OJOS DEL SALADO EXPEDITION TRIP NOTES

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.

Nevado Ojos del Salado, located on the Chile-Argentina border, is the highest active volcano in the world at 6,893 meters (22,615 feet) and the second highest peak outside the Himalayas. The mountain is named for the salt lagoons that form in its snowfields, earning it the title “Eyes of the Salty One.” 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.

Ojos del Salado boasts the world’s highest lake, a crater lake at 6,390 meters (20,965 feet), and was first summited in 1937 by Polish mountaineers Jan Alfred Szczepanski and Justyn Wojsznis.

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 Ojos del Salado. 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), and enjoy the stunning Laguna Verde, with its inviting turquoise waters and rejuvenating hot springs.

Once fully acclimatized, we’ll pack up our camp and load our 4x4 vehicles, heading towards our Base Camp at Atacama Refuge (5,300m/17,400ft). From there, we’ll hike to Tejos Refuge (5,825m/19,100ft) to further improve our altitude adaptation. If road conditions prevent vehicle access to the refuge, we may need to carry some of our summit equipment to lighten our load for the next day’s hike to Tejos Refuge.

Summit day begins with an early start and a gradual ascent, followed by a climb along the West Ridge to the crater’s rim. The final push involves a 20m (65ft) rock climb, where fixed ropes are used for safety. Once at the top, we’ll take in the stunning views and celebrate before beginning our descent back to camp. Summit day typically lasts 12–14 hours.

Our itinerary includes rest days at key altitudes and contingency days in case of bad weather, ensuring the best chance for summit success.

After the climb, we’ll pack up and descend to the Atacama Refuge, where we’ll meet our trucks for the return journey to Bahía Inglesa. There, 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 Ojos del Salado 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, especially if we need to hike to Tejos Refuge.

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 Ojos del Salado. This ensures a personalized experience with the necessary support for each climber.

Itinerary for the Ojos del Salado 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 Verdecamp for the night.

Day 7: Ascend San Francisco Volcano (6,080m / 19,948ft), then return to Laguna Verde camp.

Day 8: Drive from Laguna Verde to Atacama Refuge (5,300m / 17,400ft), where we’ll set up camp and prepare for the next stage.

Day 9: Carry supplies up to Tejos Refuge (5,825m / 19,100ft) to further acclimatize, then return to Atacama Refuge.

Day 10: Rest day at Atacama Refuge, allowing for vital acclimatization and recovery.

Day 11: Climb from Atacama Refuge to Tejos Refuge as we prepare for the summit.

Day 12: Summit Day – After an early start, we’ll tackle the final push to the summit of Ojos del Salado (6,893m / 22,615ft), the highest volcano on Earth.

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

Day 14: Descent from Tejos Refuge 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.

Why Choose Us for Your Ojos del Salado Expedition?

We are proud to offer an expedition experience that stands out for its exceptional planning, high-level service, and a commitment to your success. Our reputation for delivering high-quality, well-organized, and safe expeditions is built on years of experience and a relentless attention to detail.

We approach each expedition with the aim of giving you the best chance to achieve your goal, and our strong team of Expedition Leaders and support staff are among the most experienced in the industry. By keeping our teams small, we ensure that each climber receives personalized attention and support throughout the journey. You’ll have access to top-notch resources, including nutritious meals, comfortable Base Camp facilities, reliable communication systems, and dedicated medical backup.

Many climbers choose us after seeing our expertise on a previous trip or hearing about our proven track record. Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or returning for another challenge, you can trust that we will prioritize your safety and success at every stage of the expedition.

Visas

For most nationalities, Chile does not require an entry visa for stays under three months. However, we recommend checking the latest visa requirements with your travel agent to confirm details based on your nationality. Please note that the required trekking and climbing permits are handled separately by our team.

Communications

We understand the importance of staying connected, which is why we equip our expeditions with portable Thuraya satellite phones for reliable voice and email communication throughout the journey. For those wishing to use the service for business, media, or personal reasons, limited satellite phone time is available at US$3 per minute. Contact our office for further details.

Food & Dietary Requirements

Our team of guides will prepare nutritious and hearty meals during the trek and while on the mountain to keep you fueled for the climb. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please let us know on your application form. For specialized diets, such as vegan or gluten/dairy-free, we’ll be in touch to discuss your needs and how we can accommodate them within the group cooking setup. If your dietary needs are particularly strict, we recommend bringing enough of your preferred food items to ensure you are well-catered for.

With our careful attention to every detail, we aim to make your Ojos del Salado experience safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

Equipment List & Reference Materials

Prior to your expedition, you’ll receive a comprehensive Equipment List and Expedition Reference Notes outlining all the essential gear you'll need to procure. These reference materials also provide helpful information, including camera recommendations and training advice to prepare you for the climb.

Medical Requirements & Insurance

Before the expedition, all participants will be required to complete a medical questionnaire provided by our expedition doctor. This will need to be reviewed by your personal physician for a full medical check-up. The completed medical information will be kept confidential, shared only with our medical advisor and Expedition Leader. You will also receive guidance on necessary immunizations for the region.

Additionally, all expedition members are required to have rescue insurance. We will consult with each climber to ensure you have the proper coverage for medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and other relevant needs.

Passport Photographs

Please provide three passport-sized photos for the necessary permits required for climbing and trekking, along with a copy of your passport biodata page.

Expedition Fee

The total cost for the Ojos del Salado Expedition from Copiapó, Chile is US$7,995. This fee covers:

  • Highly skilled Adventure Consultants mountain guides

  • All logistical and organizational support for the expedition

  • Airport transfers on the scheduled arrival date

  • Ground transportation within Chile, including all land transfers from Copiapó

  • 2 nights accommodation in Bahía Inglesa, shared rooms

  • Meals during the trek and expedition from Bahía Inglesa onward

  • Group gear (ropes, tents, stoves, cookware, etc.), essential for a safe summit bid

  • Satellite phone access for outgoing calls

  • All climbing and trekking permits

Not Included in the Expedition Fee:

The following costs are not included in the fee:

  • Airfare to and from Copiapó Airport

  • Meals in Bahía Inglesa (outside of the expedition)

  • Rescue costs or any charges related to an early departure

  • Personal travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance, or medical evacuation insurance

  • Personal clothing and equipment

  • Charges for satellite phone calls

  • Gratuities for guides and local staff

Payment Details

To secure your spot, payments should be made via bank transfer to the following account:

Bank: Thread Bank
Account Name: Pan American Adventures LLC
Account Number: 200000767695
Routing Number:064209588

Please note, all transfer fees are the responsibility of the remitter.

We also accept credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express), subject to a 3% processing fee.

Deposit

To confirm your place on the Ojos del Salado Expedition, a non-refundable deposit of US$500 is required.

Balance Payment

The remaining balance is due 90 days before the expedition start date.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

In the event of a cancellation, the following applies:

  • Cancellations outside of 75 days will result in the loss of the deposit.

We recommend ensuring your travel and expedition plans are confirmed before making the deposit to avoid cancellation fees.

For cancellations made within 75 days of the expedition start date, we reserve the right to retain 35% of the remaining balance.

  • For cancellations made within 60 days of the departure date, the 75% of full fee will be charged as a cancellation fee.

We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance through your travel agent to protect yourself in case of unforeseen cancellations due to medical or personal circumstances.