Ojos del Salado Ascent

(13 days, 12 nights )
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The Ojos del Salado, reaching 6.893 m/22.600 ft is the highest volcano in the world and the second highest summit in the Americas. Its remarkable setting between turquoise lagoons filled with wild birds, white sparkling salt pans and snow peaks makes it attractive even for the less mountain minded expeditionists. The Ojos del Salado is considered an active volcano and its last eruptions, mainly gases and ashes, date from 1937 and 1956. Today its crater is completely covered by ice. Its name was given because of the presence of many small salt lagoons around the area formed by its retreating glaciers. A non technical climb, however it is physically strenuous. The last 150 metres demand extra strength while scaling over rocks. Ascents possible from November through to March.

Day 1. Reception in Copiapó and transfer towards the Andes campground at Valle Chico (3000m/9000ft).

Day 2. Arrival to Laguna Santa Rosa at (3500m/11500 ft).

Day 3. Acclimatization trek around Santa. Rosa.

Day 4. Drive to the beautiful Laguna Verde (4400m/13200ft) and set up base camp next to a spring.

Day 5. Trek around the area to facilitate acclimatization.

Day 6. Drive by 4x4 from Laguna Verde to Camp 1 at Refugio U. Atacama (5250m/ 15750ft).

Day 7. Practice treks by carrying some equipment from Camp1 to Camp2 and returning to Camp1.

Day 8. Hike up to Camp 2 at Refugio Tejos (5750m/17250ft) for an overnight camp.

Day 9. Summit attempt (6893m/ 22600ft) and return to Camp 2.

Day 10. Descend to Laguna Verde if summit was made otherwise attempt summit again.

Day 11. Drive to Copiapó.

Day 12. Transfer to the airport in Copiapo.