Hiking Cerro Toco in the Andes: 5,600-meter summit

Climb to the Andes summit and stand above the volcanoes

Hike Cerro Toco, the most accessible mountain in the Andes, climbing from 5,200 to 5,600 meters above sea level with a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The ascent covers nearly 2 km with 400 meters of elevation gain, ending at a summit overlooking volcanoes and altiplano lagoons. Pickup from your accommodation, breakfast with a view, trekking equipment and helmet are included. The full outing takes 6 to 8 hours. Minimum age is 18, and a high level of physical fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Cerro Toco and enjoy views

• Pick up passengers
• Drive 80 minutes to first stop
• Breakfast with volcano views
• Acclimatize before ascent
• Start hike at 5,200 meters
• Ascend 2 km to summit
• Enjoy views of volcanoes and lagoons
• Return passengers to accommodation

The experience

The hike starts with an 80-minute drive from your accommodation to the trailhead at 5,200 meters, where you'll have breakfast with views of Licancabur and Juriques volcanoes. This meal serves as acclimatization before the climb itself. The ascent then covers nearly 2 km with 400 meters of elevation gain to reach the 5,600-meter summit, where views open across the volcanoes and the altiplano lagoons beyond the Andes ridge.

Your guide leads the hike and handles the route. You bring the fitness and the willingness to climb at altitude. Trekking poles and a helmet are provided, along with a sporty snack for the descent. The full experience (drive, breakfast, hike and return to your accommodation) runs 6 to 8 hours, so plan the rest of your day around that window.

What’s included

• Pickup from your accommodation.
• an 80-minute drive to the trailhead.
• breakfast with a view of Licancabur and Juriques volcanoes.
• trekking poles and helmet.
• a sporty snack during the descent.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sorbac

Is this one for you?The 6- to 8-hour commitment means you'll spend most of the day on this hike and travel, leaving little room for other activities the same afternoon. Book this if you want to dedicate a full morning and early afternoon to altitude climbing. If you prefer a shorter outing or need flexibility for other stops, look for a different Andes experience.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Cerro Toco and why is it called the most accessible mountain in Atacama?

Cerro Toco is a 5,600-meter peak in the Andes accessible to hikers because the trailhead sits at 5,200 meters, meaning the actual climb covers only 2 km with 400 meters of elevation gain rather than a full ascent from lower elevations. The operator describes it as the most accessible mountain in the region for this reason.

How much time should I set aside for this hike, and what happens during the drive?

The full outing takes 6 to 8 hours from pickup to return. The 80-minute drive to the trailhead is part of that time, and you'll have breakfast with a view of the volcanoes during this opening phase to help your body acclimatize before climbing.

What equipment do I need to bring, and what is provided?

Trekking poles, a helmet and a sporty snack are all provided. You need to bring your own fitness and altitude tolerance. The operator requires a high level of physical fitness and does not recommend this hike for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health.