Ojos del Salado 6898m + Aconcagua 6962m, 1st and 2nd highest
Join Eduardo, a certified mountain guide, and enjoy this unforgettable mountaineering expedition to the summit of Ojos del Salado and Aconcagua, South America's highest peaks.
Andes
17 Days
Jan, Feb, Dec
High
Intermediate
Description
Two Giants, One Expedition If you’ve already climbed a 6,000-meter peak and are looking for your next big adventure, this expedition is built for you.
Why not tackle the world’s highest volcano and South America’s highest mountain — in one seamless trip? We’ll begin with a carefully planned ascent of Ojos del Salado (6,898m), giving you ideal acclimatization in a remote yet spectacular region. After reaching the summit, we travel to Mendoza and rest for a couple of days before heading straight to Aconcagua (6,962m) — the roof of the Americas.
Neither peak is technical. Aconcagua is a long walk on rough terrain, and Ojos del Salado involves a non-exposed scramble near the summit. But both demand respect: these are extreme altitudes where serious altitude illness can occur. That’s why our approach includes expert medical oversight, smart logistics, and acclimatization strategies that work. We use the “climb high, sleep low” method and remain flexible based on team health and weather conditions.
You just need to arrive well-trained, motivated, and with some high-altitude experience. We’ll handle the rest — with the support of Maximo Kausch, world record-holder for the most 6,000m+ summits in the Andes, and a team of seasoned high-altitude professionals.
Why Ojos First?
There’s a solid reason we’re starting this expedition with Ojos del Salado before heading to Aconcagua — and it goes far beyond route preference.
Due to extreme inflation in Argentina, the costs of climbing Aconcagua have surged by up to 150% in many services. In contrast, the Chilean side of the Andes — where Ojos del Salado lies — has remained far more stable and cost-effective. For that reason, we’ve shifted our acclimatization phase from Aconcagua to Ojos, giving you a more affordable and comfortable experience from the very start.
Over the last 3 years, Andes Specialists has built permanent logistics on the Chilean side of Ojos del Salado. We now have:
- Three of our own 4×4 trucks on standby full-time in the region - Permanent staff on-site year-round - A private basecamp with 2,000 liters of treated drinking water - Professional chefs preparing real meals — not freeze-dried rations - Dining domes, storage, private toilets, and generator/solar-powered electricity - Starlink internet for fast and stable connection - Access to an advanced mountain weather forecasting system
We’ve been refining our acclimatization strategy in this region since 2013, with over 21 expeditions to Ojos and deep operational knowledge of 19 other nearby peaks. This makes our approach not only more efficient but also safer and more flexible than any alternative in the Andes.
And there’s more: if you’re flying from Europe or North America, you no longer need to book a hard-to-find and expensive flight to Mendoza. You can simply land in Santiago, Chile — a major international hub — and we’ll pick you up and take you directly to the mountains. Mendoza isn’t even on the route anymore unless it’s for Aconcagua itself.
Why Climb with Us?
Decades of Experience: We’ve run more than 30 successful expeditions to Aconcagua and dozens to Ojos del Salado since 2012 — we know what works.
Unmatched Logistics: We operate our own logistics base in Mendoza and a full private basecamp in the Atacama with satellite internet, toilets, chefs, and reliable weather forecasting.
Real Talk, Real Experts: We only work with professionals who’ve summited these peaks. We’ll tell you honestly if this is the right expedition for your level and experience.
Proven Acclimatization Strategy: We follow “climb high, sleep low,” monitor oxygen saturation daily, and build margin days into the program. It works — and we stay as long as it takes.
Gourmet Chefs at Altitude: We hire professional chefs to prepare real food — not just freeze-dried meals — in the middle of the Atacama Desert and on Aconcagua.
Medical Expertise Comes First: Our guides are trained in high-altitude medicine and are supported by Maximo, who teaches it. We carry oxygen and a full medical kit and conduct daily health checks.
