HIGHEST
VOLCANO
ON EARTH

Ojos del Salado

Acclimatising prior to the Ojos del Salado ascent on the Volcan Mulas Muertas
View across the Atacama plateau to Ojos del Salado the world's highest volcano.
A snowy Ojos del Salado summit

Situated on the Argentina-Chile border, Nevado Ojos del Salado at 6,893m/22,615ft is the highest active volcano in the world. It is second only to Aconcagua as the highest mountain outside the Himalaya and is one of the Volcanic Seven Summits, comprised of the highest volcanoes on each of the seven continents.

Although Ojos del Salado skirts the edge of the Atacama Desert and is therefore dry and barren, it boasts the world’s highest crater lake on the peak’s eastern side at 6,390m/20,965ft. 

The name Ojos del Salado comes from the enormous deposits of salt which appear in its snowfields in the form of lagoons or 'eyes'. Conditions on the mountain tend to be very dry due to the influence of the nearby Atacama Desert, but despite this, snow can fall at any time and summit day can be quite windy and exposed.

'Ojos' is however an (almost) non-technical peak with highlights including Laguna Santa Rosa, where we delight in watching the Andean Flamingos which nest on the lagoon year round, and the turquoise waters of Laguna Verde with its hot springs which ease tired legs during our rest day there.

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  • Reach the summit of the highest active volcano on the planet!
  • Relax in thermal baths at the foot of the Laguna Verde
  • Visit the indomitable corners of the Atacama Desert
  • Climb one of the Volcanic Seven Summits

Climbing Ability

Climbing Ability

Intermediate

Elevation

Elevation

6,893m/22,615ft

Duration

Duration

15 days

Location

Location

Chile

OJOS ITINERARY
DAY 1

Arrive at Copiapó Airport (CPO), transfer to Bahia Inglesa, explore the town and harbour, and overnight in hotel

DAY 2

Bahia Inglesa to Valle Chico 3,050m/10,000ft

DAY 3

Valle Chico to Laguna Santa Rosa 3,760m/12,350ft

DAY 4

Trek to Siete Hermanos 4,880m/16,010ft, return to Laguna Santa Rosa

DAY 5

Move from Laguna Santa Rosa to Laguna Verde 4,340m/14,240ft

DAY 6

Hike to Cerro Mulas Muertas 5,400m/17,700ft, stay Laguna Verde camp

DAY 7

Ascent of San Francisco volcano 6,080m/19,948ft, stay Laguna Verde camp

DAY 8

From Laguna Verde drive to Atacama Refuge 5,300m/17,400ft

DAY 9

Hike to Tejos Refuge 5,825m/19,100ft and return to Atacama

DAY 10

Rest day

DAY 11

From Atacama Refuge climb to Tejos Refuge camp

DAY 12

Summit day 6,893m/22,615ft

DAY 13

Spare summit day

DAY 14

Tejos Refuge to Bahia Inglesa

DAY 15

Bahia Inglesa to Copiapó Airport, depart for home

Ojos del Salado Map

Departures and Pricing

Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Start/End Pricing Book
22 Feb - 8 Mar 2025 $7,990 USD $ Book Now

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PREPARE

Fitness

The need for exceptional physical fitness cannot be over-emphasised. A regular, strenuous programme must be followed for many months to achieve the level of fitness required. We suggest a programme tailored to mountaineering such as those from the Uphill Athlete.

Technical Experience

Each team member should have knowledge of how to use an ice axe and crampons, as well as basic rope techniques.

Altitude Experience

Ojos de Salado is very high in elevation, you would benefit from previous experience climbing or trekking up to 5,500m, for example Kilimanjaro, Ecuador Volcanoes, Everest Base Camp, Nepal 6,000m Peaks, Elbrus.

Acclimatisation hike prior to climbing Ojos del Salado high above Laguna Verde
Why Adventure Consultants?

Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.

We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.

Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.

Enjoying the stunning sunsets across the Atacama plateau
Inclusions

The price of your trip includes the following:

  • Adventure Consultants mountain guides
  • All expedition organisational requirements
  • Airport transfers if arriving on scheduled arrival date
  • All land transport within Chile ex Copiapó
  • 2 nights Hotel Bahía Inglesa, twin share
  • All trek and expedition food ex Bahía Inglesa
  • Group equipment: ropes, tents, stoves, cookware, etc. and all supplies necessary to make a safe and strong bid for the summit
  • Access to satellite phone for outgoing calls
  • Climbing permits.
Our Guides
Ang Dorjee Sherpa
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Regular Ojos del Salado Guide
Jo Clark
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Expedition Liaison
A climber abseils off the summit of Island Peak

Take your climbing to the next level and head to the Himalaya! Join an AC 6,000m peak expedition to climb Island Peak or the Three Peaks Nepal!

WHAT NEXT?
Entering the barren Atacama landscapes on Ojos del Salado

"Everyone is very professional and fun. You will have great summit chances and overall an enjoyable experience when joining AC."

Suyu Yang, USA
An AC team on the summit of Siete Hermanos (4,880m/16,010ft)

"Mountain expeditions present risk, so I don't skimp on choosing the best guides and the best expedition operator. AC is one of the best, quite simply."

Jackson Griffith, New Zealand
A team on the summit of Ojos del Salado

"AC did a wonderful job. I'd 100% recommend them to anyone looking for an accommodating and professional experience."

Spencer Hall, USA
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