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Trepidation, Fear, Awe and Wonder – Volcano Toco, Chile
You can do this, it will be easy, just take one step at a time and breathe deeply!
So there we were, Ted and Jo, novice hikers, with world class mountain climbers Leigh and John, in the middle of nowhere – ok it was the Chilean Atacama Desert. Hot beyond belief, sunny and arid (it rained 11 months ago for an hour). Hey while we’re staying at this 5 star resort (Tierra Atacama) let’s go climb a volcano. Sure we’re up for a challenge – just wondering if our Will is up to date mutter Ted and Jo to each other.
The start of the climb up Toco Volcano
The most perky friendly Guide we have ever met, Pamela from San Pedro de Atacama, meets us at the van and an hour flies by as she highlights life in rural Chile. While she has yet to live with electricity Pamela was instrumental in creating an academically successful public school in San Pedro to ensure her son becomes an astrophysicist – but Jo digresses. Only once did the van actually stop and buck – the altitude of 16,000 feet was too much for a Chevy van (so Ted and Jo were thinking – what have we gotten ourselves into?)
Looking up - Toco Summit not in view
Toco Volcano’s peak we are told is 18,645 feet. The highest Ted and Jo have ever been is Pikes Peak in Colorado at just over 14,000 feet and we went up in a train!!! OK, so out of the van we get at 16,000 feet and Pamela puts on her mitts and pink down jacket (a steal for 2000 pesos = $2 US dollars), John is in shorts, Jo and Ted are gasping for a air – only 2000 feet to go.
Well the scenery is out of this world. No vegetation; it is simply too harsh for anything to live. Rocks, sulphur cones, mountain ranges 360 degrees around. Licancabur volcano is to our north, a massive beast shared by Chile and Bolivia (secretly Ted and Jo are gleeful that we aren’t attempting that one!).
A colourful group of young climbers
Switchback trails save our lungs. Faking interest in rock formations allows for more deep breaths because we have to stop (no really we are interested!). As we climbed very slowly upward we were blown away with the desolate yet absolutely mind-blowing vistas – salt flats, volcanos, an astro observatory, off-road paths, sand, desert, did we mention sand and desert?
Some of the views part way up
About 2 hours pass and we make it to the summit. Pamela hugs us with so much enthusiasm it makes us giddy (or maybe it was the lack of oxygen?). Coca tea, chocolate bars and a short sit and picture taking and then the descent begins.
Highly altered volcanic rocks that look like snow
The View to Bolivia
John advises us to use our heels as we step down and to take a lot of time going down to prevent altitude sickness. It works. We love this pace and reach the van with no headaches and an amazing sense of accomplishment – not bad for a couple of old fogies from northern Ontario who live 500 feet above sea level.
Heading down from the summit
Volcano Climbing Survival Tips from Ted and Jo:
- acclimatize for 3-4 days at least, before attempting a climb (we did this by doing hikes a few days before at lower altitudes)
- it doesn’t hurt to take Diamox (prescription) 2-3 days before (anti-high altitude sickness med)
- some folks take Advil before and during the climb
- sip lots of water on the ascent and descent
- dress in layers – it was probably 35 Celsius in San Pedro but Jo wore wool socks on her hands while climbing since the wind was wickedly cold, and after all you are exposed. She also wore a gaudy scarf around her head since her hat kept blowing off (ok so that’s another tip – make sure your hat has a chin strap/string on it).
- mentally prepare yourself that it is not a race to the top. Slow and steady wins the race.
- take pictures, especially if you can get contrast in the shot eg a lone hiker on a switchback illustrates the enormity of the mountain
- Stop lots, not just to deep breathe but to take in the earthly wonder of our surroundings.
This blog was kindly written by Jo Beyers – our long time northern Ontario friend who was a very good sport when it came to climbing the volcano.
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3 Responses to Trepidation, Fear, Awe and Wonder – Volcano Toco, Chile
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About
I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
Feel free to email me at
leighmcadamtravels@gmail.com
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Sounds like something I’d like to do–especially after the fact (so many hikes are even more wonderful when they’re over, right?) Also, loved the post of the title: Trepidation, Fear, Awe and Wonder–sounds like a law firm!
NLM recently posted..I’ve Heard of Pink Elephants
My friend came up with the title – and she definitely was fearful before we started but did beautifully. Going that high is scary if you’ve never been at altitude before.