At the time when the Incas had extended their empire through the north and center of Chile, the Spirit of the Licancabur Volcano, now extinct, made its angry outbursts felt by the indigenous people who lived nearby.

To calm the god, the Indians prepared a load of cut stones and other gifts. With it on their backs, they climbed to the 6,000-meter summit of the volcano. There they built their pircas and deposited their offerings; after making their prayers, they returned lightly, with their fears already appeased.

The descendants of those aborigines still show their reverence to the Spirit of the volcano and to the gigantic pyramids that exist on its summit.

To access the Licancabur Volcano, you begin the ascent between dry ravines and curves until you reach the edge of the cone of the volcano. You will find the most impressive panoramic view of the entire salt flat at dawn, with perfect visibility of the San Pedro oasis.

The volcano is located 60 kilometers east of San Pedro de Atacama. It has a height of 5.916 m.a.s.l., from its summit you can appreciate a considerable radius of the surroundings such as the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, the Salar de Atacama, and the Laguna Verde in Bolivia.

The volcano, during a visit to San Pedro de Atacama, is always present in the landscape due to its proximity. It has an impressive vertical drop of more than 3,600 meters high. It is possible to climb up to the crater, passing ravines and curves; the time is about 12 hours walking.