Expedition to Ojos del Salado Volcano

The ascent to Ojos del Salado volcano, in Atacama, Chile, is an unforgettable experience! Join Gastón, certified mountain guide, in this 9-day adventure.

Group

9 Days

Jan, Feb, Dec

High

Advanced

Highlights

Get to the top of the second highest peak in America.
Live an unforgettable experience in the Andes.
Contemplate amazing views from the top.

Description

The objective of the expedition is to reach the summit of the volcano Ojos del Salado (6893 m), located at the Atacama highlands, third region. This mountain is the second highest in America, after Mount Aconcagua. It’s the highest peak in Chile.

Below you can check out a standard itinerary, which I can adapt depending on your needs and weather conditions.

I recommend this trip for experienced mountaineers who can organize themselves independently and who don’t expect too much of an infrastructure.

I can assure that we will have an unforgettable experience, contact me to start planning!

Looking for an Aconcagua program? Check out this expedition that I lead to the highest summit in America!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees

Itinerary

Day 1: From Copiapó to Quebrada Paipote (3000 m). Acclimatization.

Day 2: From Laguna Santa Rosa to camp or refuge. 3700 m.

Day 3: From Mount Maricunga to Laguna Santa Rosa. 4900 m.

Day 4: From Laguna Santa Rosa to Laguna Verde, camp or refuge Murray. 4500 m.

Day 5: From camp to Mount Mulas Muertas, back to camp. 5200 m.

Day 6: From camp to refuge Atacama (4x4 vehicle). 5200 m.

Day 7: From refuge Atacama to refuge Tejos. 5850 m.

Day 8: Summit attempt to Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) from Refuge Tejos.

Day 9: From refuge Atacama or Laguna Verde to Copiapó. End of the expedition.

Details

More info

I recommend a backpack 40-60 L.

Recommended equipment: high mountain boots, trekking boots, 3 wool sock pairs, thermic underwear, thick (or polar) pants, windbreaker pants, thick polar, wool sweater, windbreaker jacket, wool gloves, sun hat, balaclava, mountain glasses (or goggles), sleeping bag, insulation mat, water canteen (1 L), headlamp, crampons, ski poles, heavy bag for personal equipment (mules), small bag for personal grooming, sun lips and skin protection.

Meeting point

FAQs

Can I join a group?

Yes, there's usually one scheduled group date per season. You can check it here: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/expedition-ojos-del-salado-volcano/#join-a-group

When and where will we meet?

We will meet in Copiapo on Day 1 of the expedition. I recommend you to arrive to Copiapó the day before starting the expedition.

Is this expedition to Ojos del Salado from the Chilean or Argentine side?

This expedition is from the CHILEAN side of Ojos del Salado. Meeting point is Copiapó city.

How is the acclimatization process during the expedition?

This 9 days itinerary contemplates a gradual acclimatization process, hiking some lower peaks during the previous days before the summit attempt to Ojos del Salado. However, if you have limited experience on high altitude, I recommend you to spend a few days before doing some altitude hikes on your own, before the start of the expedition.

What is the previous experience and fitness level required to go to Ojos del Salado?

The Ojos del Salado expedition is not technical, except for a short scrambling section towards the end of the ascent. So although it's not mandatory to have previous mountaineering experience, it helps if you've been on high altitude before.. The biggest challenge is altitude, so it's important to do good acclimatization, have a good fitness level, and do solid aerobic preparation for the trip.

What equipment do I need to bring?

Recommended equipment: Backpack 40-60 L, high mountain boots, trekking boots, 3 wool sock pairs, thermic underwear, thick (or polar) pants, windbreaker pants, thick polar, wool sweater, windbreaker jacket, wool gloves, sun hat, balaclava, mountain glasses (or goggles), sleeping bag, insulation mat, water canteen (1 L), headlamp, crampons, ski poles, heavy bag for personal equipment (mules), small bag for personal grooming, sun lips and skin protection.

Can I rent equipment?

Yes, there are rental shops in Copiapo. In case you need to rent there, please make sure you arrive one or two days in advance.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Hotel de la Quebrada Fiambalá Argentina

See rooms

Hostel El Medano Fiambalá Argentina

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Hotel Termas de Fiambalá Fiambalá Argentina

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About the guide

Gastón

4.3

(10)

Alpine Guide

Come and let me show you amazing views in the Andes mountain range. Get in touch with me, I can offer you unique experiences!

I'm an instructor, Mountain Guide and professional photographer. I have more than 35 years of professional experience in expeditions such as the Himalayas, the Alps, the Antarctic and the Andes. I've reached more than 300 summits, such as the Aconcagua South Wall, Gasherbrum ll in Pakistan, Pilar of the Brenva Mont Blanc, Mount Everest, Mount Shisapagma in the Tibet and the Aconcagua, between many others.

I was a founding member of the National Mountain School, member of the expeditions commission of the UIAA (based in Switzerland), member of ANENA (France) and founding member of the Chilean Exploration Association. I've published 6 books related to mountaineering and produced several TV documentary films.

I currently work as an independent mountain guide and I organize expeditions and treks in Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Nepal, Chilean Patagonia and Chilean Andes. I'm also teacher at the San Sebastián University.

Languages

English

Certificates

ACMG

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