Cerro Toco

El Loa, Chile

4.7
10 reviews
Activity
Official tickets via GetYourGuide
ADDRESS El Loa Directions

Enjoy the altitude of the Andes by trekking a dormant volcano. Experience trekking on a volcano in the Andes.

Mount Toco High Altitude Trek – San Pedro de Atacama

Climb Mount Toco, a 5,600 m (18,700 ft) extinct volcano near San Pedro de Atacama, ideal for experienced hikers seeking high-altitude trekking.

Highlights

  • Trekking in the Andes
  • High altitude hiking
  • Summit Mount Toco, one of the best peaks near San Pedro de Atacama

Description

Mount Toco is located just 6 km from the Chile-Bolivia border and offers impressive views visible from both the base and the summit. Though less visited than nearby Licancabur and Lascar volcanoes, it provides similarly remarkable mountain scenery.

The trek is challenging, rewarding hikers with a sense of accomplishment when reaching the summit at 5,600 meters. From the top, you can see Laguna Blanca and the Salar de Atacama, enhancing the experience with unique high-altitude landscapes.

After enjoying the summit views, the group descends gradually back to the vehicle for the return trip.

Includes

  • Pick up and drop off from the meeting point
  • Professional high mountain equipment
  • Qualified high mountain guide
  • Snack

Excludes

  • Any personal expenses
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Bring layered clothing, sun protection, water, and sturdy hiking boots. Best to visit during clear weather months for optimal visibility and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cerro Toco is an ancient dormant volcano in the Andes near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, known for its high-altitude trekking routes.

The trek begins with a 1.5-hour vehicle transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to an old sulfur mine at 5,000 meters above sea level.

The ascent from the sulfur mine to the summit, at 5,600 meters, typically takes between 2 to 3 hours.

The trek is challenging and takes place at high altitude, so it is better suited for experienced hikers with good physical fitness.

Yes, depending on the season, you may observe Andean wildlife such as vicuñas and various bird species along the trek.

Bring layered clothing for cold weather, sun protection, plenty of water, and sturdy hiking boots for the high-altitude climb.

The best time to hike Cerro Toco is during the dry season from April to October, when weather conditions are more stable.

Yes, altitude sickness can occur due to the high elevation, so acclimatization in San Pedro de Atacama before the trek is recommended.

While not always mandatory, hiring a local guide is strongly recommended for safety and navigation during the high-altitude climb.

Check local tour providers’ websites or visitor centers in San Pedro de Atacama for up-to-date information on booking and schedules.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.4M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide PanamaMy Guide RecifeMy Guide Costa Rica

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again