16-day Ojos del Salado (6,890m) expedition from Catamarca in northern Argentina

The guide will be waiting for you at the Catamarca Airport, to accompany you to your Hotel. This day your mountain equipment will be checked and we will accompany you to rent whatever is necessary for the expedition. You will stay at  one of the best Hotels in Catamarca. (Meals not included)

The group will travel by private transfer to the city of Fiambalá. This day will be dedicated to rest after the long trip and to talk about the expedition. Hotel accommodation. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner).

After breakfast the group will travel by truck the 131 Km that separate Fiambalá from  Quemaditos Refuge, at the Cazadores River gorge. Here the first camp will be installed. (B-L-D).

After the first night on the mountain, we will leave early in the morning to the Aguas Calientes camp, the last place with water. We will take water from a spring from the Cazadores River (B-L-D). Walking time: 7 hours

This day starts very early. After breakfast, the trek will begin towards the next camp called Aguas de Vicuñas. Once we arrive at the place we will install the camp. (B-L-D). Walking time: 7 hours.

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In the morning the last day of approach to the mountain will begin. We will reach the Arenales Base Camp. The camp will be installed and you can explore the surroundings of this wonderful place. (B-L-D). Walking time: 7 hours.

This day we will rest at the Arenales Base Camp. You can contemplate the beauty of this region. (B-L-D)

This day will be used to acclimatize to the altitude and recognize neighboring mountains such as Tres Cruces (6,700 m), Cerro del Nacimiento (6,493 m), Incahuasi Volcano (6,698 m ), among others. (B-L-D)

This day we will make a last equipment check and rest to build up forces for the next days of expedition, which require more effort. (B-L-D)

We will start the ascent to the High Camp, located at 5,800 m, very early. Once in place, and after a break we will start settin up the camp. You will enjoy wonderful views and a unique landscape. (B-L-D). Walking time: 7 hours

We will take some rest today, preparing ourselves for the summit attempt the next day. (B-L-D).

We will have breakfast very early in the morning in order to avoid the wind and start the first summit attempt. The climb to the summit takes about 8 hours, depending on the physical conditions of the expeditionaries and especially on the weather factors. On this day it is necessary to have equipment to withstand temperatures from -25ºC to -30ºC and winds over 80 Km / hr, including front lamp for night running, crampons to cross a snowfield with 35º inclination of 100 m long at 6,550 masl, poles and / or marching piolet. In addition, each participant must have a personal thermos to bring water on the day of the summit, this must have a capacity of not less than one liter.

This ascent is carried out by a very well marked footprint and through sandy terrain with slopes that vary from 15º to 40º of inclination. After 6 hours of walking, we reach the crater of the volcano. From there we walk towards the summit on large rocks where we must face the final climb: 30 m to 6,860 meters above sea level 5.6 on the American scale. Our company supplies ropes for the nevero crossing and final climbing. The summit can accommodate approximately 6 people.

After being at the summit for 15 minutes, we begin the return to High Camp. It will take us around 4 hours. (B- L- D). Walking time: 12 hours approx.

After breakfast, we will dissamble our camp and enjoy the last images of this amazing landscape, continuing the descent to the Base Camp. The loads will be prepared to be transported by mules the next day. ( B-L-D)

The base camp will be disarmed and after having breakfast we will start the descent,  trekking to the next camp: Aguas Calientes. Our thoughts will be immersed on the days we lived in this great mountain, experiences and experiences that you will never forget. (B-L- D)

As usual, the day starts early, putting off our camp and starting the trek in the direction of the last camp, on the Quemaditos Refuge. Once we arrive, we will be able to toast for the success of this great expedition to the King of the Desert. (B-L-D). Descent time: 5 to 6 hours.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the city of Fiambalá, where you will be staying at the Hotel. We will enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant, offered by the company. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Transfer to the city of Catamarca, staying at a Hotel (B)