Our journey will lead us deep into the rugged heart of the Atacama Desert. We'll explore the breathtaking Laguna Santa Rosa, allowing ample time for acclimatization, unwind in the soothing thermal baths nestled at the base of Laguna Verde, and ultimately set our sights on the summit of the world’s highest volcano.

Incahuasi Summit, is located on the Chile-Argentina border, it stands at 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) and is the fifth highest peak in Chile. The mountain’s name—Incahuasi—translates to “House of the Inca,” and it holds great significance as a key landmark in the region, once part of the Inca trail network.It is situated in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, with rainfall averaging just 1mm annually, creating an extremely arid environment with no glaciers.

For those seeking a true adventure, we offer a 15-day expeditions to summit Ojos del Salado from (Climbing Season-November 15, to March 15) departing from Copiapó, Chile, at a cost of US$7,995 per person. This challenging climb involves high altitudes, harsh winds, and extreme conditions, making it a unique and unforgettable mountaineering

Expedition Overview

Upon arrival in Copiapó, we will transfer you to the charming coastal town of Bahía Inglesa, where you’ll settle into your hotel. After some time to explore the town and its scenic harbour, we’ll gather for a team briefing and an equipment check with your guide, followed by a relaxing dinner.

The next day, we head across the expansive Altiplano plateau towards Incahuasi. Each day, we’ll embark on short treks at progressively higher altitudes to aid in acclimatization, setting up camp at the end of each day. Along the way, we’ll visit the stunning Laguna Santa Rosa, famous for its resident Andean flamingos, ascend San Francisco Volcano(6,080m/19,948ft), or Cerros Vicunas (6067m/19,905ft)and enjoy the stunning Laguna Verde, with its inviting turquoise waters and rejuvenating hot springs.

Summit day begins with an early start and drive from Laguna Verde to our ascent takeoff point. This point will be determined by road conditions and weather. Summit day will be between 6-8 hours of steady climbing to the summit.

After the climb, depending on the time of day, we will either break down camp and start our return journey to Bahía Inglesa, or relax for the night and return in the morning. Once we are at Bahia Inglesa, you’ll have time to unwind and enjoy a well-earned seafood feast. We’ll then transfer back to Copiapó Airport (CPO) for your flight to Santiago, where you can either continue your South American adventure or catch your international flight home.

Prerequisite Experience

Climbing Incahuasi requires a good level of physical fitness, as you’ll be exerting yourself for 3–5 hours each day. The expedition is largely vehicle-supported, meaning most days you’ll only carry a light daypack. However, there may be days where you need to carry 15–18kg (30–40lbs) of equipment.

As we’ll be climbing at high altitudes, it’s important to be aware that the physical demands increase with altitude. Expect some variation in performance, and be prepared for rest days to help with acclimatization. Our approach is to gradually build up fitness over the course of the expedition, but arriving in good health and with a reasonable level of fitness is key.

Summit day is the most physically challenging, with a 1,000m (3,300ft) ascent at high altitude. This rewarding climb typically takes 12–14 hours. The expedition is suited for those with general mountaineering skills, as your guides will provide thorough instruction on high-altitude camping and climbing techniques.

Above all, a positive mindset, a strong team spirit, and a willingness to push through challenges will be essential for success on this incredible journey

Team Size & Structure

Our expedition team will consist of a minimum of 3 participants. The number of guides is adjusted based on the team size, with a typical guide-to-member ratio of 1:3 for climbing. This ensures a personalized experience with the necessary support for each climber.

Itinerary for the incahuasi Expedition

Dates: Schedule between November and March (15 day expedition)

Here's an outline of our ideal itinerary for this remarkable adventure:

Day 1: Arrival at Copiapó Airport. After a scenic transfer to Bahía Inglesa, you’ll have time to explore the charming coastal town and its harbour. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2: Transfer from Bahía Inglesa to Valle Chico (3,050m / 10,000ft).

Day 3: Trek from Valle Chico to Laguna Santa Rosa (3,760m / 12,350ft), where we’ll camp and begin our acclimatization.

Day 4: Short trek to Siete Hermanos (4,880m / 16,010ft), then return to Laguna Santa Rosa for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Move from Laguna Santa Rosa to Laguna Verde (4,340m / 14,240ft), where we'll set up camp and enjoy the stunning landscape.

Day 6: Hike to Cerro Mulas Muertas (5,400m / 17,700ft) for further acclimatization, then return to Laguna Verde camp for the night.

Day 7: Rest day

Day 8: Ascend Cerros Vicunas (6067m/19,905ft) then return to Laguna Verde camp.

Day 9: Rest day

Day 10: Ascend San Francisco Volcano (6080m/19,948ft)

Day 11: Rest day

Day 12: Summit Day – After an early start, we’ll tackle the final push to the summit of Incahuasi (6,638m / 21,778ft).

Day 13: Contingency day – a buffer for weather or unforeseen delays.

Day 14: Travel from Laguna Verde back to Bahía Inglesa for a well-deserved rest and celebration.

Day 15: Transfer from Bahía Inglesa to Copiapó Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.

This itinerary provides a well-paced progression with built-in rest days and contingencies, maximizing your chances of reaching the summit safely and successfully.