Top Guide-to-Client Ratio: We provide 1 guide for every 2 to 2.5 clients during summit attempts, ensuring you receive personalized attention and safety support.
Flexible Itineraries: More than 60% of our climbs adjust the schedule for weather and team needs — we stay on the mountain until you’ve had a real summit opportunity.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transportation start and back
Price details
- INCLUDED:
- Leadership by English-speaking expedition leader
- Certified assistant guides (1 for every 2 climbers)
- Daily medical check-ups at Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas (Aconcagua)
- Daily check-ups in all camps by WFR-certified guides (both peaks)
- Assistance with gear rental in Copiapó and Mendoza
- Airport transfers in Copiapó and Mendoza
- Transport to/from Horcones (Aconcagua)
- 2 hotel nights in Copiapó and Mendoza (shared room)
- 4WD transport from Copiapó to mountains and back
- Group equipment: tents, stoves, kitchen gear, cookware, gas (both peaks)
- Dining tents at Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, Nido de Cóndores (Aconcagua)
- 15 kg personal luggage carried to Plaza de Mulas by mule (Aconcagua)
- Camping at Laguna Verde and Tejos (Ojos del Salado)
- Private basecamp infrastructure: dining, toilet, storage tents (both peaks)
- Medical oxygen and full medical kit (both peaks)
- Pre-expedition gear orientation and checklist
- Large medical kit and use of oxygen & Gamow bag if needed (both peaks)
- Treated drinking water at all camps (both peaks)
- Starlink internet and solar/generator electricity (Ojos basecamp)
- Camping at all Aconcagua camps: Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, Canada, Nido, Colera
- Stoves and gas for all camps (both peaks)
- Climbing permit for Ojos del Salado (DIFROL)
- All meals provided outside Copiapó and Mendoza
- NOT INCLUDED:
- Aconcagua Climbing Permit (USD 850)
- Flight from Copiapo to Mendoza (USD 200 approx.)
- International flights to/from Santiago
- Hotels in Mendoza (if needed)
- Meals in Mendoza and Copiapó (~USD 350 average)
- Personal mountaineering equipment (rentable)
- Rescue insurance (mandatory – e.g., Global Rescue)
- Optional porter service (Aconcagua only)
- Additional hotel nights if returning early
- Single tent/hotel upgrades (optional)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Expenses for abandoning the expedition
- Medical expenses and medication
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Copiapó – 800m
We’ll greet you at the airport, approximately 50 km from Copiapó. On the same day, we’ll review your personal gear, make final adjustments, and shop for anything necessary. Tonight, enjoy our first group dinner and meet your teammates! Included: Transport, hotel.
Day 2: Copiapó → Laguna Santa Rosa Hut – 3,700m
After a scenic 210 km drive, we’ll settle into a cozy mountain hut next to the stunning salty Laguna Santa Rosa. Included: Breakfast, transport, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Acclimatization on Siete Hermanas – 4,780m
Today we tackle Siete Hermanas! Depending on the group’s fitness level, we aim for the summit or go as high as comfortably possible to support acclimatization. Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Laguna Santa Rosa → Laguna Verde – 4,300m
After a generous breakfast, we’ll drive 120 km to our private basecamp at Laguna Verde. Our comfortable camp includes Starlink internet, a generator, dining tent, kitchen, toilets, and showers. Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Climb to Mulas Muertas – 5,200m
Another important acclimatization day climbing Mulas Muertas, situated close to camp. We’ll keep it relaxed, ascending comfortably without straining our bodies. Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Rest Day at Laguna Verde – 4,300m
Rest, recharge, and enjoy the beautiful views at Laguna Verde. Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7: Acclimatization to Tejos – 5,900m
We’ll drive up to approximately 5,900m, followed by a short hike reaching up to 6,000–6,100m. This crucial acclimatization ensures we’re ready for Nevado San Francisco and Ojos del Salado. Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 8: Rest Day at Laguna Verde – 4,300m
Another day to rest and prepare mentally and physically for the climbs ahead. Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 9: Nevado San Francisco Summit – 6,023m
After an early breakfast, we’ll gear up and drive 30 minutes to start our climb at 5,000m. This challenging yet rewarding climb via the north ridge takes around 5–7 hours. A successful summit boosts confidence and acclimatization for Ojos del Salado! Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, transport, dinner.
