16-day High altitude mountaineering expedition in the Chilean Andes, from Santiago
Join ANGM alpine guide José to explore the daunting summits of Ojos del Salado (6,893m), Copiapo (6.052m), San Jose (5,856m) and Cerro Siete Hermanas (4,780m) in an exceptional mountaineering expedition in the Andes!
Private and Group
Andes
16 Days
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Fit
Intermediate
Highlights
- Ascend volcanes of Ojos del Salado, Copiapo, San Jose and Cerro Siete Herma.
- Experience desert highlands of Puna de Atacama.
- Witness beautiful salt Lakes, Santa Rosa Lagoon and attractive Flamencos.
Description
Do you want to explore the daunting volcanoes of the Andes? Then, join me on this extraordinary 16-day high altitude mountaineering expedition in Chile, from Santiago!
The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world, spanning over 7 South American countries over 7,500 kms. In Chile, these are responsible for the shape and character of the country, people and environment.
This is no ordinary trip as it tests the climbers and rewards them equally with stunning views of Salt Lakes and dancing Flamencos.
Traversing through Northern, Central and Southern Chile, we’ll ascend mountains ranging from 5.000m to 6.000m. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls and thriving birdlife as we’ll visit the classic commune of ‘San José de Maipo’.
We’ll start from Santiago and set up our base camp at El Plantat (3,130m). Our gradual ascend to our High Camp(above 4000m) will prepare us to climb the high volcano of San José(5 8000m).
And don’t worry about the burnout! We’ll rest for one full day at the cosy hut of Andean German Club in Lo Valdes after attempting the summit.
Our trip to the big mountains also involves flying into desert highlands of ‘Puna de Atacama’. From here, we’ll make our way to the the formidable Ojos del Salado (6.893m), the highest point in Chile and also the highest active volcano in the world!
You’ll be stunned by the impressive sights of the serene Santa Rosa Lagoon in Nevado Tres Cruces National Park. And since this is a sustained trip, we’ll keep ourselves hydrated and keep on evaluating how our bodies are reacting to the high altitude.
We’ll climb the volcanoes of Cerro Siete Hermanas (4.780m) and Copiapo (6.052m) before attempting the highest summit and this will help us acclimatise.
For more information, you can check the itinerary below.
I’ll be happy to guide you on this unbelievable 16-day journey to the high volcanoes of Andes! Send your request now.
And if you are looking for more adventure, check out this Osorno Volcano ascent.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation included
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Price details
Price Includes: Activity insurance (participants will be covered against accidents and death during hiking, trekking and climbing volcanoes),Transportation, Meals mentioned in the itinerary, Wilderness first aid kit, Group equipment(helmet, harness with accessories, crampons, ice axe),2-way messaging Satellite Communicator(with real time online tracking, SOS function), *Minimum group size is 2.
Not Included: Personal gear, Life and Travel Insurance, Porters or Horses, Extra expenses for cities, Meals not specified in the itinerary, Extra nights lodging in cities due to changes in the itinerary, Alcoholic Beverages, Guide tips.
Itinerary
Day 1: Team Meet in Santiago and logistic review.
We will meet in Santiago to get to know each other and go through the logistic of the expedition. Today we can get the last essentials for the trip, like equipment or food.
Accommodation: Hostal.
Day 2: Trek to the base camp
Start with the acclimatization process by entering deep in the Andes. Leaving Santiago in the direction of the small village of San Jose de Maipo, we’ll head to an area of the Baños Morales (El Cabrerio). Trek for about 3 hours to reach the base camp for the volcano, San Jose: El Plantat at 3,130m.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner at camp.
Transport: Private transfer, mules for the gear.
Day 3: Check Acclimatisation
Today’s goal is to identify how our bodies are reacting to an altitude over 3,000m. For this reason we ideally set up our tents at a height between 4,100m to 4,500m. We decide either to sleep the night at these altitudes or descend back to the Plantat hut.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner at camp.
Day 4: Head from Plantat Camp to High camp
We continue acclimatizing. We will continue to hydrate and walk over 4,000m and move from the Plantat camp to our High Camp.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner at camp.
Day 5: Acclamatization, Hike to 5,856m and Return to Plantat base camp
Start early at 5 AM to reach our highpoint at 5,856m! This journey allows us to test ourselves. During the day we’ll need to concentrate and listen to our body to understand how it works at high altitude. After our ascent, we’ll finish our day in Plantat base camp.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner at camp.
Transport: private transfer.
Day 6: Extra day or rest Day in Lo Valdes
Use as an extra day to attempt the summit or as a rest day in the hut of the Andean German club in Lo Valdes.
