Join an IFMGA-certified mountain guide for this unforgettable Parinacota climbing experience on the border between Bolivia and Chile. Explore the incredible altiplano before ascending this magnificent and prominent snow-capped volcano.
Private
Andes
11 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Towering up above the border between Chile and Bolivia, a Parinacota climb is the best way to experience the region’s gorgeous altiplano scenery.
Rising to 6,380 meters (20,930 feet) in elevation, the snow-capped dormant stratovolcano presents a worthy challenge for any intermediate-level mountaineering enthusiast!
Our adventure begins after we meet in the coastal Chilean city of Arica. From here, we will drive across the gorgeous Atacama desert and on to the quaint little town of Putre.
Once here, we will explore the nearby hot springs as we acclimatize for the adventure ahead.
The actual climbing begins when we arrive in Lauca National Park. Here, we will enjoy the stunning and verdant green plains, the pristine mountain lakes and our first excellent views of Parinacota and Pomerape.
The first few days of this part of our trip will be spent further acclimatizing, hiking around the altiplano and then up to the high camp.
After we’ve fully acclimatized, it will be time to make the push for the summit. None of the climbing involved is overly technical – mostly climbing over glaciers and scrambling over some rocky bits – but the route is quite steep, so a good level of physical fitness is required.
However, the panoramic views out over the surrounding altiplano and other snow-capped volcanoes from Parinacota’s summit will be reward enough for our efforts. After taking in the views for a while, we will return back to the base of the mountain and go back to Arica.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this exciting and scenic 11-day Parinacota climb!
If you like the look of this trip then we think you may also enjoy our 22-day ascent of Aconcagua!
Fly into Arica and meet the guide at the airport. We will then transfer to the hotel, where we will check the equipment and have a welcome dinner.
We will transfer to Putre (3600m/11811ft).
We will hike up to the Jurasi Hot Springs (4000m/13100ft) and enjoy a brief soak before returning to Putre.
We will transfer into Lauca National Park, arriving at Caquena. Here, we will have great views of Parinacota Volcano and visit the old village of the same name. We will camp at 4500m (14763ft).
We will hike around camp on the first day, getting a chance to see the local wildlife. The following day, we will hike up to our high camp before returning to base camp.
We will hike 4 to 5 hours up to the Parinacota High Camp (5200m/17060ft).
We will spend the day relaxing at camp before summit day.
Starting before sunrise, we will hike up to the volcano’s summit (6380m/20930ft), enjoying great views of Paomerape and Sajama from the top.
We will pack up base camp and hike back down to Caquena, where we will meet the transport vehicle and drive back to Arica and have our farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport and fly home.
More info
Please contact us for a complete equipment list.
Meeting point
5.0
(10)
Mountain Guide
Twin brothers Damian and Willie Benegas are two of the most respected climbers and mountaineers that Patagonia has produced. They boast an impressive 20 years' experience climbing and guiding expeditions in the Seven Continents, including tailor-made trips and group tours.
Benegas Brothers Expeditions' track record is proven by its outstanding safety and summit rates and the fact that clients keep coming back year after year.
It was their father's love for mountaineering and the outdoors that inspired Damian and WIllie as children to pursue their own adventures. Aconcagua and the mountains in northern Patagonia became their training ground and the place where they established themselves as world-class alpinists.
BBE was founded in 1992 and over the course of 20 seasons has guided clients from all over the world around the 4 corners of the world. The Benegas Brothers offer personalized adventures by prioritizing small groups in which family values and environmentally-friendly policies are of essence.
Join their expeditions in Patagonia, the Andes, the US and all over the world!
Languages
English
Certificates
AMGA | IFMGA
David
5
We had an excellent experience with Willie Benegas, he was knowledgeable and inclusive and would by all means join him again.
Jonathan
5
Willie was hugely experienced and adapted the day according to our inexperience, late middle age and heavy snow fall. It was an exhausting climb and when the weather became even more inclement we bailed out and skied down the way we had come. Willie had already displayed great flexibility with the date, trying hard to negotiate a series of storms coming across the region. In the end we made the best of a bad situation. Be prepared for additional expense. Touring skis, skins, boots and poles plus the backpacks, shovels, search poles and beacons all adds up. With tip that will add another $150 per person. The day was a real adventure and certainly a memorable one. Don't underestimate the level of fitness required. We are pretty fit but it didn't feel like it was enough!
Thomas
5
We all had a great day out with Willi. He found us some great snow to ski. And even with a few technical issues, he worked round it with ease. He shared alot of knowledge with us all, so we all had a great powder day. We would highly recommend this trip. Tom
alex
5
My guide Joseph was exceptional. His combination of local knowledge, avalanche expertise, trip/route planning, photography, and his fun, positive attitude made for an unforgettable experience. I’ll be back 100% !
John
5
Willie Benegas was a superb guide for our first BC ski adventure in the Wasatch. Friendly and highly competent, he accurately assessed the conditions and our ability, and planned a trip that was both challenging and fun. Highly recommended!
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