Join EPGAMT certified guide, Luciano for a 17-day expedition on the amazing Copiapo Volcano in the Atacama Region of Chile.
Andes
17 Days
Jan - Apr, Nov, Dec
High
Intermediate
Located in the Atacama Region of Chile, the Copiapo Volcano is an incredible peak. It is full of gorgeous views that only grow more spectacular the further up you go.
Our trip will begin in Buenos Aires, where you will catch a flight to La Rioja. After that, we will go to Fiambala, where we will spend the night. For the next few days, we will trek around the area. Moreover, for the purpose of acclimatization, we will also climb to the summits of the Cerro Pastos Largos (4,100m) and Cortaderas (4,050m). Following those summits, we will venture to Las Grutas before summiting the Cerro Beltran (5,350m). For the next few days, we will go to the Murray Refuge. Near the refuge, we will do more climbing of nearby peaks, including the Picos de Indios (5,885m).
On the 9th day of the trip, after you’re properly acclimatized, we will make our way to the base camp of Copiapo (4,700m). On the following day, we will summit the great peak. Afterwards, we will make our way back to Fiambala and then La Rioja, where you will fly home. There will be additional days included in the itinerary in case of inclement weather. Thus giving you a better chance of reaching the summit of Copiapo.
Definitely one of the most sensational peaks in Chile, Copiapo is a great peak to climb. To enjoy the ascent, all you have to do is send a request.
I also offer a 12-day journey to the summit of the Cerro San Francisco in Catamarca (6,016m).
More info
Participants should bring the following items: equipment Feet
1 pair of comfortable trekking boots 4 pairs of outer socks (thick wool or polypropylene) 3 pairs of indoor socks (fine silk or polypropylene) 2 pairs of cotton socks (for approach to base camp) Sandals to cross the rivers Leggings Legs
2 synthetic thin pants (polypropylene or nylon) 1 polar pants (recommended long zippers) 1 Waterproof pants, such as Gore-Tex, with recommended side closures 1 comfortable trekking pants Shorts (optional) Upper part of the body
2 shirts Thermal Base Layer (polypropylene or capilene) 1 polar jersey (polaretec 100 or 200, or similar) 1 fleece jacket or similar 1 coat jacket for -30 ° C / -22 ° F (below recommended) 1 Windbreaker jacket with hood (as Gore-Tex) 3 Cotton T-shirts or T-shirts 2 Neck protection made of synthetic material (Buff or similar) Head
1 hat or sun hat 1 Cap (wool or fleece) 1 balaclava gaterneck 1 pair of glasses with factor 4 protection (with UV filter and nose and side protection) 1 Ski goggles Hands
2 pairs of thermal indoor gloves (polypropylene or capilene) 1 pair of insulated gloves large fingers type ski that enter the interiors below 1 pair of insulating gloves (wool, down or Polarguard) 1 more pair of gloves (like Gore-Tex, only if your mittens are not made of windproof material) 1 pair of warm coats very warm Person Team 1 Comfortable expedition backpack (70 liters / 4,250 cubic centimeters minimum) 1 backpack of 35 or 45 liters (for the approach to the base camp) 1 large extra strong canvas duffel bag (to be transported by mules to the base camp, at least 6,000 cubic centimeters. Large enough to fit all your equipment) Sleep
1 Sleeping bag for -30 ° C / -22 ° F (below or Polarguard) 1 inflatable mat (Thermarest or similar) 1 Mat (only if you bring a Thermarest, to avoid a burst) Climbing apparatus
1 pair of plastic boots. NOTE: Cimbing or double plastic boots are the best option for high altitude. In Aconcagua there are very cold temperatures (-30 ° C / -22 ° F). Koflach Arctic expedition, Vega Scarpa or Asolo AFS 8000 are good examples of plastic boots. There are excellent alternatives to a plastic boot, in which the outer boot is made of modern synthetic materials. Ask us about these new models such as La Sportiva Nuptse, the 2000 Basque ice or the Salomon Pro thermal. We must be sure that the boots are prepared for very low temperatures. 1 pair of crampons (12 points, not rigid recommended) 1 Pair of trekking poles (adjustable preferred) 1 climbing helmet Others
1 head lamp, with spare batteries and bulb Lip blocker and sunscreen (not less than 50 sun protection factor) Personal crockery (plate, cup, fork and spoon) 2 bottles of water (32 ml / 1 liter Nalgene recommended. Insulator Water bottle is required) 1 One-liter or half-liter stainless steel thermos (useful for high altitude camps and Summit Day) 2 hand warmers (summit day) 2 foot warmers (summit day) 1 Hydration system (such as CamelBak, for trekking approach to the base camp only, because at the height they freeze) OPTIONAL Personal care items (small towel and soap, baby wipes recommended) Optional items
2 hand warmers (summit day) Books, IPod, games or anything that helps distract 1 Camera, memory cards and spare batteries Earplugs (for windy nights) Pee bottle with wide mouth (32 ml / 1 liter Nalgene recommended. Very useful in height fields). Swimsuit (for the hotel pool) Swiss type knife. Your favorite energy bars money storage belt. Contact lenses and replacement accessories.
Meeting point
5.0
(4)
Mountain Guide
EPGAMT Mountain Guide from Mendoza, Argentina.
I always enjoyed the mountains, and started with mountaineering activities since a young age, so it was natural for me to become a mountain guide. I’ve been working for more than 15 seasons in Aconcagua, first as porter, then as Mountain Guide assistant, and now as Mountain Guide.
I climbed a lot of peaks all along the Andes mountain range, in Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru, including Aconcagua (6.962 mt – 27 ascents, through different routes like the North and the Polish glacier-), Co Plata (6.000 mt), Ojos del Salado (6.780 mt), Mount Pissis (6.850 m), C° LLullaillaco (6.723 m), C° Incahuasi (6.450 m), Vn Sajama (6.550 m), Vn Bonete Chico (6 750 m), Co Junción (5000 m), Toclaraju ( 6036m), Pisco (5750m), and the three summits of Tres Cruces 6.780m. I recently did my first expedition in the Himalayas, where I reached the summit of Mt Lhotse (8.516 mt).
I usually enjoy organizing expeditions to wild, off-the-beaten-track destinations, that need a complex logistic that you won’t find easily elsewhere.
I am fluent in Spanish, English and Italian.
Languages
Italian | English
Giuseppe
Francis
both guides..Luciano and Mauricio were first class and so was this fantastic region. I be looking for an encore in the future. Francis Lawrence
Frank
Luciano was excellent. His local knowledge showed as he was able modify the itinerary of the trip as circumstances - such as weather - changed in order to ensure the expedition was a success. He is a deeply experienced mountaineer with sound judgement prepared to provide advice whilst ensuring you have fun. I would highly recommend his services.
Sergio
Personally, was more impressed with the road trip towards the mountain than the mountain itself, but it was definitely worth going. The lunar landscape in this remote area is absolutely awesome. The guide was well prepared, very friendly, and even a surprisingly good cook. The location is as far as you are likely to get from civilisation. The weather was also unusually good. But the mountain is tough and frustrating sliding down every step in the loose gravel and sand. Not everyone's cup of tea
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.