House of the Inca
Twelve days on a sacred peak on the Argentine border, named for the high-altitude Inca shrines found on its flanks. An ideal first 6,000m summit — non-technical, beautiful, and steeped in pre-Columbian history.
Elevation
6,638 m / 21,778 ft
Duration
12 days
Difficulty
Moderate · F+
Price (USD)
$6,900
Group size
4–6
The standard northwest route from base camp (4,900m) to high camp (5,800m) to the summit plateau. Acclimatization is staged at Laguna Santa Rosa and Laguna Verde, with day climbs on Cerro Santa Rosa and Mulas Muertas. Cultural day on the lower flanks of the peak, visiting Inca shrines and pre-Columbian trail networks.
Climbers looking for a first 6,000m summit, or experienced mountaineers who want a quieter Atacama peak with a cultural dimension. Good cardiovascular fitness and willingness to camp in cold and wind are the main requirements. No technical climbing.
Day by day
Itineraries are tuned to weather windows, group fitness and acclimatization on the ground. The schedule below is representative — expect ±1 day flex for rest, weather, or summit timing.
Fly into Copiapó. Airport pickup, transfer to hotel, gear check with your guides, welcome dinner.
Long, beautiful drive east. Salt flats, flamingos, vicuñas. First night on the altiplano.
Easy hike to ~4,500m and back. Hot meal and a second night at 3,800m.
Short drive to Laguna Verde (4,330m). Soak in the hot springs in the afternoon. Light hike around the lake.
Day climb up Mulas Muertas (~5,200m). Steady scree, broad views over the altiplano. Hot springs and a second night at Laguna Verde.
A different kind of acclimatization day. Visit the high-altitude Inca shrines and pre-Columbian trail networks on the lower flanks of Incahuasi — the reason the peak is named 'House of the Inca'. Light hiking, history, and rest.
Drive to Incahuasi base camp at ~4,900m. Set camp, sort loads for high camp, brief on summit-day timing. Early dinner, early sleep.
Carry personal gear up to high camp at ~5,800m. Melt water, eat, rest. Lights out by 8 PM.
Pre-dawn start. Steady climb on scree and snow to the broad summit plateau at 6,638m. Photos, descent, back to high camp.
Built-in spare day. If summit day was Day 9, we descend and drive to Copiapó. If weather pushed us back, this is our second attempt.
Strike camp and drive back down to Copiapó. Hot shower, real food, real bed. Group dinner.
Optional rest morning. Airport transfer for your flight to Santiago.
We run small-group departures during the prime Atacama climbing season. Custom and private departures are available outside these windows.
Dates fill 6–9 months ahead. A $750 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot; balance due 90 days before departure.