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Discover all the beauty of the Andes! Join this 14-day adventure, starting with Nevado San Francisco, and if you are ready for the challenge we can tackle other 6000m peaks, including Ojos del Salado!
Group
Andes
14 Days
Jan - May, Sep - Dec
Very high
Intermediate
Discover the Freedom of Andes Flex (6,000m+)
Embark on a one-of-a-kind high-altitude adventure with Andes Flex — the first and only expedition where you choose which 6,000-meter peaks to climb, and only pay for the ones you summit. This program is perfect for climbers who are unsure whether they’re ready to tackle major peaks like Ojos del Salado (6,898m). Start with the ascent of Nevado San Francisco (6,017m) — a beautiful and accessible 6,000er ideal for acclimatization. From there, you decide: if you’re feeling strong, you can continue on to Ojos or other high summits. If not, you can opt for a second, more moderate peak — or return home without pressure. It’s freedom, flexibility, and expert support in one of the most spectacular and remote regions of the Central Andes.
Why choose Andes Flex?
Because it’s the most customizable climbing experience in South America. We begin with the ascent of Nevado San Francisco (6,017m), a stunning non-technical peak that prepares your body for bigger objectives. After that, you decide what comes next — whether it’s a moderate 6,000er like Vicuñas or Copiapó, or a full push to Ojos del Salado (6,898m) or the majestic Tres Cruces Massif.
Our flexible pricing model means you only pay for what you climb. This expedition was designed by Maximo Kausch, the world record holder for the most 6,000-meter peaks climbed in the Andes. He has climbed every single 6,000er in Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina — and most of the Peruvian ones too. His deep, firsthand knowledge of the region is the foundation of Andes Flex: a program created to match each climber with the right peak, at the right time, in the right conditions.
Thanks to this unprecedented experience, we know every route, approach, and nuance of each mountain in the area. Whether you aim for the towering Ojos del Salado or prefer something less technical, you’ll be supported by expert guides, all-terrain 4x4 vehicles, and a refined logistics structure that maximizes your summit chances — all while keeping safety, comfort, and flexibility at the core of your journey.
Meeting point
You’ll arrive in Copiapó, Chile, where our team will be waiting at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, you may already check your gear. In the evening, we’ll all meet for a team dinner and a welcome briefing. Accommodation in a comfortable hotel is included.
We’ll leave the city behind and drive about 210 km into the heart of the Andes. After around 4 hours, we’ll arrive at a small mountain refuge next to the stunning salt lagoon of Santa Rosa. This is our first night at altitude, allowing the body to begin acclimatizing gradually.
We’ll do a short acclimatization hike to the Siete Hermanas ridge. The goal is to reach the highest point possible—around 4,300 meters—before returning to the refuge. This helps the body adapt to thinner air while enjoying the beautiful views of the altiplano.
Today we’ll drive about 120 km to reach Laguna Verde, a surreal lake surrounded by volcanoes. The trip takes around 3 hours on high-altitude roads. Our camp will be set near the lake, where we’ll spend the night in tents and enjoy the nearby natural hot springs.
Time to climb Mulas Muertas (5200m), just a few kilometers away from our hut. We’ll take it easy and go as high as we can depending on the team’s overall condition. This hike normally takes 4 hours round trip. Included: Breakfast, snack, dinner, and overnight in tents.
After five active days, we’ll take a full day to rest, rehydrate and recover at our base camp near Laguna Verde. The natural hot springs, open sky, and peace of the desert will help your body regain strength for the coming challenges.
Today we’ll head out in our 4x4 vehicles toward Refugio Tejos, located at 5,800 meters. The goal is to explore the access road and expose the body to higher elevation without much effort. After spending some time up high, we’ll return to Laguna Verde for the night.
Another well-deserved rest day, giving your body time to adapt to the altitude gain from the previous day. You’ll enjoy more time in the thermal waters and have the chance to organize your equipment and mindset for the climbs ahead.
We’ll leave camp early and drive to the base of Nevado San Francisco in our 4x4s. From there, we’ll begin the ascent to its 6,017-meter summit. The roundtrip climb takes about 7 hours and gives us our first true experience above 6,000 meters—an excellent final preparation for Ojos.
Your itinerary continues based on the peaks you’ve selected. Choose from lower or higher 6,000-meter summits depending on your goal, condition, and weather.
After dismantling our camp, we’ll drive back to Copiapó, closing the expedition with a sense of accomplishment and unforgettable memories. Depending on arrival time, we may stay one final night in the city.
A full day is reserved for weather delays or extra acclimatization if needed. It increases your chances of a successful summit while allowing flexibility in case of unforeseen conditions.
We’ll transfer you to the airport in time for your flight back home, full of stories and new altitude records.
More info
Please keep in mind that you will need complete and adequate mountaineering equipment to have a successful expedition to San Francisco. For that purpose, all your personal equipment will be checked by one of our guides in the hotel. There are no rental shops in Copiapo or Santiago. If you need to rent mountaineering equipment, we can rent it for you in Mendoza but we need to know all your sizes in advance.
Climbing Possibilities:
- Ojos del Salado 6898 m (22,616 ft) - Barrancas Blancas 6119 m (20,069 ft) - Peña Blanca 6058 m (19,873 ft) - Tres Cruces Norte 6030 m (19,792 ft) - Vicuñas 6067 m (19,902 ft) - Volcán Solo 6202 m (20,341 ft) - Incahuasi 6638 m (21,782 ft) - Muerto 6516 m (21,376 ft) - Nevado Copiapo 6052 m (19,857 ft) - Tres Cruces Sur 6742 m (22,112 ft) - Volcán Fraile 6061 m (19,881 ft) - And 10 more...
