Climb to the summit of Ojos del Salado (6893m), 12 days with acclimatization
5.0
(6)
Join Ezequiel, EPGAMT- certified guide, for an awesome 12-day mountaineering tour in the Andes. Conquer the summit of Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano in the world!
Private
Andes
12 Days
Jan - Mar, Nov, Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Climb Ojos del Nevado, the highest volcano in the world.
- Discover the most arid and desert area of the Andes.
- Spend 12 days exploring the Andes with an expert guide.
Description
Would you like to climb the highest volcano in the world under expert guidance? Then join me! Let’s reach the summit of Ojos del Salado together!
Ojos del Salado (6893m) is in the Chilean city of Copiapó and the Argentine province of Catamarca. It stands at the most arid and desert area of the Andes, a broad plateau called the South American Altiplano.
First climbed in 1937, this impressive peak holds several records: it is the highest volcano in the world, the second highest mountain in America, the highest mountain in the Chilean Andes and the second in the Argentine Andes after Aconcagua (6962m)!
For this 12-day expedition, we will meet in Fiambala. After some acclimatization days on the Argentina side, we will head up to the top of Ojos del Salado. Before attempting the summit, we will spend the last night in the César Tejos Hut, at an altitude of 5900m.
Please note that this expedition does not require previous mountaineering experience. However, you should have a good fitness level!
So, if you want to live an unforgettable mountaineering experience in the Andes, please get in touch with me. Let’s conquer the summit of Ojos del Salado!
I can also take you to the top of Incahuasi, in Argentina. Check it out here.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Mountain guide expenses
- Tents
- Clean drinkable water
- Hot shower
Price details
- NOT Included in the price:
- Transport to Fiambalá (starting point of the trip)
- Accomodation in Fiambalá or Catamrca before or after the expedition
- Alcoholic drinks
- Sleeping bag and personal equipment
- Porters for personal equipment
- Transfer to base camp ( Arenal )
- Any expenses generated by the abandon of the expedition
- Rescue and evacuation expenses
- Expenses generated by loss of lugagge.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Fiambalá - Cortaderas
12:00 Meeting ni Fiambalá. Equipment check and expedition briefing. Transfer to Cortaderas (3300m). Free afternoon.
Day 2: Cerro Conquena
Ascent to Cerro Coquena 4035m, trekking of 6 to 7 hours of activity. Night in hotel in Cortaderas.
Day 3: Rest day at Cortaderas
Relax at the hotel. Free day.
Day 4: Cerro La Coipa
Ascent to cerro La Coipa 5000m.
Day 5: Las Grutas
Transfer to Las Grutas at 4100m, a day of relaxation and acclimatization: soft trekking and photo safari, San Francisco lagoon, wildlife, swans, vicuñas, and views of the Incahuasi Volcano. Those who wish can spend time relaxing, bathing in a hot spring at 4200m. Ascent to the Beltrand Volcano 5200m. Overnight in tents or refuge (Vialidad)
Day 6: San Francisco
To continue our acclimatization, we rest from the two previous days and prepare for the summit day of San Francisco. In the afternoon, we move from Las Grutas to the base of San Francisco at 4700m, from there we start our ascent to the summit. Overnight in a roadside shelter or tent (without services).
Day 7: San Francisco
Ascent to San Francisco. Overnight in a roadside shelter or tent.
Day 8: Cortaderas Hotel
In the morning, after completing all the procedures at customs, we will go to the Cortaderas Hotel, rest, and resupply for the second part of the expedition, we will stay at the hotel that night.
Day 9: Arenal High Camp
Transfer from the hotel to Arenal high camp (5500m approx.) 14 hours of travel with no trail to follow, river fording, pure 4x4 adventure. Night in Arenal high camp.
Day 10: Camp C1
After breakfast, we get ready to move to the high-altitude camp C1 5800m approx. 3 to 5 hs. Night in C1.
Day 11: Arenal Camp
Summit attempt (6893M) and descent to Arenal Camp.
Day 12: Fiambala - End of the trip
Departure from the valley. Night in Fiambala. End of services.
The planned itinerary includes three extra days due to weather conditions.
Details
More info
Please bring appropriated clothing and footwear, backpack, sunscreen, water, snacks and personal documentation. / Children under 14 are not allowed.
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
You need to be trained; it is a very demanding mountain, both physically and mentally. It is not suitable for children.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
Always be trained and prepared for this kind of challenge. I always recommend cardio training three times a week and weight training three times a week.
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?
You have to bring your own personal technical equipment (crampons, helmet, ice axe). There are no places to rent.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
There are no porters. But only one day we will walk with the backpack loaded.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
I take care of this, from the first day to the last day of the expedition.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
During the acclimatization, we will do several mountains. In case of bad weather, we will have backup days.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
It is always recommended to travel with insurance, but nothing in particular.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
There is one guide for every three clients, and after the fourth client, another guide is added. There is also the possibility of hiring an assistant for the summit day (this service is not included in this program).
