Ojos del Salado – The Highest Volcano in the World – 6,893 m.a.s.l. – Summit Ascent & Expedition

An expedition to the second-highest mountain in the Americas.

4.8 (147)
Duration: 12 days
Home: 2027-Jan-02 Fin: 2027-Jan-12
Start time: 9 am Ending time: 21 hs
Duration: 12 days Cupos: 4 spots

Proposal

Day 1 : Fiambala

Meeting point in Fiambalá. Transfer to Cortaderas (3,300 m.a.s.l.), enjoying the stunning views as the Andes mountain range begins to unfold before us.

Free afternoon to rest, hydrate, and continue the acclimatization process. Dinner and overnight stay at a mountain lodge.

Day 2 : Cortaderas

Cortaderas (3,300 m.a.s.l.). This day will be dedicated to an acclimatization trek with a small ascent to a nearby peak, Cerro Chaschuil (3,700 m.a.s.l.).

Those who wish or need to remain at the lodge to continue resting may do so. Hydration, dinner, and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 3: Las Grutas

Las Grutas (4,000 m.a.s.l.). Transfer to the Las Grutas refuges. Here we enter the zone where altitude may begin to be felt.

Short acclimatization walk around the area. Hydration, dinner, and overnight stay in the refuge.

Day 4: Las Grutas

Las Grutas (4,000 m.a.s.l.). Today we begin another acclimatization trek with an ascent to a nearby summit, further deepening the acclimatization process while enjoying the dramatic landscape of the region. Ascent of Cerro Falso Morocho (4,700 m.a.s.l.).

Return to the refuge. Hydration, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 5: Laguna Verde

Crossing into Chile and transfer to Laguna Verde (4,300 m.a.s.l.). Camp setup and rest.

Day 6: Laguna verde

Laguna Verde (4,300 m.a.s.l.). Acclimatization hike on Cerro Vicuñas, gaining moderate altitude to support the physiological acclimatization process.

Day 7: Summit

Ascent of Volcán San Francisco summit. Transfer to the base of San Francisco at 4,800 m.a.s.l., from where we begin our summit push.

Descent and return to Laguna Verde.

Day 8: Laguna Verde

Laguna Verde (4,300 m.a.s.l.). Acclimatization and rest day.

Day 9: Laguna Verde

Vehicle transfer to Refugio Tejos (5,820 m.a.s.l.). Summit attempt of Ojos del Salado and descent back to Refugio Tejos. Return and descent by vehicle to Laguna Verde.

Day 10: Fiambala

Crossing back into Argentina. Final transfer to Fiambalá. End of services.

Day 11 : Extra day

Extra day to be used by the guide depending on weather conditions or acclimatization needs.

Day 12: Etra day

Extra day to be used by the guide depending on weather conditions or acclimatization needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dream of climbing a mountain if I’ve never done mountaineering before?

Absolutely,  as long as you are physically fit and able to adapt to the personal and/or group training system we propose. Previous trekking or mountaineering experience with us or on your own is also highly recommended before joining the expedition.

I don’t even have half of the required gear. Can I rent it? What should I buy?

We will advise you on everything you need. Basically, almost all technical equipment can be rented. In Mendoza, we work with a trusted rental store that provides mountaineering boots, jackets, pants, goggles/sunglasses, crampons, outer-layer gloves, and much more.

Some items are better to purchase personally, such as base layers, trekking clothing and footwear, trekking poles, headlamp, certain gloves, and other personal gear.

How physically demanding is this expedition? How much do we walk each day?

We are not hiking every single day. The expedition lasts several days because the body requires a mandatory acclimatization period to adapt to altitude. Some days are dedicated entirely to rest and recovery.

Do I need to bring my own tent?

No. Tents are included in the service. We also provide dining tents and structural/common tents equipped with tables and chairs.

What is the minimum age required for this activity?

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

How much does the backpack weigh?

The backpack usually weighs between 8 and 12 kg (17–26 lbs) throughout the expedition.

What kind of food is provided?

All our expeditions include full board meal service. Trail Lunches (cold meals) Milanese sandwiches with tomato, cold cuts sandwiches, snack platters, salads, tapas, and more. Dinners. Vegetable stews with bacon and chorizo, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with different sauces or stew, grilled meat, Chaw Fan fried rice, chicken and rice cooked in a pot, pizzas, and more. Breakfast & Afternoon Snacks Tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate cocido, mate, powdered milk; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals and fruit. Individual Energy Snack Bag. Nougat bars, cereal bars, nuts, chocolates, alfajores, candies, and other snacks. Participants must complete a personal/medical form in advance to inform us about dietary restrictions or food intolerances.

Who's a good fit for Ojos del Salado Expedition – 6,893 m.a.s.l?

Ojos del Salado Expedition – 6,893 m.a.s.l is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience . It lasts 12 days. Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.

What physical fitness level is required for Ojos del Salado Expedition – 6,893 m.a.s.l?

Como medir la dificultad de un ascenso o una expedición? es una pregunta que surge a menudo. Para esto desarrollamos un sistema de graduación que ayuda al participante a medir la dificultad, dado a que evaluamos 5 variables sobre la intensidad de cada propuesta.
• The weight of the backpack relative to the length of the day
• The physical demand
• The technical level of the terrain and required equipment
• The degree of mental strength required
• The maximum altitude reached
Hace click el botón y evaluá vos mismo la dificultad ->:

What equipment do I need to take part in the Ojos del Salado Expedition – 6,893 m.a.s.l?

