The Ojos del Salado Volcano stands as the highest peak in Chile, the second tallest in the Americas, and holds the title of the world’s highest active volcano. This makes it one of the most sought-after challenges for mountaineers worldwide. While slightly shorter than Mount Aconcagua, which surpasses it by just 60 meters, Ojos del Salado is still a towering giant. It is situated on the border between Chile and Argentina, within the Atacama region—one of Chile’s most vibrant mining areas. Within the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, you’ll find natural wonders like Negro Francisco Lake and the Maricunga salt flat, home to three species of flamingos.
The nearest city, Copiapó, provides everything adventurers need to begin their ascent of this majestic volcano.
In the final section of the summit, there is a small technical wall that climbers must overcome to reach the Chilean Peak. The guide is always highly prepared with the required technical gear and the expert knowledge needed to ensure a safe and successful ascent.
Despite being the highest volcano in the world, Ojos del Salado is not highly technical compared to other 6,000-meter peaks. However, it does present challenges due to its extreme altitude, rugged terrain, and the final rock climb near the summit, requiring proper acclimatization and basic mountaineering skills.
Weather can get as low as -25°C / -13° F in the area.
We meet you in Copiapó town and embark on a 4WD transportation to Santa Rosa lagoon. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Andes as we ascend towards our camping site where we set up our camp at approximately 3,700 meters to continue the acclimatization process, which is essential for achieving our goal.
We start the day with an early breakfast at the base camp. Prepare for the day’s adventure by checking your trekking gear and ensuring you have everything necessary for the ascent. We depart from our accommodation in the transportation to the trailhead, where the adventure begins. We begin our climb around 8:00 AM. The trail features diverse terrain, including rocky paths and gentle slopes, offering a gradual increase in elevation.We will have pauses for a brief snack and hydration. Take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna as you gain altitude. Your guide will ensure that everyone is well-hydrated and comfortable. We continue our ascent, facing the last stretch of the climb with determination. The views become increasingly spectacular as you approach the summit of 7 Hermanas 4862 m. around midday. Take time to soak in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Celebrate your accomplishment with photos and shared stories.Begin the descent back to the base camp. The return trip may take less time than the ascent, but caution is still necessary on the rocky terrain. We rest and unwind after a successful first ascent.
Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared by our cook. Gather with the group to share experiences from the day, discuss the challenges faced, and prepare for the next adventure.
We will start the day with a short acclimatization trek around Laguna Santa Rosa, exploring the nearby landscapes and observe the local wildlife. Later, we load our gear into the vehicle and head towards Laguna Verde at 4310 masl. The drive will take us to higher altitudes, further aiding our acclimatization.
Set up camp at Laguna Verde, where we can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region
Today, we will embark on a full-day trek around Laguna Verde. This trail offers diverse terrain, from rocky paths to gentle slopes, providing ample opportunities for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. We will have lunch along the way and take breaks to hydrate and enjoy the views.
In the afternoon we return to camp at Laguna Verde for the night.
After an early breakfast, we will set out for our ascent of Cerro San Francisco. Expect a challenging climb that will take approximately 6-8 hours. Our guides will provide safety instructions and ensure that everyone is equipped with the necessary gear. The summit 6020 masl. offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making the effort well worth it, then we return to Laguna Verde for the night.
This day is crucial for recovery and acclimatization. Participants can relax, do light stretching, and enjoy the surroundings. Optional short hikes can be organized to help maintain acclimatization without overexertion. Overnight at camp in Laguna Verde.
This day can be used also as a backup day
After breakfast, we begin our journey to Atacama Base Camp. Upon reaching 5,000 m, we set up our tents and enjoy a hot lunch. The afternoon will be ideal for acclimatization with hikes around the camp, allowing us to adapt to the altitude and prepare for the next stage of our adventure.
In the morning, we will continue our ascent towards High Camp César Tejos. This hike will take about 4-5 hours. The route is challenging, and we will take our time to ensure everyone acclimatizes properly. Once at High Camp, we will have a well-deserved rest and prepare for the summit attempt the following day. Camping at High Camp César Tejos. (There is the option to go by transport to the High Camp).
We will wake up very early (around 3:00 AM) to begin our summit bid. The climb will take 7-10 hours, depending on conditions. Once we reach the summit of Ojos del Salado 6893 masl, we will take time to celebrate, take photos, and enjoy the breathtaking views. Afterward, we will descend back to Laguna Verde. Overnight at Laguna Verde, where we can relax and reflect on your incredible achievement.
After a final breakfast at the lagoon, we will dismantle our tents, pack up them and start the journey back to Copiapó. This is a time for reflection on the experience and camaraderie built during the expedition.
This marks the end of our incredible expedition to Ojos del Salado!
