FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Will I find a meteorite on the Chile expedition?
A: We cannot guarantee you will find a meteorite on any of our expeditions. That being said, every single one of our previous Chile expedition participants has found a meteorite on their hunt.
Q: Is airfare included?
A: Airfare is not included.
Q: Where will we be staying and sleeping overnight? How much will it cost?
A: Lodging is included in our package fees. A high-end campsite with tents, running water, and lavatories will be available for use during the expeditions. We will return every night near sunset
Q: Are meals included?
A: Participants are responsible for their own food and packing their own lunch during the day. Before the expedition formally begins, we will make a trip to a supermarket so each participant can purchase their own food for the entire trip. Continental breakfast may be available at the hotel.
Q: Do I need to bring my own metal detector?
A: You do not need to bring your own metal detector, though using your own equipment can enrich the experience. If you decide to bring one, we highly recommend the MINELAB Go-Find metal detectors as they are extremely lightweight, compact, notably powerful in Chilean desert conditions and extremely affordable.
Q: Are we free to hunt by ourselves away from the team?
A: Absolutely! Along with being an effective tactic when hunting in a group, we encourage all participants to explore the environment, scout the desert and make their own finds, as long as they return back to base for scheduled events.
Q: What is the weather like during the expedition?
A: The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar place on the face of the Earth. Some weather stations in the Atacama Desert have never actually received rain before. However, it is not expected to be very hot and can expect highs around 72°F (~22°C) and lows around 59°F (15°C).
Q: Is it safe?
A: The desert itself is relatively safe, as it is devoid of most animals and not near borders or known areas of conflict. The terrain is fairly easy to traverse.
Q: How should I physically prepare for my meteorite hunt?
A: Participants should be prepared for long walks and we recommend that you condition yourself physically prior to the expedition so you can comfortably walk a few miles. Try going for long walks or hikes in the months leading up to your expedition.
If you are unable to walk comfortably for a few miles, we strongly recommend renting your own vehicle for transportation. Our expeditions are open to everyone, veteran or beginner.