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.
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.
- 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
Departures and Pricing
Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
| Start/End | Departing from | Quantity | Pricing | Notes | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Feb - 8 Mar 2025 | Copiapó Chile | Available | $7,990 USD $ | ||
| Book Now | |||||
Looking for a specific date? Book a private expedition
PREPARE
Fitness
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.
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.
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.
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