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ALTITUDE: Beginning in either Chile or Argentina, the first days of the travesía will take you to 8,200 feet above sea level. Excursions around San Pedro and at Cachi during the first 3 days can take you to altitudes more than 13,120 feet above sea level, optimum for acclimatizing for the altiplano. During the travesía, the highest point is at Abra de Acay, at 16,072 feet above sea level.

CLIMATE: Because they are located at similar altitudes, the climate in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile is similar to that of Cachi in Argentina.
     In San Pedro de Atacama, more than 90% of the days are sunny, with temperatures registering between 8º C (46º F) to 23º C (73º F) in winter, and 12º C (54º F) to 25º C (77º F) in summer.
     Between January and March, the “altiplano winter” partially reaches San Pedro, with occasional showers. This weather phenomenon is felt more on the Argentine side, occasionally damaging roads and closing the pass. For this reason we only offer this travesía between April and December.
     The climate in Cachi is semi-desert, characterized by abundant sun and scarce rain. During the summer average temperatures are 25ºC (77ºF), with a high of 35ºC (95ºF) and low of 5ºC (41ºF). During winter, night temperatures can descend to –5ºC (23ºF), sometimes lower in some areas.