Ojos del Salado ( 6.893m / 22.614ft )

Climbing the highest volcano on Earth, the Ojos del Salado in the Atacama Desert, requires time and resources. Our approach to reach the goal, enhance your chances to reach the summit and ensure a safely descent back to the Base Camp includes all the necessary time and acclimatization hikes and climbs. In other words, our expedition program provides everything that is needed for you to cope with the demanding conditions of a mountain ascent above 6000 meters in the Andes High Plateaus of Chile.

The ascent to the summit of the Ojos del Salado

Technically speaking, the ascent to the summit of the Ojos del Salado is a long walk at high altitude, with no major knowledge of climbing techniques required. Nevertheless, the last step before reaching the summit includes an easy rock climbing, where ropes, harness and helmet will be necessary. What is really needed is a good physical shape in order to cope with the thin air containing less oxygen and the right equipment that protect you from the cold.

on the way to the top of the Ojos del Salado — On the way to the top of the Ojos del Salado

Acclimatisation is key to climb the Ojos del Salado

The acclimatization process includes a gradually ascent towards the highland, spending the night progressively at 3.362m/11.030ft (Camp Pedernales), 4.350m/14.271ft ( Camp Laguna Verde) and 5.255m/17.240ft (Camp Atacama) before reaching the high camp Tejos (5.825m/19.110ft) and attempting the summit.

group training near Laguna Verde with the team of Chile Montaña — Group training near Laguna Verde with the team of Chile Montaña

The acclimatisation process for the Ojos del Salado

In short, the acclimatization process for the Ojos del Salado starts with a first camp in the Pedernales Salt flat at 3362 meters altitude. Then we climb the Cerro Doña Ines, reaching the mark of 5.095 meters above sea level. Next, we camp at a lower altitude, in Laguna Verde, located at 4350 meters above sea level and stay there for one day. Climbing the San Francisco volcano brings us slightly above the 6000 meters threshold, from his summit the Ojos del Salado seems to be just a few steps away. Again, we go back to Laguna Verde, where we rest for a day. Then, we move to the foothill of the Ojos del Salado, where, moving up our equipment, we conclude our physical preparation for the summit.

Vn. San Francisco ascent ( 6.018m / 19.744ft )

The process includes as well the climb of two lower summits: Cerro Doña Ines (5.095m/16.715ft) and Vn. San Francisco (6.018m/19.744ft). The purpose of this first part of the expedition is to provide your body the time to produce the necessary red blood cells that carry oxygen to your brain and to your muscles. They must be present in your blood in a higher concentration than normal in order to capture the scarce oxygen at these altitudes.

On top of the volcano San Francisco.jpg — On top of the San Francisco volcano ( 6.018m / 19.744ft )

The rigth equipment for the Ojos del Salado

From your side, the equipment needed to climb the Ojos del Salado includes the regular things every mountaineer has, like a day backpack (30 to 40 lt ), a sleeping bag for low temperatures down to -25 °C, the appropriate clothing and boots, among other.

We provide the UIAGM guides and all the staff, 4WD vehicles, high quality tents and full base camp infrastructure, food & drink and the cooking plus all our experience gained for over 20 years climbing the Ojos del Salado.

4WD Vehicles and Staff on the way to Laguna Verde — 4WD Vehicles and Staff crossing the Atacama Desert near Copiapo.

Ojos del Salado Expeditions with Chile Montaña:

A successful ascent to the Ojos del Salado we are proud of

One example of the process described above is the only women expedition to the Ojos del Salado in March 2019. This was an initiative of spouses of members of the British Royal Army. Since most of them had no previous mountaineering experience, their goal was to demonstrate that with a strong team spirit and determination almost every goal can be achieved. To learn more about the Forces Wifes Challenge Initiave and her leader Heather Sharp, please follow these links: