Ojos del Salado Volcano (6893 mts)

The world's highest volcano.

Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano in the world.

Nevado Ojos del Salado is a stratovolcano located on the border between Chile and Argentina. At 6893 meters it is the highest volcano in the world and the second peak in the southern and western hemispheres, only surpassed by Aconcagua.
This gigantic volcanic complex is located east of Copiapó (Atacama) and west of Fiambalá (Catamarca). Its main block culminates in 3 peaks. The highest summit ends in two rocky towers of equal altitude, these two maximum levels of the Main Peak are called: West tower and East tower, known as the Chilean summit and the Argentine summit.
In this expedition we will ascend the Chilean route.
This Volcano is located in the great Atacama Desert, in an extremely arid and desert area of the Andes, surrounded by many volcanoes and hills over 6,000 meters high, which makes this place undoubtedly earn the name of the “Route of the six thousand”.

Personalized attention and all the services

This personalized proposal considers all services so you only have to worry about acclimatizing and achieving your goals.

Addressed to:

People with mountaineering experience over 6000m.
People in excellent physical condition.
Those who understand the mountain environment, are willing to participate and adapt, and wish to share the experience in a group.
Involves walking on scree, snow, or ice. The use of crampons and descents via mountain scree are possible.
You can choose to book this experience for yourself if you do not wish to participate in a group.

If you have an ascent plan (+6000mts) before this expedition, you can opt for a limited 8-day version:
Expedition to Ojos del Salado Volcano (6893 masl) - 8 days.

Details Details

Next dates: December 06 to 18 | February 07 to 19, 2027 | Other dates to be agreed from December to April (minimun 2 people).
Meeting place: Fiambalá, Catamarca (10hs)
Ending place: Fiambalá (18hs).
Difficulty: Moderate / High.
Requirements:Medical certificate with exercise stress test | Physical preparation and willpower | Mountaineering experience over 6000mts.
Min Group / Ratio: 2 people / 1 Guide| 4 PAX.
Gear List: is provided at the time of booking.
* Please consider arriving at Fiambalá the day before the expedition begins to allow time for the mountaineering registration.
Plan your travel for the day after the expedition ends, as there may be delays en route to Fiamablá.

Meeting in Fiambalá, Catamarca. Transfer via National Route 60 toward Chaschuil and then to Cortaderas, a mountain lodge. The rest of the afternoon is free for resting and aiding the altitude acclimatization process. Optional trek to Pico Cortaderas (3,650 m).
Services: Shared rooms (with the group), beds with linens, and private bathroom.

After breakfast (7:00 AM), we will transfer to San Francisco Pass (4,000 meters). We will set up camp at the site that will serve as our base for the coming days. This day is dedicated to acclimatizing to the altitude. Depending on the day's conditions, we will enjoy the afternoon at the hot spring river and take a short hike in the area.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or a hut (subject to availability) | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner.

After breakfast, we will prepare for the day's trek to the summit of Cerro Falso Morocho (4,484 m). From the base, we will ascend the gentle slope to the peak, where we will enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco and Incahuasi volcanoes.
Activity: 6 hrs | Ascent: 500 m | Distance: 9 km.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or hut (subject to availability) | Breakfast | Lunch (box lunch) | Dinner.

We will start the day early; following the 4x4 approach transfer (to 4,650m), we will begin the ascent to the summit of Bertrán Volcano. This will take 5 to 6 hours, depending on the group's pace. From the summit, we will enjoy spectacular views of the San Francisco (6,016m) and Incahuasi (6,640m) volcanoes, as well as the beautiful San Francisco Lagoon.
Depending on weather conditions, we will have between 30 minutes and an hour to take in the view before heading back to the vehicle and Las Grutas.
Activity: 8 hrs | Ascent: 750m | Distance: 9 km.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or a shelter (subject to availability) | Breakfast | Lunch (box lunch) | Dinner.

Rest day. Free afternoon to recharge and pack your backpack for the following day.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or a mountain hut, depending on availability | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner.

