Volcán Pissis

What is this about?

This expedition to Pissis Volcano is a high-altitude adventure designed for those seeking to experience the mountains at their fullest. Over several days, we will traverse the Atacama Puna, crossing salt flats, volcanic landscapes, and imposing summits, all with the planning and guidance of professional mountaineering guides. Each stage is designed to combine challenge, safety, and the opportunity to enjoy the unique panoramas of the Andes.

About the Volcano

Pissis Volcano, 6,793 m, one of the highest and most spectacular summits in the Atacama Puna, rises on the border between Argentina and Chile. Surrounded by salt flats, volcanoes, and seemingly endless desert landscapes, it offers a unique setting for mountaineers seeking a challenging and remote six-thousander. Its ascent, demanding due to altitude and extreme terrain conditions, requires preparation, acclimatization, and endurance. With the guidance of professional mountaineering guides, this journey becomes a safe and unforgettable experience, allowing you to discover one of the most impressive landscapes of the Andes.

• Private transport to and from Fiambalá

• Accommodation in refuges, hotel, or high-altitude tents (depending on the program)

• Professional guide and assistant (ratio 1/3 on Pissis, 1/4 during acclimatization)

• Complete first-aid kit and medical oxygen at base camp (for emergencies)

• Shared group equipment: tents, heaters, cooking pots

• Full board in the mountains (from Day 1 afternoon snack to Day 15 lunch)

• Safety communications: VHF radios, satellite GPS, InReach device

• Meals in Fiambalá

• Personal trekking rations (dried fruit, bars, gels, snacks)

• Personal clothing and gear

• Lunch on Day 1 and dinner on Day 15

• Expenses due to expedition withdrawal, rescue, or evacuation

• Meals outside the mountain itinerary

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1 – Meeting in Fiambalá. Expedition briefing. Transfer to Hotel Cortaderas (3,300 m).
Day 2 – Ascent of Cerro Coquena (4,035 m). 6–7 hours of activity.
Day 3 – Transfer to Refugio Las Lozas (3,700 m) or Las Peladas (3,900 m). Easy trekking at Laguna San Francisco + natural hot springs.
Day 4 – Ascent of Cerro Falso Morocho (4,500 m). 4–5 hours of activity.
Day 5 – Ascent of Volcán Bertrand (5,300 m). 6–7 hours up + 3 hours down. Transfer to Refugio La Gruta.
Day 6 – Rest and acclimatization day at Refugio La Gruta.
Day 7 – Summit of Volcán San Francisco (6,040 m). Transfer and rest in Fiambalá.
Day 8 – Transfer to Base Camp “Mar del Plata” (4,600 m).
Day 9 – Acclimatization at Pissis Base Camp (4,600 m).
Day 10 – Ascent to Camp 1 (5,300 m).
Day 11 – Ascent to Camp 2 (5,800 m).
Day 12 – Summit day of Pissis Volcano (6,795 m).
Day 13 – Descent from C2 to C1 and return to Fiambalá. End of services.
Day 14 – Extra day reserved for bad weather or contingencies.

Personal Gear Required

• Double or triple high-altitude boots + gaiters

• Trekking pants, waterproof pants, and thermal leggings

• Technical clothing in layers: base layer, fleece/windstopper, down jacket, and waterproof jacket

• Inner gloves, waterproof gloves, and down mittens

• Warm hat, sun cap, and buff

• Category 4 sunglasses and goggles

• Backpack 70 L+, sleeping bag -30 °C, quality sleeping pad

• Trekking poles, headlamp + spare batteries

• Crampons, helmet, and ice axe (MANDATORY)

• Personal hygiene kit + trash bags

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm

• Personal dining gear (plate, cup, cutlery)

• Personal energy rations (snacks, bars, dried fruit)

• Personal medication and first-aid kit, updated medical form

• Solar or battery chargers

Image Gallery

Take a look at some images showing what this expedition is like.

Contact me

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