14-day Mountaineering Expedition to Llullaillaco – Antofagasta, Chile
AEGM certified mountain guide Pako De Miguel leads this expedition to the summit of Llullaillaco, sacred ground of the Incas and the highest archaeological site in the world.
Not specified
Andes
14 Days
Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Fit
Intermediate
Description
At 6739m, the Llullaillaco is the third highest peak in Chile and the seventh highest in the Americas. It’s height is not its claim to fame, however. In fact, the Llullaillaco is not really famous in the mountaineering world at all. So, why would I want to climb it at all, you ask?
Well, many of the lesser known destinations are also the most magical. The Llullaillaco is certainly no exception.
The Llullaillaco is the highest archaeological site in the world.
Long before the Llullaillaco appeared on the map, the Incas reached its summit to make offerings to their Gods. Mummies and other objects, presumably of spiritual significance to the Incas, have been found on top of the mountain in recent years. According to archaeologists, the Llullaillaco was the most sacred mountain to the Incas in this area. And not without good reason.
Reaching the summit of the Llullaillaco is no easy feat. Without protection from nearby mountains, the Llullaillaco is largely exposed to the elements. Storms from the West frequently sweep across its surface.
The Llullaillaco is also far more glaciated than sister peaks, Ojos del Salado and Tres Cruces Sur. Plus, the steady presence of its Northwest Glacier makes reaching the summit significantly more difficult.
To say the least, the Llullaillaco is only for those with a strong will. The sense of accomplishment you will feel once you finally reach the summit, however, is unlike any other. Standing atop the Llullaillaco, it’s not hard to imagine why this place was so special to the Incas. Some even say it’s a spiritual experience.
During this unique, 14-day mountaineering expedition, you too can step foot on this sacred ground just as the Incas did hundreds of years ago. Click “Request to Book” now to get in touch with me and reserve your spot.
Given the physical and mental strength required to summit the Llullaillaco, this expedition is reserved for fit, intermediate level mountaineers. You should have prior experience trekking up 3000m mountains over the course of 2+ days with a 15kg backpack.
We will make our ascent on the Llullaillaco via the North Face, crossing two large snowfields at up to 30 degrees. As we approach the summit, we will also encounter a section of large, unstable boulders.
You can find the complete itinerary for this trip below. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
I also lead a 16-day Expedition to the Parinacota Volcano in the Chilean Altiplano. Click here for more information.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation included
- Transportation start and back
- Transport during the trip
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Price details
Meals in Antofagasta are NOT included in the price.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival to the Antofagasta Airport (ANF)
Transfer to Imilac (3400m)
Day 2: Zorritas Hut
Transfer to the Zorritas Hut (4200m)
Day 3: Portage to 4800m
Portage to 4800m
Overnight at the Zorritas Hut
Day 4: Portage to 5000m
Portage to 5000m
Overnight at Base Camp (4600m)
Day 5: Portage to 5220m
Portage to 5220m
Overnight at Base Camp
Day 6: Portage to Camp 1 (5330m)
Portage to Camp 1 (5330m)
Overnight at the Zorritas Hut
Day 7: Rest Day
Rest day at the Zorritas Hut
Day 8: Transfer to Base Camp
Overnight at Base Camp
Day 9: Camp 1
Ascent to Camp 1
Overnight at Camp 1
Day 10: Camp 2
Ascent to Camp 2 (5550m)
Overnight at Camp 2
Day 11: LLULLAILLACO SUMMIT
Llullaillaco Summit (6739m)
Overnight at Camp 2
Day 12: Extra Day
Extra day
Day 13: Transfer to Antofagasta
Transfer to Antofagasta
Overnight in Antofagasta
Day 14: Depature
Return transfer to Antofagasta Airport (ANF)
Details
Accommodation We will sleep in tents (provided).
Our final night will be spent in basic accommodations in Antofagasta (included). |
Meeting point Antofagasta Airport (ANF) |
About the guide
I try to do things differently, I do not like boxes. I have lived in the corporate world, in a caravan, working as an au pair, a frustrated travel photographer and a Spanish teacher in Denmark. Travel backpacking from Spain to Vietnam for a year and travel the length of Chile on my mountain bike.
Always in love with travel, I have been working for the outdoor industry since 2008 traveling the world in more than 30 countries. I love to guide and share my experience and mountaineering skills with other lovers of remote and isolated destinations, far from crowded mountaineering centers. When I'm not working or in the mountains you can find me playing the Spanish guitar sitting on the porch of my house sharing the sunset with my lovely girlfriend.
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