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CAUTION!
WITH THE VOLCANO
Lascar
strength force
(23º.32´ S - 67º.44´
W)
Beside the Atacama Salt Flat, 65 kms. south east from San Pedro
de Atacama is located the terrible Lascar of 5450 meter over
the sea level. Is maybe the most active volcano of our country.
Twenty eruptions in the last 150 years are the valid proof of
the great pyrotechnics of the blue monster. The last time that
give clear sign of anger was close to 11:00 hours of July the
20th of the 2000, when generated a great explosion originating
an erupted column of white colour that rise 5000 mts. over the
crater and was seen in all the localties of the Atacama Salt
Flat. The eruption was precede of a small earthquake that was
felt in almost all the region. Nowaday the continuos smoking
give a characteristic seal to the landscape of San Pedro and
the surroundings at the same time represent a constantly danger
menace for Talabre village that is summonied at the slope. However
is a life voice rumour that the people of Talabre that lives
from tending of flocks and agricultural, refused to abandon
their village during the explosion, because of an unbelievable
trust that nothing are going to happen to them, that establish
a loyal reflex of their millenium relationship and following
apprenticeship with that mountain considerated by some villagers
as a holy place.
Lascar wisdom
Getting to Lascar is not easy because the way to follow
belongs to the old and abandon international Huatiquina Pass,
that is in very bad conditions. However the trip is worth it,
because of the splendours landscapes, the visit to the exotic
village of Talabre and the beautiful Lejia Lagoon after two
hours and a half driving by this spots. From San Pedro de Atacama
you get till the base of the smoke and fire grandiose mountain.
The walking by extremes places give life lessons to the ones
that do not want to hear... says the ancients. To do an ascention
to Lascar do not constitute an exception to this universal wisdom
rule. The volcano has a docile and kind look for the visitor
from the base camp at 4800 mts altitude, place where the vehicles
arrived.
The peak looks near and reachable, but you can not forget that
is over the 5400 mts. altitude and that the volcano is alive,
so it behaviour is dynamic.
In consequence you must be carefull and know how to watch the
density of the constantly smoke and the direction of the wind
for to take the right route. The emanating from the crater has
high concentrations of sulphur, which take away oxygen to the
boold producing general wickness and seasickness. An overjoyed
climb can turn into a nightmare if you do not know how to watch
the mountain, that is why we recommend to do the ascention by
free gas route, although if it looks more difficult. By the
way, do not forget that you are doing high mountain trekking.
We suggest you the following: to walk slowly, try to sinchronize
your breath with every step, every certain time high ventilate,
your body in need of oxygen will appreciate it. If you feel
tired... rest. If you feel bad... relax. It is normal that this
happen, you will feel relief soon. The majority of the mountains
of the region, including Lascar, do not present technical difficults,
only required good physical conditions, so it was not made for
all kind of people.
The extreme places give life lessons to the ones that do not
want to hear, says the ancients, so to a good understanding
few words. If in your plans is to climb Lascar volcano in your
next trip to San Pedro de Atacama, go with a good guide for
to enjoy your ascention, the descention and for to be delighted
with beautiful panoramics that offer us one of the most active
volcano of our country.
by Jean Pierre Cara |
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