Climbing Ojos del Salado, Chilean Altiplano

An unforgettable 15-day trip with the objective of climbing Ojos del Salado at the Chilean Altiplano, with Rodrigo, certified guide, and a great human group

Andes

15 Days

Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec

Description

When we talk about Ojos del Salado, we are talking about the highest volcano in the world and the second highest peak in the Southern and Western Hemisphere (at 6893 m). The immensity of Ojos del Salado is only comparable with Tibet. As if that were not enough, it is only surpassed in height by the Aconcagua (Mendoza, Argentina).

To fully enjoy this experience we must first acclimatise. For this, we will spend a whole day at the Atacama Desert and visit the hot springs at Laguna Verde, at 4500 m. This is a lagoon with a striking turquoise color, as a product of the salinity of the water. Snow-capped peaks interspersed with red desert slopes surround it, giving us an unforgettable sight.

Then a 4-wheel vehicle will takes us up 5180 m high to start the special climb to Ojos del Salado. And the most exciting thing will be reaching to the highest mountain hut of the world: Refugio Tejos.

Before reaching the top of Ojos, we will see an extinct crater and climb a 5480 m volcano.

Although it is not a technical climb, participants must have a good physical training and previous mountaineering experience. It is a challenge we must overcome at least once in our life. Believe me, you will not regret it. Does it sound interesting? Then please contact me and let's do it together.

In fact, the Andes are my specialty! If you want, we can also climb the Tupungato volcano or the famous north tower of Paine.

Price includes

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

Itinerary

Day 1: Copiapo

We meet in Chile, more specifically in Copiapo and we review the equipment of each member of the group. Later in our accommodation, you are briefed about the climbing. At night, we eat a delicious Chilean food accompanied by the best wine.

Day 2: Small Valley

Our acclimatization process begins in the lands of the Small Valley where we will camp and enjoy the welcome meal.

Day 3: Santa Rosa Lagoon

We get to a beautiful place after hiking during the morning, in which we will contemplate marine fossils dating back thousands of years old. After having lunch we drive to the salares. We camp in Santa Rosa Lagoon just next to the Salar de Maricunga.

Day 4: Siete Hermanas

And here we are in the first climb of the trip: Siete Hermanas peak, at 4928 m of altitude. After 4 hours of hiking and climbing we set up our camping at Santa Rosa Lagoon again.

Day 5: Laguna Verde

After driving up 4325 m we will be shocked by the turquoise water that contrasts with the dry desert. That’s why it is called Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon). We will spend a couple of days in a place surrounded by peaks up to 6090 m of altitude. While we acclimatize, we will be enjoying all the things this adventure has to offer us.

Day 6: Mulas Muertas

We move up to 5773 m early in the morning until we reach a peak known as Mulas Muertas. From that altitude we can admire Ojos del Salado and a lot of magnificent peaks. All that experience will prepare us to our final challenge: get to the summit.

Day 7: Laguna Verde

For this part of the trip you cannot forget your camera. Hiking and surrounding the Laguna Verde and other valleys such as the Pena Blanca we may find archaeological sites and some guanacos herds.

Day 8: Atacama camp

We will enjoy a fun rally in our 4×4 driving up to Atacama Camp. We will organize a base camp there and have a great time together.

Day 9: Refugio Tejos

After an acclimatization hike we will arrive to Refugio Tejos. Although it is a little refuge you will be in front of the hut located in the highest place of the entire world!

Day 10: Refugio Tejos

Depending on its availability we can use the services of Refugio Tejos. We will also spend the night there.

Day 11: and Day 12 and 13 - Summit

We did it! We may spend several days before our summit day because of bad weather conditions or just in case we need some days of resting.

Day 14: Pan de Azucar National Park

Starting the way down to Pan de Azucar National Park. The Pacific Ocean is the perfect place to enjoy wine and fresh seafood after days of hard work at the mountain.

Day 15: Pan de Azucar Island and return to Copiapo

We will visit Pan de Azucar Island after a big breakfast on the seaside. In the island we can admire all the marine wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins. After a delicious lunch we will go back to Copiapo to have a great time at the Celebration Dinner.

At the end of this fantastic experience you may go back to your country or keep traveling around the beautiful South America.

Details

More info

All meals are included, except for the food in Copiapo. A medical kit is included.

Meeting point

In Copiapo, Chile.

FAQs

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

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Hostel El Medano Fiambalá Argentina

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Hotel Termas de Fiambalá Fiambalá Argentina

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About the guide

-Rodrigo

5.0

(8)

Mountain Guide

An Internationally Certified UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain Guide, Rodrigo has been a guide for 30 years. He has led 24 expeditions to Denali and 28 expeditions to Aconcagua — the highest peaks in North and South America, respectively. He has been a member of expeditions to Shisha Pangma and Cho Oyu in the Himalaya, and his climbs in Patagonia include the North and Central Towers of Paine, Agujas Guillaumet and Poincenot, as well as Cerro Torre attempts. He’s made Patagonian Ice Cap explorations including the first east-west traverse of the northern Ice Cap. He holds first ascents in Antarctica, the Andes and Alaska; speed ascents of Denali, Aconcagua, and Juncal. He’s guided the Ellsworth Mountains and Mt. Vinson in Antarctica and has extensive climbing and guiding experience in Yosemite and the Alps, including Frendo Spur and the Grand Jorasses. He’s a former Technical Committee member for the American Mountain Guides Association and a Senior Guide at Exum Mountain Guides in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Rodrigo speaks fluent English, French and Spanish.

Certificates

ANGM | UIAGM

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What people are saying about -Rodrigo

Tanguy

Wonderful memories!!!

Great guides, great equipment, amazed about how good food was. All round a very experienced and top end operator who know what they are doing and will maximise your chances of getting to the summit. Reaching top Aconcagua was one of greatest highlights of my life thank you Aventuras Patagonicas.

From the start Aventuras Patagonicas was welcoming, which set the trip up on the right foot. The guides, Wes, Lucia and Sebastian were all excellent and worked very hard to get the group of climbers safely up and down the mountain. The food was excellent and well organized. The gear provided on the mountain (tents) were also of good quality. I would climb again with Patagonicas.

I did a 20 day climb of Aconcagua with this company. The guides were excellent and made the trip as enjoyable as possible. We had hot meals every evening and morning. Aconcagua is a hard mountain and it takes a great deal of effort to reach the top. The guides at Patagonicas are committed to each client's safety on the mountain. I would recommend them over any other company on the mountain.