Cerro Toco Review: A Stunning High-Altitude Hike

So, Cerro Toco – this mountain in Chile’s Atacama Desert – is really drawing folks looking for that memorable, yet somewhat doable, high-altitude experience. You know, it’s there in all those photos, those brag-worthy panoramic shots you see online, and the talk is, well, it doesn’t always match the actual experience. Thing is, reaching its summit at a pretty impressive 5,615 meters (18,422 feet) does present challenges, a little something to consider. In this article, I’ll walk you through, based on my own trek and that of others, a number of key aspects you just need to know about before deciding if Cerro Toco is truly the great next adventure for you.

Is Cerro Toco Right for You? Considering Skill Level & Fitness

Now, a big question, to be certain: “Can I actually do this?”. That’s what everybody asks themselves. Truthfully, Cerro Toco is often advertised, a bit, as a relatively accessible high-altitude peak. That’s fairly true, that said, ‘accessible’ needs, really, to be properly qualified. Though the hike itself doesn’t require fancy rock climbing skills or a really tough fitness regime, the altitude’s the big player, basically. Being in a good shape can really make a difference, and if you’re used to hiking already, you are at a benefit, more or less, but past experience at high elevation is absolutely more crucial.

Fitness level: A person that has a normal state of fitness has advantages, after all, the stronger your heart, the better your breathing, and so on. But it’s no guarantee you can fight off altitude sickness or some other side effects. So, just know, a consistent exercise routine for some weeks, maybe some months prior to your trip would definitely improve the situation. This includes things like cardio, such as running or swimming, plus a bit of strength training just to bolster the stamina.

Prior experience: It truly is advisable that people be exposed previously to hike, so too altitude, even at a smaller altitude before they consider this venture. Really, Cerro Toco shouldn’t be one’s very first introduction to climbing peaks that touch above that 5,000-meter mark. Honestly, prior acclimatization, such as hikes to even 4,000 meters, will provide insights concerning just how well your body will respond. That said, remember that altitude impacts everyone quite a bit differently. This leads me directly to my very next item….

Altitude Acclimatization: The Biggest Hurdle

You know, altitude sickness, which is medically named acute mountain sickness, can, in fact, affect anyone. Yup, that includes those supremely fit athletes among us. This condition can really surface whenever you’re climbing, pretty rapidly, to pretty high altitudes – in this instance, right up around that 2,500 meters (8,000 feet). Basically, Cerro Toco just laughs at that altitude! It looms above that, very substantially, which therefore presents major challenges unless someone prepares properly. That said, preparation isn’t just a matter of some quick exercises or a camel pack to stay hydrated, it involves very strategic acclimatization.

Arriving early: To avoid, in general, altitude sickness one should contemplate arriving a handful of days early in spots such as San Pedro de Atacama which is, in some respects, at 2,400 meters. So, that could permit your body, to a small extent, to slowly adapt prior to tackling Toco. Then, use the period for a variety of day trips up even higher – but, of course, descending during that same day. One very good option happens to be the Tatio Geysers (at 4,320 meters).

Listen carefully to Your Body: Honestly, keep watch for symptoms involving lightheadedness, for example, headache, fatigue and that good old nausea. You know, do not dismiss all this, really, this is your body literally calling for aid. If those feelings grow rather severe, basically descending quickly is no option, it’s totally essential. Do keep in mind the golden standard, to be certain: climb higher by day, and do sleep low at nighttime.

The Climb: Route, Difficulty & What to Expect

Okay, let’s explore that route. What’s involved from a standpoint involving ‘what actually happens out there?’ Well, most hikers tend to get up quite early in San Pedro – that is usually at roughly 6:00 a.m. Next, a transfer toward the trail’s beginning located close by the mines, plus a base of that inactive volcano of Volcán Licancabur, in general. Expect about 1 1/2 hour to get from town to where one starts their climb.

The Trail: Initially, it commences with an ascent going on a somewhat moderate incline on, more or less, the gravel and scree. After this section, this path gets much steeper as it snakes, mostly, upwards. Usually, a guide’s expertise will be valuable for remaining on a clearly designated trail while being cautious involving possibly loose stones that could cause slips. Really, the climb is approximately 4 – 6 hours roundtrip depending upon rates plus any necessary breaks which a person might choose to take, depending upon elevation.

Conditions of Weather: Yup, remember to bring with layers on that trip. Actually, in the Atacama Desert, and also at this altitude too, this can rapidly move in a great amount involving stark sunshine changing into frigid breezes almost instantaneously. Then, consider also bringing with stuff, such as hats, very solid UV sun glasses in addition to sun block too, since there’s very tiny protection going higher than in comparison with being on Earth. When conditions have gone right such that snow and ice were to develop throughout that peak, crampons might come to be important pieces involving kit too! A lot of people choose not to travel at certain times involving the season when such possibilities appear probable, nonetheless do your research.

Permits, Guides & Logistics

Okay, some logistics matter. Actually, if that is about going unguided to make that ascent on Cerro Toco by themselves? Basically, this comes to a handful involving elements with safety actually needing addressing. It’s advisable to secure permits, or might it appear there are other factors in how and the reason why the guidelines function currently involving independent climbing involving peaks nearby?

Tour versus Solo: Honestly, hiring a great local company tour may greatly alleviate safety risks along with, likely, making that journey to becoming stress free at all. They could deal easily using transporting you there. That too would likely handle issues relating equipment; also could supply vital assistance, given these people were very familiar in doing what’s involved up on that summit of Cerro Toco. Okay – however imagine for instance you would rather climb solo and instead prefer planning every step. This seems achievable nonetheless does require excellent planning as far because the logistics, gear and orientation goes from someone’s end.

Necessary Gear: When someone climbs any summit independently — or if maybe any provided trips omit selected things — ensure yourself contains hiking footwear involving premium quality too with water proofing if at all probable, some layers against any possibility concerning subzero climate together by incorporating loads concerning sunscreen given intensity originating against Ultra violet rays going greater altitudes!

Making the Most of Your Trip to Cerro Toco

Now, if a person can only think involving ‘summit day’ alone throughout a vacation out through San Pedro by itself… seriously think again. So, the place’s appeal does extend past that sole objective of simply bagging summits!

Other local excursions: Take advantage on your visit in getting that particular spot regarding the Atacama its glory at any opportunity one gets. Now consider viewing the remarkable, very striking landscapes that exist located somewhere on Moon Valley with respect toward otherworldly appeal and wonderment or then once attempt toward observing some absolutely breath taking sunsets, too while on that location round toward the Tatio Geysers when those geysers often become wildly active after very first light — generating stunning photograph potential or else.

Staying Healthy: Don’t only think upon what happens when someone ascends that mountain or peaks around but additionally make note associated what someone could consume concerning San Pedro with restaurants too concerning keeping properly hydrate through that span along with ensuring those include consuming meals enriched consisting loads relating proteins & nutrition which give anybody that energy which someone have require as being someone who can perform within such difficult higher elevations where bodies receive very few air volumes.

Ultimately, as something that an Atacama itself presents too it’s tough situations up top… being appropriately informed not only tends boosting somebody’s chance with topping Cerro Toco alone instead enables them gaining some great deep, quite appreciated gratitude regarding landscape’s splendour also. Consider planning properly — prepare sufficiently then also simply be equipped at potentially shifting course if any issues develop… and you too only is experiencing a great amazing time upon it while at Toco regardless!

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