Day 10: Rest Day at Laguna Verde – 4,400m
Rest and recover from yesterday’s climb, enjoying tranquility at Laguna Verde. Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 11: Summit Ojos del Salado – 6,898m
Our ultimate goal! Starting around midnight, we embark on a 3-hour drive followed by a 7–9 hour ascent. We’ll traverse switchbacks, navigate a large traverse at 6,500m, reach the main crater, and conquer the final steep and technical section. Celebrate reaching the top of the highest volcano on Earth! Included: Opportunity of a lifetime!
Day 12: Return to Copiapó
Drive back to Copiapó and rest after our epic adventure. Included: Transport, hotel.
Day 13: Extra Margin Day
Buffer day for unforeseen circumstances or extra recovery. Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 14: Copiapó → Santiago → Mendoza – 750m
After breakfast, we’ll drive you to Copiapó Airport for your flight to Santiago and connection to Mendoza. Upon arrival in Mendoza, we’ll transfer you to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Included: Morning transport, hotel in Mendoza Not included: Flights from Copiapó to Santiago and Santiago to Mendoza.
Day 15: Mendoza → Horcones → Confluencia Camp – 3,720m
We’ll leave Mendoza early in a private vehicle for a 3.5-hour journey to Horcones. There, we’ll complete park registration and begin a 3-hour trek to Confluencia Camp. Included: Breakfast, transport, welcome snack, dinner, tent accommodation.
Day 16: Confluencia → Plaza de Mulas – 4,400m
We hike 27 km through the Horcones Valley to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. Expect 6–8 hours of walking. Included: Breakfast, trail lunch, welcome meal, dinner, tent accommodation.
Day 17: Rest Day at Plaza de Mulas – 4,400m
After crossing two countries and trekking nearly 45 km, it’s time to rest and recharge at basecamp. Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent accommodation.
Day 18: Plaza de Mulas → Nido de Cóndores – 5,550m
We’ll ascend to Camp 2, Nido de Cóndores, at 5,550m. The hike takes 7–8 hours. Thanks to earlier acclimatization, we’ll move steadily. Included: Trail snack, dinner, tent accommodation Not included: Porter service.
Day 19: Nido de Cóndores → Cólera Camp – 6,000m
We’ll move up to Camp 3, Cólera, located at 6,000m. This high camp puts us in position for the summit push. Included: Trail snack, dinner, tent accommodation Not included: Porter service.
Day 20: Aconcagua Summit Day – 6,962m
Summit day! We’ll leave camp early for a 13–15 hour round-trip climb to the roof of the Americas. A monumental achievement! Included: Light breakfast, dinner, tent accommodation.
Day 21: Cólera → Plaza de Mulas – 4,400m
Descent day back to basecamp. Expect around 6 hours of trekking. Time to rest and celebrate. Included: Breakfast, welcome meal, dinner, tent accommodation.
Day 22: Plaza de Mulas → Confluencia → Horcones → Mendoza
We descend to Horcones with a break at Confluencia, then return to Mendoza by van, stopping for dinner in Uspallata. Included: Breakfast, mule transport for your gear, snack at Confluencia, dinner in Uspallata, private transport, hotel in Mendoza.
Day 23: Buffer Day in Mendoza
Spare day in case of bad weather. If unused, it’s a great opportunity to relax in Mendoza. Included: Breakfast, hotel.
Day 24: Departure from Mendoza
Time to say goodbye. We’ll provide transport to the airport after breakfast. Included: Breakfast, transport.
