivia For Less available to help you custom design your exciting and adventurous Bolivia vacations.