Accommodation: Mountain refuge.
Meal: Breakfast at camp & dinner at DAV refuge.
Transport: Mules for the gear, private transfer.
Day 7: Flight to Copiapo, drive to Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and halt at Laguna Santa Rosa
Fly to Copiapo (1.5 hours) and after a drive of about 4 hours into the desert, we’ll arrive at “Nevado Tres Cruces” National Park. Settle in our camp (or in the refuge) at “Laguna Santa Rosa” (3.700m).We will be able to appreciate the impressive landscape and use the rest of the day to hike around and watch flamencos.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons or hut.
Food: Breakfast at refuge, Dinner at camp.
Transport: Plane and private 4×4 pickup.
Day 8: Hike to the "Cerro Siete Hermanas"
After breakfast we hike to the “Cerro Siete Hermanas” (4.780m). Walking over his long ridge, we will look to gain height and marvel at the incredible views of the “Puna de Atacama”.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons or hut.
Food: Breakfast, Dinner at camp.
Day 9: Head towards the Copiapo Volcano (6.052m)
Today we’ll head towards the Copiapo Volcano (6.052m), one of the 38 mountains over 6,000m in Chile. Inca ruins were found here. This climb can be done in one or two journeys.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Food: Breakfast, Dinner at camp.
Transport: 4×4 pickup.
Day 10: Drive to Ojos base camp and camp close to the Atacama Refuge (5,200m)
We will drive to the Ojos base camp and set our camp close to the Atacama Refuge (5,200m), rest and hydrate.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Food: Breakfast, Dinner at camp.
Transport: 4×4 pickup.
Day 11: Acclimatize and return back to the Atacama
We will continue with the acclimatization process by hauling water and stocking the Tejos refuge (5,900m – 3h), and then returning back to the Atacama. Later, we’ll rest rest and hydrate in camp.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Food: Breakfast, Dinner at camp.
Day 12: Head from Atacama refuge to Tejos refuge(5900 m)
Today we’ll sleep at 5,900m and for this, we’ll move from the Atacama refuge up to the Tejos refuge, the next place where we’ll set up camp.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Food: Breakfast, Dinner at camp.
Day 13: Summit Attempt
Today will be our first attempt at the summit of the highest mountain in Chile! At the beginning of the climb we will climb towards the volcano’s crater, and then go around it on the southern flank as we rise up to reach 6,893m (6-8 hours of ascent and 3 of descent). The goal for the day will be to return to the Atacama refuge.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Food: Breakfast, Dinner at camp.
Day 14: Flex day!
Relax at the Mountain Tent.
Accommodation: Mountain tents for two persons.
Food: Breakfast, Dinner at camp.
Day 15: Return to Copiapo
We will say good-bye to the highland of Chile and return to Copiapo to prepare the back flight to Santiago.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Food: Breakfast at camp.
Transport: Private 4×4 pickup.
Day 16: Flight to Santiago
Flight to Santiago and end of the services.
Food: Breakfast at hotel.
Transport: Private transfer, plane.
Details
Accommodation Twin occupancy in mountain tents and hotel rooms.
Additional $441 USD for single occupancy(not available on the huts). |
More info The trip involves physical activity of up to +12 hours per day in rocky terrain and is apt for physically fit people without previous climbing experience.Physical condition is subject to guide evaluation. Minimum group size is 2 and maximum is 8. Get in touch with us, if you are a bigger group. |
Meeting point Santiago |
Equipment you will need to bring
Poles
Backpack
Sunglasses
Watter bottle
Other gear: Warm, layered and waterproof clothing for mountaineering,Sturdy Mountaineering Boots, Swim-suit, Towel, Trekking poles, Sleeping bag (rated for at least -20°C), Sleeping pad, Headlamp (plus extra batteries), Sunscreen (for lips and skin), Daypack (20L), Mountaineering Backpack (70L), Expedition Duffel Bag
About the guide
As a kid I grew up next to the majestic volcanoes and lakes of southern Chile. When I became an alpinist, I started climbing the big mountains of the Maipo Valley and that soon took me to climb in the Alps.
With my wife, dogs and son we live in Austria and in Chile, sharing life in two different places, but in the same way.
Since the year 2009, I'm guiding mostly the volcanoes of southern Chile and, when possible, the big mountains around Santiago and the Atacama desert.
I'm a member of the Chilean Mountain Guide Association (www.angm.cl), with whom we are working to bring the IFMGA standard to Chile, not only to validate our profession, but also to start teaching future mountain guides in Chile.
I work with a team of guides in the Puerto Varas area, so when I'm in Austria, I can arrange for you to climb with one of my colleagues.
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