Details
More info
You can easily rent or purchase all necessary mountaineering equipment in Mendoza: - Cap or visor - Neck gaiter or tubular bandana - Warm beanie - Mountain sunglasses - Headlamp - Climbing helmet - Balaclava (optional) - Fleece jacket - Base layer shirt - Waterproof jacket - 2–3 long-sleeve Dryfit shirts - Light down jacket - Heavy down jacket with hood - 2–3 trekking pants - Base layer pants - Waterproof pants - Polartec or fleece pants - 3–4 underwear - Shorts for hot springs - Trekking boots - Double boots - 3–4 trekking socks - 1 thick sock - Crampons - Gaiters - Chemical warmers - Crocs or sandals - Polartec or fleece gloves - Down mittens - 1–2 hand warmers - Trekking pole - Mountaineering ice axe - Climbing harness - 1-meter sling or 2-meter 6mm cordelette - 1 locking carabiner - 55–65L backpack - 100–120L duffel bag - 1–2 sleeping pads - Sleeping bag (-5ºC comfort) - 2 bottles or Camelbak - Personal hygiene kit - Regular medications - 1L thermos bottle - Towel
Requirements to Join This Expedition:
- International travel insurance (recommended) - Helicopter altitude rescue coverage (Global Rescue or similar) - Experience on at least one 6,000-meter peak or close - Strong cardiovascular fitness - Read and understand all expedition info
More information:
Aconcagua permits: http://www.aconcagua.mendoza.gov.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=135&Itemid=497
Check out the weather in Aconcagua: http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Aconcagua/forecasts/6962
About the guide
-Andes Specialists
4.8
(6)
Mountain Guide
Andes Specialists is a guiding company founded in 2012 with a clear mission: to transform a passion for high-altitude mountaineering into a professional, adaptable, and reliable service. Created by Maximo Kausch, the company was born from his dream of turning a lifelong connection with the mountains into a project focused on deep knowledge, real guiding experience, and personalized service.
We operate exclusively in the Andes, not only in the most iconic mountains, but also in remote and rarely visited regions where few — if any — guides work. Our clients recognize us for our flexibility and ability to adapt to their goals, just like the mountains that inspire us.
All of our expeditions are led by certified guides, and we place special emphasis on a guide’s professional experience in the field — not just their personal climbing résumé. We believe that strong logistics, leadership, and group care are what truly define a world-class mountain guide.
Maximo Kausch, the founder, personally leads most of our expeditions. When he’s not available, clients are guided by handpicked members of his trusted team. Maximo has led over 10 expeditions to 8,000-meter peaks, several to 7,000-meter peaks, and more than 90 to 6,000-meter mountains. He has climbed over 250 extreme altitude peaks, reached the summit of K2, and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most 6,000-meter peaks climbed — with 89 summits officially recognized.
At Andes Specialists, guiding isn’t just about reaching the summit — it’s about going beyond the obvious, with safety, expertise, and genuine connection.
Languages
Portuguese | English
What people are saying about -Andes Specialists
Cal
The best food I've ever eaten, and it was in the remote desert. Incredibly skilled and helpful guides. Fantastic service and company, communication. Everything was 5 stars.
Renato
While we took coffee on the hood of the car, he took inside the hotel, he took more time than gave to us, leaving me and my wife waiting him to finish his meal
Delphine
Aleksander
The expedition was very professionally organised with a good guide to client ratio (between 2:1 and 3:1), great food (cook Charlie was absolutely amazing, the food was better than in restaurants although we were in a remote location in a desert at 4,300+ meters above sea level), the guides all spoke English very well (big plus!) and the communication from the guides before and during the trip was very clear and helpful (e.g. asking questions what equipment to bring etc). Would recommend to others for sure
Jerry
You People there at Explore have really put a great trip together. I don,t know how you could improve on this. Thanks forgiving me the chance to experience Chile!
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