Chiliques
Mountain Stratovolcano in northern Chile with high volcanic summit
Chiliques volcano in the Antofagasta highlands attracts hikers for high-altitude climbs, crater views and desert vistas near other salt lakes and Andean plateaus.
Chiliques is a steep volcanic cone on the Andean altiplano in Chile’s Antofagasta Region. It is one of the many high, largely solitary volcanic edifices that rise above the surrounding salt flats and plateaus of the southern Atacama/altiplano zone.
The volcano is primarily of interest to high-altitude trekkers and mountaineers because of its conical shape and elevated location. Routes typically start from high-elevation desert roads and require acclimatization and dry-weather planning.
Chiliques formed through volcanic activity associated with the Andean volcanic belt; it sits among other stratovolcanoes and volcanic features of the region. The surrounding landscape is arid, with sparse vegetation and numerous saline basins on the plateau.
The cone lies in the Antofagasta administrative region of northern Chile on the Altiplano, well inland from the Pacific coast and at high elevation within the central Andes.
How to Get to Chiliques #
The mountain is typically accessed from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) or small towns on the Altiplano. Travel requires a high-clearance vehicle and often a guided expedition; basic permits and high-altitude experience are recommended.
Tips for Visiting Chiliques #
- High-altitude acclimatization is essential-base at San Pedro de Atacama or nearby towns for a day or two before attempting higher passes.
- 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle recommended; guide services are common from San Pedro de Atacama.
- Aim for late afternoon light on the cone for photography; the contrast between the dark scoria and the clear Andean sky is dramatic.
Best Time to Visit Chiliques #
Best attempted during the dry season (Apr-Nov) with proper acclimatization and guides.
Weather & Climate near Chiliques #
Chiliques's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from -14°C to 10°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -10°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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June
June is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -13°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -14°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -13°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -10°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 8°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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