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
The best time is at the end of February to April. In December, January, and February, there are many thunderstorms.
Can I join a group?
Of course, there are published dates. I'll be waiting for you! Greetings.
Where will we meet to start the Ojos del Salado expedition?
I will pick you up at the La Rioja airport and from there we will go to the town of Fiambala, approximately 5 hours. We will do the paperwork at the police and continue the trip for 2 more hours to the Cortaderas hotel.
What is the previous experience and fitness level required to go to Ojos del Salado?
As the Ojos del Salado ascent is not technical, it's not mandatory to have previous mountaineering experience, although it helps. The biggest challenge is altitude, so it's important to do good acclimatization, have a good fitness level, and do solid aerobic preparation for the trip.
Which route will we take to the summit of Ojos del Salado? Is this trip from the Argentine or Chilean side?
This trip takes place from the Argentine side; we take the normal route to the summit, starting from Fiambalá, Catamarca. Climbing via the Argentine side allows you to have a great acclimatization process, climbing lower peaks the previous days, and resting in a comfortable hotel (Cortaderas) before going for the final approach to Ojos del Salado. Besides, you will find much fewer people in the mountains than when going through the Chilean side.
Which is the acclimatization plan for the expedition?
Acclimatization is the key to a successful expedition to Ojos del Salado, and we will dedicate several days to a gradual and proper acclimatization plan. We will meet in Fiambalá and then transfer to Cortaderas at 3300m. From there, we will do ascents to nearby peaks of 4000 and 5000 meters, and have a free day to recover as well. The next step in terms of altitude is San Francisco, at 6000 meters, before our final attempt to Ojos del Salado, at 6893m. You can check the details on the itinerary section of the trip.
Are there vegetarian/celiac options for meals?
All the expedition meals are included and are planned to offer balanced nutrition during the trip. In case you require a vegetarian, celiac, or any other specific diet, you can request it when booking the trip, and we will take it into account, service quoted separately
Can I rent equipment for the expedition?
You can rent a few things in Fiambalá, but it's better to get everything in advance. There are big rental shops in Copiapó (Chile), or Mendoza (Argentina). Once you confirm the booking, we will be in touch, and if you let me know in advance which equipment you need to rent, I will recommend you how and where to rent it.
What's NOT included in the price?
NOT Included in the price:
- Transport to Fiambalá (starting point of the trip)
- Accommodation in Fiambalá or Catamrca before or after the expedition
- Alcoholic drinks
- Sleeping bag and personal equipment
- Porters for personal equipment
- Any expenses generated by the abandonment of the expedition
- Rescue and evacuation expenses
- Expenses generated by the loss of luggage
- Everything that is not detailed in the program
How can I get to Fiambalá (starting point of the trip)?
The biggest city close to Fiambalá is La Rioja. You can take a plane from Buenos Aires to La Rioja, or a bus from different cities in Argentina to La Rioja. From La Rioja city, there are local buses that take you to Fiambalá, or you can also take a local taxi.
Which is the best season to go to Ojos del Salado?
The season for Ojos del Salado goes from November to March. Regarding the weather, the best months are November and March. From December to February, the weather is fine most of the time, but it can be a bit more unpredictable.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you can check the scheduled group dates here: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/climb-ojos-del-salado-6893m-12-days-acclimatization/#join-a-group
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Ezequiel
5.0
(24)
Trekking Guide
My name is Ezequiel David Di Fabio, I am a professional Mountain guide, National Physical Education teacher, lifeguard and ski instructor.
For nine years I have been carrying out different experiences in nature with groups of varied ages in order to promote activity.
Motivated by this goal is that I work with explore and share where I propose mountaineering, trekking and rock climbing outings in Argentina.
Throughout these years I have traveled from Salta to Tierra del Fuego, carrying out different group expeditions in our country, as well as developing myself professionally in other countries such as Peru.
Languages
English | Spanish
Certificates
EPGAMT
What people are saying about this trip
AUGUSTO
Exceptional experience! everything was very well planned and executed. Ezequiel is a professional of the highest caliber. we will do other expeditions! thanks!
Madison
Super professional and responsible. Experience, camaraderie, security!
Liam
One of the most responsable and efficient guides I ever met. If I go to mountain, Ezequiel is my guide.
Isabella
It was a great experience. We did a 20+ day trip. Which included several summits with the idea of doing the Ojos del Salado. He was amazing as a guide, taking care of everything needed. One thing to highlight was the food.
Matthew
Great leading and leadership
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