We will start the day very early; after a light breakfast, we will transfer to the base of San Francisco Volcano (4,700m) at 4:30 AM. At 5:30 AM, we will begin the slow ascent to the summit. Once there, and depending on weather conditions, we will take some time to rest before heading back to the vehicle and our base camp at Las Grutas; the approximate return time is 6:00 PM. The group's condition will be monitored constantly, given the length of the day. All decisions will be based on the participants' health, prioritizing their well-being.
Activity: 12 hrs | Ascent: 1,200m | Distance: 12 km.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or hut (subject to availability) | Breakfast | Lunch (packed lunch) | Dinner.

Return to Fiambalá. Evening free to rest and recover.

Services: Cabin shared with the group, breakfast, lunch, dinner.

After brakfast, we will depart for the Chilean border crossing (Maricunga). We will complete the necessary formalities and return to Laguna Verde.
Laguna Verde is located a few kilometers from the border with Argentina. Its turquoise waters and surrounding landscape are incredible. This place serves as a spot for acclimatization and rest. Around the lagoon, we can find hot springs.
Free afternoon to enjoy the area.

Services: High mountain tents, breakfast, packed lunch, afternoon snack, dinner.

Transfer to CB Atacama. Trek to Refugio Tejos (5820m), return to Laguna Verde. This day we will take advantage of the ascent to aid the process of acclimatization to the altitude.

Services: High mountain tents, breakfast, packed lunch, afternoon snack, dinner.

4x4 transfer to Tejos Hut, from where we will begin our summit attempt (12 to 16 hours of activity). The group's condition will be assessed continuously due to the long day. All decisions will be made based on this assessment.
Return to Laguna Verde.
Services: High mountain tents, breakfast, packed lunch, afternoon snack, dinner.

Transfer to Chilean customs for departure formalities. Transfer to Fiambalá. End of services
Services: High mountain tents, breakfast, packed lunch, Inn in Fiambalá.

An extra day that can be used in case of adverse weather conditions. If not needed, the expedition ends on day 11.

Accommodation:

Fiambalá: Shared cabin with the group, night before the expedition begins, day 7 and the final day.
Cortaderas Hotel: Beds with linens, shared rooms with the group with private bathrooms.
High Mountain Tents or Contingency Huts - subject to availability.

Meals:

Fiambalá: Arrival and departure nights: Menu included in the price.
Hosteria / On the mountain: Breakfast, Box Lunch, afternoon snack, Dinner. From lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day.

The box lunch includes sandwiches, pastries, fruit, and an isotonic drink.
The informal lunch consists of empanadas or snacks. Special options are considered due to health restrictions.

Mineral water for the activity days.
Group kitchen gear, heaters, fuel, cooking utensils, table, and chairs.

Safety:

Professional Guide EPGAMT, WFR, licensed in Catamarca / Assistant as applicable.
Insurance: Personal Accident - Civil Liability.
Satellite Communication
First Aid Kit, VHF Communication.
Use of medical oxygen in case of emergencies.

Logistics:

Entrance registration for the mountain area at Paso San Francisco.
Round trip transfer in a private 4x4 vehicle from Fiambalá.
Off-road transfer to the mountain. Altitude subject to terrain conditions and accessibility.

Personalized:

Specialized personalized pre-trip assistance.
Advice on gear rental or purchase.
Small groups.

Breakfast of 'Day 1'
Personal clothing / personal gear.
Dinner at the inn (only the breakfast is included).
Meals during the hike / Meals outside the mountain itinerary.
Meals in Fiambalá on rest days, as well as the day before and the day after the activity concludes.
Drinks.
Round trip from Catamarca to Fiambalá (325km).
Access fee to 'Balcón del Pissis' road (if applicable).
Access fee to the Fiambalá Hot Springs (if applicable).
Other extras not specified in the program.
Expenses incurred due to abandoning the activity.
Rescue and evacuation expenses.