Volcán Ojos del Salado

What’s it about?

The Chilean Route includes progressive ascents of volcanoes from 4,000 to 6,000 meters, with acclimatization days and preparations before the final summit push. The journey combines 4×4 transfers and stays in refuges or tents, providing easier logistics and relative comfort compared to the Argentine route. It requires high-altitude experience and good physical preparation. This option is ideal for those seeking safety, efficiency, and the chance to enjoy the highland landscapes with a bit more logistical support.

About the Volcano

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

Its summit and unique craters, including the highest-altitude lake in the world, make it a must for experienced mountaineers.

With accessible yet demanding routes, climbing 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.

• Trekking or comfortable pants for hiking

• Thermal leggings or synthetic base layer pants

• 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 jacket or windstopper

• Insulated 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) durable backpack

• Headlamp and spare batteries

• Sleeping bag rated to -30°C (comfort -15°C) and neoprene sleeping pad

• Three bottles or containers of at least 1 liter each (3 liters total)

• Thermos 0.5–0.75 liters

• Personal mate set

• Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm

• Personal hygiene kit: soap, toothbrush, small towel, toilet paper, wet wipes

• Trash bags (minimum 10) to carry out waste

• Crampons and ice axe

• Eating kit: bowl, cup, spoon, knife, fork, napkin (preferably unbreakable plastic)

• Optional personal lunches: 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

Logistics and Summary Schedule

Day 1-2: Meet in Fiambalá, transfer to Hotel Cortaderas (3,300 m). Acclimatization and ascent of Cerro Pastos Amarillos (4,100 m).

Day 3: Ascent of Cerro Negro Muerto (5,036 m) and overnight in refuge or tents.

Day 4-5: Cross into Chile, customs procedures. Settle at Laguna Verde (4,000 m). Rest day and easy trekking.

Day 6: Ascent of San Francisco Volcano (6,040 m).

Day 7: Rest day at Laguna Verde.

Day 8: Ascent of Cerro Vicuñas (6,067 m).

Day 9-10: Transfer to Refugio Murray (4,550 m) and then to Refugio Atacama (5,300 m) for acclimatization.

Day 11: Ascent and setup of Tejos Camp (5,750 m).

Day 12: Summit attempt on Ojos del Salado (6,892 m). Return to Tejos or Atacama depending on conditions.

Day 13: Return to Fiambalá, end of services.

Days 14-15: Reserved as extra days for bad weather.

• Round-trip transfers from Fiambalá in 4×4 vehicles

• Accommodation in hotel and/or high-altitude tents, depending on the program

• Professional mountain guide with high-altitude experience

• Full board during the expedition (breakfast, box lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner)

• Shared equipment: tents, heaters, fuel, cooking pots

• Safety: VHF radios, satellite phone, GPS, first-aid kit, and oxygen tank for emergencies

• Meals outside the mountain itinerary and in town

• Personal clothing and equipment

• Expenses due to expedition withdrawal

• Rescue or evacuation costs

• Tips

• Accommodation before or after the expedition

Gallery

Take a look at some images from our expeditions and see the experience for yourself.

Contact Us

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