En cada uno de nuestros programas vas encontrar un apartado de EQUIPO REQUERIDO. contá con nosotros para asesorarte y prepararlo de forma adecuada para maximizar el disfrute de la actividad. Contamos con una tienda de alquiler, para resolver si te falta algo.
Chequealo ahora! ->

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

60%
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles
80%
Physical (F)
Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles
40%
Technical (T)
Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles
80%
Psycho (P)
Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles
100%
Height (A)
Height (A)

Height Exposure

Clic para detalles
How to interpret these values?

Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:

  • 20-40%: Basic or beginner level
  • 60%: Intermediate level
  • 80-100%: Advanced or expert level
Only for experienced adventurers

This adventure requires advanced experience and excellent physical condition.

Required equipment

REQUIRED GENERAL EQUIPMENT
  • Trekking backpack (70 to 90 liters).
  • Duffel bag for mule transport (90 liters or more).
  • Warm sleeping bag (-15°C comfort rating; e.g. 1000g down fill or high-quality synthetic equivalent).
  • Foam sleeping pad (10 to 15 mm).
  • Inflatable sleeping pad (optional).
  • Medical Fitness Certificate *** (Your physician must certify that you are physically fit to participate in this activity).
  • Travel Insurance. *** (Please check whether your credit card or health insurance already includes coverage.)
FOOTWEAR
  • 1 pair of high-altitude mountaineering boots (double synthetic or plastic boots).
  • 1 pair of trekking boots.
  • 1 pair of lightweight trekking shoes (trail-running style).
BASE LAYER (First Layer)
  • Underwear changes.
  • Cotton t-shirts (for camp and sleeping).
  • Synthetic short-sleeve shirts.
  • Synthetic long-sleeve shirts.
  • Polypropylene or similar thermal leggings (non-cotton).
  • Lightweight polypropylene gloves or similar (non-cotton).
  • Fleece hat/beanie.
  • Thin synthetic socks (non-cotton).
  • Buff or neck gaiter.
MID LAYER (Insulation)
  • Trekking socks (synthetic/thermal).
  • Thick mountain socks.
  • Cotton or wool socks (wool is useful for sleeping).
  • 2 pairs of trekking pants.
  • Shorts/swimsuit.
  • Insulating layers (fleece 100 or fleece 200).
  • Lightweight down jacket.
  • Heavy down jacket.
  • Fleece gloves or mittens.
  • Sun hat.
OUTER LAYER (Windproof & Waterproof)
  • Waterproof jacket/parka (Gore-Tex or similar).
  • Waterproof overpants (Gore-Tex or similar).
  • Waterproof breathable shell gloves or mittens.
  • Ski gloves (as backup).
  • Mountain gaiters.
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT
  • Crampons (available for rent).
  • Climbing helmet.
  • Trekking poles.
PERSONAL DOCUMENTS
  • Passport, ID card, or national identification.
  • Travel insurance (recommended).
  • Health insurance.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory if you do not have health insurance). ***
  • Completed personal and medical form, including authorization.
  • Printed and paid climbing permit.
MISCELLANEOUS
  • Headlamp with batteries (plus spare batteries).
  • Durable plastic bags to keep clothing dry.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
  • Category 4 UV protection sunglasses.
  • Spare eyewear (goggles highly recommended).
  • Personal first aid kit (including prescribed medication if needed).
  • High SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
  • Soap, shampoo (small/shared size), and small towel.
  • Toilet paper, tissues, baby wipes.
COOKING & HYDRATION
  • Water containers with a minimum capacity of 4 liters total (e.g. two 1-liter bottles and one 2-liter hydration bladder with hose).
  • Small thermos.
  • Personal eating kit: plate, cup/mug, and cutlery.
OPTIONAL ITEMS (Depending on space and weight)
  • Silver tape (for blister prevention and gear repairs).
  • Mate cup, bombilla, and yerba mate.
  • Mini sewing kit.
  • Binoculars or monocular. Camera or video equipment.
  • Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen.

Rental Equipment

Trekking sleeping bag Available
Trekking sleeping bag
Pair of Trekking Poles Available
Pair of Trekking Poles
Mittens Available
Rental mittens
Crampons - Pair of Crampons Available
Pair of Crampons
Climbing II - helmet, crampons and pickaxe Available
Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax
Climbing Combo I - helmet, crampons, pickaxe, harness, carabiners, plate, straps, cords Available
Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom Available
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman Available
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

4.8

147 Google reviews

GA
Guillermina Augustu

Tilcara Calilegua es la travesía mas hermosa que hice, tiene unos paisajes maravillosos . La inmensidad en la montaña es increible. Pero lo que realmente lo hizo mágico fueron los lugares donde nos hospedamos, los compañeros de montaña y el amor y el cuidado de los guías. Euge y Gus estuvieron en cada detalle, pendiente de cada uno de nosotros, realemente ellos fueron el viaje. La comida increible. Agradecida eternamente con ambos..

MM
Mariano Marchioni

Excelente servicio de principio a fin, te ayudan y acompañan en todo el proceso de preparación para tu salida y tienen los mejores guías, por servicio y calidad humana

MC
Maxi Cuska

Espectacular todo! el recorrido Calilegua-Tilcara, los paisajes, la atención y dedicación de los guiás. Lean y Gusti una masa!! comimos excelente, mucha magia de Gustavo en la cocina y los lugareños que nos recibieron de primera. El grupo que toco también toda la onda!! La pasamos genial en todo momento, el hospedaje de ultima noche un lujo. Recomiendo fuerte!!

Do you have doubts?

If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!

Ojos del Salado – The Highest Volcano in the World – 6,893 m.a.s.l. – Summit Ascent & Expedition

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