Climbing Ojos del Salado: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You
Soar to the stratovolcano summit perched on the Southern Cone border
The giant stratovolcano of Ojos del Salado rises along the South American border between Argentina and Chile. It comprises the east of Chilean Copiapó and the west of Argentinian Fiambalá. At 6,893 meters, Ojos del Salado is the highest active volcano in the world, and second highest peak in the Southern and Western Hemispheres. Its ascent is technically gentle except for the final meters, which require ropes and harnesses. There are two routes to reach Ojos del Salado: the San Francisco International Pass from the Argentinian side, and the more accessible and shorter route from the Chilean side. Visit during the milder months between October and March for ideal climbing conditions.
Top mountain climbing trips | Ojos del Salado
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FAQs: Mountain Climbing in Ojos del Salado
What should I know about Mountain Climbing Ojos del Salado?
The stratovolcano of Ojos del Salado hangs extremely high on the South American border between Argentina and Chile. At 6,893 meters above sea level, it is the highest active volcano on Earth, as well as being the second highest mountain in both the Western and Southern Hemisphere. The Andean giant of Aconcagua (6,961m), the highest mountain, stands just 370 miles away. The translation of the stratovolcano is The Eyes of the Salty One, due to its large deposits of salt in lagoons and glaciers.
Why should I choose Ojos del Salado for my Mountain Climbing adventure?
Giant volcanic neighbourhood
Standing in the southern section of the Central Volcanic Zone in the Andes, the high rising Ojos del Salado even towers above a neighbouring collection of 6,000-meter peaks. At 6,893 meters, the stratovolcano is the world’s highest active volcano, as well as being the second highest mountain in both the Western and Southern Hemisphere, peaked only slightly by Aconcagua (6,961 meters).
Rich, unique environment
The landscape surrounding the Ojos del Salado stratovolcano is located in a unique desert environment. It’s punctuated with green lagoons, volcanoes that at times can be covered in snow even in the summer, and vast desert that rolls beyond the eye can see. This picture-perfect region is also home to flocks of flamingos, coots, ducks and foxes that populate the lands and wander among the high altitude territory.
Rewarding climbs
The naturally challenging terrain that forms a high and rocky border between the states of Chile and Argentina also forms spectacular beauty that requires a lot of effort to capture some of the most unforgettable rewards of mountain climbing. Mountain climbing here demands at least more than 10 days to conquer some of the best heights, while other routes take around 1 month to accomplish the incredible feat.
What can I expect from the weather during my Mountain Climbing trip in Ojos del Salado?
The region of the Ojos del Salado receive a dry climate during the summer months, which is due to its location in the Atacama dessert and the Andes.
Which language is predominantly spoken in the Ojos del Salado region?
Spanish.
What currency is accepted around Ojos del Salado?
Argentinian peso (ARS) and Chilean peso (CLP).
What's the country code for the Ojos del Salado region?
+54 in Argentina and +56 in Chile.
When is the best time to travel to Ojos del Salado for Mountain Climbing?
Visit during the milder months between October and March for ideal climbing conditions.
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