Participants will receive assistance with gear acquisition, including pre-expedition orientation, discount coupons for partner stores, and personal gear checks upon arrival.
Essential Gear:
Rental Options at Copiapo:
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
For the Andes 6000 Flex expedition, you need to have cardiovascular training up to date and prior experience with high-altitude mountains is recommended. This ensures participants are prepared for the physical demands and altitude of the climb. Physical demand is only responsible for 20% of success in these kinds of climbs. Given the demanding nature of the Andes 6000 Flex expedition, which involves high altitudes and physical exertion, it is generally not suitable for children or older individuals without the required fitness levels and prior experience. Although there aren't legal requirements, participants should generally be between 16 and 70 years old to do well.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
Participants should start training several months in advance, focusing on cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and acclimatization hikes. Specific recommendations include regular aerobic exercises like running, cycling, and stair climbing, combined with strength workouts targeting legs, core, and upper body. Altitude training or hikes at high elevations can also be very beneficial.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
Participants need to bring certain technical equipment. However, it is possible to rent equipment in Copiapó. The approximate costs are as follows: Thermal mat: $35, Down jacket: $115, Double boots La Sportiva: $130, Down mittens: $50, Crampons: $50, Climbing helmet: $40, Ice axe: $50, Sleeping bag (-5°C to -10°C): $90.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
There is no need for porters on the Andes 6000 Flex expedition. We use 4WD vehicles to carry heavy equipment up to 5900m.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
Accommodation will be provided in mountain refuges (e.g., Maricunga) and tents at various campsites along the route. Meals will be included throughout the expedition, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided at the camps. All meals outside Copiapó are included. Tents and hotel rooms (also included) are shared between two expedition members.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
A reserve day is included in the itinerary to accommodate potential delays due to bad weather. In cases of severe weather conditions, the itinerary might be adjusted to ensure the safety of all participants.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
Permits: Permits for climbing are included in the expedition package.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended.
Vaccines: It is advisable to check for any health advisories related to travel to Chile beforehand.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
The guide-to-client ratio for the Andes 6000 Flex expedition is approximately 1 guide for every 2.5 clients on summit day and 3 clients per guide in other situations. This ensures personalized attention and support during the climbs.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
The best time to participate in the Andes 6000 Flex expedition is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, particularly between January and March. These months offer more stable weather conditions, making the climbs safer and more manageable.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you can join a group for the Andes 6000 Flex expedition. Check out our set dates to join.
What kind of altitude acclimatization strategies are used during the expedition?
During the Andes 6000 Flex expedition, we employ a gradual acclimatization strategy. This includes ascending to higher altitudes during the day and returning to lower altitudes to sleep. Acclimatization hikes and rest days are also incorporated into the itinerary to help your body adjust to the altitude gradually.
What safety measures are in place for the expedition?
Safety measures for the Andes 6000 Flex expedition include having experienced guides trained in first aid and high-altitude rescue, carrying medical kits and portable oxygen, and using satellite communication for emergencies. We also ensure regular LLS health checks for participants and have evacuation plans in place.
How are medical emergencies handled during the expedition?
In the event of a medical emergency, our guides are trained to provide immediate first aid and assess the situation. We use 4WD vehicles to evacuate participants if needed, which can take up to 5 hours to reach the nearest hospital. We recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Do I have to have rescue insurance?
No. Rescue insurances such as Global Rescue depend on organising air rescues through Chilean authorities which can be quite tricky and too slow to respond in emergencies. This is due to the fact we'll be climbing at the Argentine border area the helicopter flight have a few legal restrictions there. The other problem are the high winds. Therefore we consider a 4WD rescue much more efficient than helicopters in this area. We ask all our clients to bring at least USD 400 with them and use it in case of emergencies.
What are the living conditions like in the mountain refuges and campsites?
Mountain huts such as those at Laguna Santa Rosa are basic, with shared bunk beds and limited facilities. Campsites are equipped with high-quality tents, and we provide a communal dining tent. While amenities are limited, we ensure comfort and basic hygiene throughout the expedition.
Are there charging facilities at basecamp?
Our bomb proof basecamp does have a generator and a backup system to keep our Starlink system online as well as the backup communication system Inmarsat and our 'plan-C' system Iridium. Therefore there are AC and USB charging facilities during generator hours (9 hours per day).
What kind of food is provided during the expedition?
We provide nutritious and balanced meals throughout the expedition, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are designed to meet the high-energy needs of participants and include a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
What if I'm a vegetarian or vegan?
No problem. Our chef can cook delicious vegan meals during the trip and have a very well balanced menu including high levels of vegetarian protein in all main courses such as quinoa, lentils, black beans, soy, mushrooms, etc.
Is there any communication available during the expedition?
While there is no 4G coverage once we leave Copiapó, we use a Starlink system to ensure participants can stay connected during the expedition. This allows for communication with family and emergency services as needed.
How Do I Pay for Additional Peaks During the Trip?
No problem at all — we’ve made this process smooth and flexible. Thanks to our satellite internet connection via Starlink, we can generate a secure payment link at any point during the expedition. You’ll be able to pay for any additional peaks you choose to climb using various payment methods, including credit card, PayPal, and international transfers. We understand that mountain plans can evolve, so we’re ready to adapt with you.
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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
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
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