Introduction

The villages Machuca and Río Grande can be found in the commune of San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta region of Chile. These two settlements are connected by a ravine which borders the river Río Machuca and then connects to Río Grande.

The route begins in Machuca, a village whose principal source of income is breeding llamas, and ends in Río Grande, a settlement dedicated to the growing of crops and making the most of the waters that flow via the river that borders the village and is its namesake. This trail was originally used by shepherds and livestock herders, mainly of llamas, to feed their animals. It also served as a route between the old settlements in the area to exchange food and products.

Along this traverse you will see many llamas grazing along the banks of the rivers, as well as the remnants of old villages where shepherds stayed en route to another village. One example of such is the abandoned huts of Peñaliri, which is located in the middle of the route.

Appropriate season

This route can be visited all year round, but take care in summer as the “Altiplano Winter” can produce heavy rainfall and an unstable climate in the north of Chile.

Access

As this route is a traverse which ends some 15km from where it starts, you will have to organise transport to reach Machuca and then get picked up in Río Grande at the end of the route as there is no public transport to either of the villages.

You can travel by private transport to buy a touristic package in San Pedro de Atacama. If you choose to buy a package, the operator will show you the services that they offer to tourists (approximate cost per person CLP$50,000; approx. USD$72).

Private Transport to Machuca

From San Pedro de Atacama, approx. 98km to the southeast of Calama, follow route B-245 northwards towards Machuca for 45km via a dirt road in good condition and can be accessed by all vehicles. It takes 1h from San Pedro de Atacama.

Private Transport to Río Grande

From San Pedro de Atacama, approx. 98km to the southeast of Calama, follow route CH-23 heading west towards Calama. After approx. 35km there is turning to the right (north) which connects to route B-207 and leads to the village of Río Grande, which is another 35km from the turning. The entire road to Río Grande is asphalt. It takes 1½h from San Pedro de Atacama.

Permits / Prices

There is no entrance fee or permit necessary to complete this traverse.

Accommodation / Facilities

In Machuca you can buy food such as llama or alpaca meat skewers, as well as sopaipillas and empanadas. In Río Grande there are no services available. 

The huts in Peñaliri are an ideal place to rest and eat as there is a small shelter with tables inside.

Recommendations

• Take water with you as there are no sources of potable water nearby. Do no drink the water from the rivers.
• As this route is at high altitude, it is recommended that you take all necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness such as drinking a lot of water the previous day (at least 2 litres).
• It is best to complete the route as described starting in Machuca as most of the route is downhill in this direction.

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sun glasses
• Sun protection
• Trekking poles
• Snacks

Schedule

1. San Pedro de Atacama – Machuca to Río Grande – San Pedro de Atacama

• 

  Mario Arias - Fork

• 

  Mario Arias - Start of the route

• 

  Mario Arias - Fork

• 

  Bernardita Angermeyer - First river crossing

• 

  Bernardita Angermeyer - Plain

• 

  Mario Arias - River crossing

• 

  Mario Arias - Peñailiri huts

• 

  Mario Arias - Joining the vehicle track

• 

  Mario Arias - Route

• 

  Mario Arias - Wooden bridge

• 

  Mario Arias - Wooden plank bridge

• 

  Mario Arias - Entering Río Grande

• 

  Mario Arias - Church in Río Grande