Volcán Ojos del Salado

Argentine Route

Guided expedition for mountaineers seeking to challenge high altitude with safety and expertise.

What is it about?

The Argentine Route expedition to Ojos del Salado follows a progressive acclimatization itinerary across 4,000 to 6,000 m peaks, with 4×4 transfers through the remote high-altitude plateau. It includes stays in mountain refuges and tents, planned ascents of intermediate volcanoes, and the summit of Ojos del Salado (6,853 m). The program is designed to optimize acclimatization, safety, and logistics in a remote, high-altitude environment.

About the Volcano

Ojos del Salado, 6,893 m, the highest active volcano in the world and the second highest summit in the Americas, rises on the Argentina-Chile border over the arid Atacama Desert.

Its summit and unique craters, including the world’s highest lake, make it an essential challenge for experienced mountaineers.

With accessible yet demanding routes, ascending it requires preparation, acclimatization, and a professional guide, offering the chance to experience a safe expedition in one of the most extreme landscapes of the Andes.

Required Equipment

•Trekking pants or comfortable walking pants.

Thermal leggings or synthetic pants (base layer).
Waterproof pants.
Warm socks and thin inner socks (base layer).
Waterproof high-altitude mountaineering boots.
Trekking shoes or boots.
Crocs or sandals for rest.
Long-sleeve base layer shirt.
Fleece or windstopper jacket.
Insulating jacket.
Waterproof jacket with hood.
Thin base layer gloves and insulated waterproof gloves; mittens.
Sun cap, warm hat, and multipurpose scarf (Buff-type).
Wraparound sunglasses (category 4) or goggles.
Trekking poles.
Durable 70 L or larger backpack.
Headlamp and spare batteries.
Sleeping bag rated -30 °C (comfort -15 °C) with neoprene pad.
Three 1 L bottles or containers (minimum 3 L total).
Thermos 0.5–0.75 L.
Personal mate set.
Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm.
Personal hygiene kit: soap, toothbrush, small towel, toilet paper, wet wipes.
Trash bags (minimum 10) for waste removal.
Crampons and ice axe.
Personal kitchen set: bowl, cup, spoon, knife, fork, napkin (preferably unbreakable plastic).
Optional personal snacks: cereals, protein bars, dried fruits, gels, candy, cold cuts, powdered drinks.
Solar or battery chargers for phone and headlamp.
Small personal first aid kit.
Personal medication if needed.

Logistics and Summary Schedule

Day 1: Meet in Fiambalá, briefing with guides, gear check, and transfer to high-altitude refuge (3,000–3,300 m).
Day 2: Transfer to Refugio La Gruta (4,100 m), easy walk around Laguna San Francisco or relax in natural hot springs.
Day 3: Acclimatization ascent to Cerro Falso Morocho (4,500 m).
Day 4: Ascent of Volcán Bertrand (5,300 m), with views of surrounding six-thousanders.
Day 5: Rest and acclimatization at La Gruta.
Day 6: 4×4 transfer to Walter Penck Base Camp (4,700 m).
Day 7: Acclimatization day at Base Camp.
Day 8: Ascent with load carrying to Camp 1 (5,300 m).
Day 9: Ascent with load carrying to Camp 2 (5,700 m).
Day 10: Summit day of Volcán Walter Penck (6,658 m) and return to Camp 2.
Day 12: Descent to Base Camp and transfer back to Fiambalá. End of expedition.
Day 13: Extra day for weather or acclimatization.
Day 14: Extra day for weather or acclimatization.

Gear Needed

Logistics and Brief Itinerary

What’s Included

Round-trip transfers from Fiambalá in 4×4 vehicles.
Accommodation in hotels and/or high-altitude tents according to the program.
Professional guide with mountain and high-altitude experience.
Full board during the expedition (breakfast, box lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner).
Shared equipment: tents, stoves, fuel, and cooking pots.
Safety equipment: VHF radios, satellite phone, GPS, first aid kit, and emergency oxygen tank.

Not Included

Meals outside the mountain itinerary and in the city.
Personal clothing and equipment.
Costs resulting from abandoning the expedition.
Rescue or evacuation expenses.
Tips.
Accommodation before or after the expedition.

What’s Not Included

What’s included

Required Equipment

Trekking pants or comfortable walking pants.
Thermal leggings or synthetic pants (base layer).
Waterproof pants.
Warm socks and thin inner socks (base layer).
Waterproof high-mountain boots.
Hiking shoes or boots.
Crocs or sandals for resting.
Long-sleeve base layer shirt.
Fleece or windproof jacket.
Insulating jacket.
Waterproof jacket with hood.
Thin base-layer gloves and insulated waterproof gloves; mittens.
Sun hat, warm hat, and multipurpose scarf/Buff.
Wraparound sunglasses (Category 4) or goggles.
Trekking poles.
70L or larger hiking backpack.
Headlamp and spare batteries.
Sleeping bag rated -30°C (comfort -15°C) with neoprene mat.
At least three 1-liter bottles or containers (total 3L minimum).
Thermos 0.5–0.75 L.
Personal mate set.
Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm.
Personal hygiene kit: soap, toothbrush, small towel, toilet paper, wet wipes.
Trash bags (minimum 10) for carrying out waste.
Crampons and ice axe.
Personal kitchen gear: bowl, cup, spoon, knife, fork, napkin (preferably unbreakable plastic).
Optional personal snacks: cereals, protein bars, dried fruits, gels, candies, cold cuts, powdered drinks.
Solar or battery chargers for phone and headlamp.
Small personal first-aid kit.
Personal medication if needed.

Gallery

Check out some images of what our expeditions are like.

Contact me

We help you plan your expedition. Contact us and get ready for your next mountain adventure.