Ojos del Salado 2026-2027
Ojos del Salado - the highest volcano on our planet and the second highest peak of South America, after Mt Aconcagua. From Spanish, the name translates as “the source of a salty river,” that is, the Rio Salado River, which begins on a mountain. The height of the volcano is 6893 meters. Located on the border between Argentina and Chile, is the highest point of Chile.
The road to the volcano from Chile, from the town of Copiapo on the Pacific coast, runs through the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth. On the eastern slope of the volcano in a crater at an altitude of 6390 meters is the highest lake in the world.
It has become very popular to combine climbing two highest peaks of America in one program. At the same time, high-altitude acclimatization obtained on one mountain allows you to climb the second mountain not in 15-17 days, but in 9-10.
Dates of tours in season 2027:
17.12.2026 - 01.01.2027
03.01.2027 - 18.01.2027
19.01.2027 - 03.02.2027
04.02.2027 - 19.02.2027
The cost of a standard 16-day tour to Ojos del Salado is $ 4500, a shortened 11-day tour for participants who already have proper high-altitude acclimatization at elevations above 6,000 meters is $ 3900
✨ Early Bird Offer ✨
Book before June, 05and get a discount with a 20% deposit.
– 8% off for one participant
– 10% off for two or more participants
Climbing program on Ojos del Salado, 16 days.
Please note: the itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, the physical state of participants, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Day 1. Meeting of group members at the airport of the Chilean city of Copiapo (Spanish: Copiapó), located 680 kilometers north of Santiago. Briefing and discussion of plans for the next two weeks. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2. Purchase of products. Transfer to the picturesque salt-marsh lake Laguna Santa Rose, located at an altitude of 3800 m (150 km, travel time about 3-4 hours). Setting up a camp at a campsite on the lake. Dinner, overnight in a tent camp (organization of overnight at a shelter is possible).
Day 3. Acclimatization climb to the top of the mountain 7 Brothers (4800 m) by . In the morning, we drive by 4x4 jeep to the starting point of the hike. The climb to the summit takes about 4 - 8 hours, followed by descent back to the vehicle. Return to the camp and overnight in tents.
Day 4. Transfer to Lake Laguna Verde (Green Lake), located at an altitude of 4300 m (130 km, 2.5 hours on the way). This day we will see Ojos del Salado (6893 m) for the first time. Around the lake there are many thermal springs. Overnight in tents.
Day 5. Early climb, moving to an altitude of 5000-5100 meters, from where on foot along the trail we begin a 5-6-hour ascent to a height of 5800 m or, in fair weather and good physical condition of the participants, to Mount San Francisco (height 6018 m). Descent to the lake Laguna Verde. Overnight in tents.
Day 6. Transfer to the Atacama shelter at an altitude of 5260 m (40 km, 1 hour on the way). Overnight in tents at the shelter.
Day 7. Walk to the Tehos shelter (5800 m), return to the Atacama shelter. Overnight in tents at the shelter.
Day 8. Transfer to the Tehos shelter (5800 m). The road to the shelter is quite complicated, often after heavy snowfall it is impossible to drive to the Tehos shelter and the car remains at the Atacama shelter, and we walk. Acclimatization climb to heights of 6200-6400 m. Overnight at the Tehos shelter (with early descent - you can move to Atacama on the same day).
Day 9. Descent to the Atacama shelter, transfer to Laguna Verde. After rest and lunch - return to Atacama shelter. Overnight in tents.
Day 10. Early rise, transfer to the Tehos shelter, ascent to the top of the volcano Ojos del Salado (6893 m). After climbing - descent to the Atacama shelter.
Days 11-14. Reserve days in case of bad weather or the use of additional days to acclimatize participants.
Day 15. Return to Copiapo. Overnight at the hotel. Farewell dinner, summing up and presentation of certificates.
Day 16. Morning departure to the airport.
Climbing program on Ojos del Salado, 11 days.
(For participants who already have good acclimatization at altitudes of 5000 m and above)
Day 1. Transfer to Atacama Hut (5260 m), camp setup.
Taxi to Laguna Verde (on your own). From there, the guide will pick you up by car and drive to Atacama Hut (5260 m) — about 40 km, 1 hour. Overnight in tents near the hut.
Day 2. Acclimatization hike to Tejos Hut (5800 m), return to Atacama Hut. Overnight in tents.
Day 3. Transfer to Tejos Hut (5800 m).
The road can be difficult, and after heavy snowfall it may be impossible to reach Tejos by car. In this case, we leave the vehicle at Atacama Hut and continue on foot.
Acclimatization climb to 6200–6400 m. Descent back to Atacama Hut, then transfer to Laguna Verde.
Day 4. Rest day at Laguna Verde. In the afternoon — return to Atacama Hut (5260 m). Overnight in tents.
Day 5. Summit day — Ojos del Salado (6893 m).
Early wake-up. Transfer to Tejos Hut (5800 m), then ascent to the summit of Ojos del Salado (6893 m). After the climb — descent back to Atacama Hut.
Days 6–9. Reserve days for bad weather or additional acclimatization if needed.
Day 10. Return to Copiapó. Hotel accommodation. Farewell dinner, trip summary, and certificate ceremony.
Day 11. Transfer to the airport on your own.
THE COST OF TOURS INCLUDES
• all transfers according to the program, except for flights and transfers to Santiago;
• accommodation in shelters and tents on the route;
• meals on the route;
• climbing permit;
• escort by our English speaking guide
• accompaniment of an assistant guide on the active part of the route , if the group has more than 3 people;
• rental of public equipment and kitchens (tents, burners, public utensils, gas);
THE COST OF TOURS EXCLUDES
• International flight to Santiago
• Domestic flight Santiago – Copiapó (~ $150–200)
• Taxi: Airport – Copiapó (~ $40–50)
• Bus transfer Santiago – Copiapó (~ $40–50)
• Lunches and dinners in Copiapó or Caldera (~ $50), lunch in Bahía (~ $70)
• Hotel accommodation in Copiapó in case of early return (approx. $80–100 per night)
• Personal equipment rental: crampons, ice axe, harness, trekking poles, sleeping bag, etc.
• Mountaineering insurance (approx. $160 for a 16-day program).
The insurance must cover at least $50,000 and include high-altitude trekking and climbing, as well as helicopter evacuation coverage of at least $5,000. The policy must clearly state “mountaineering” or “extreme sports” (or similar activity).
• Expenses related to delayed or lost baggage caused by the airline (purchase, rental, or delivery of necessary equipment).
It is strongly recommended to pay for extra baggage in advance when purchasing flight tickets, as payment at Chilean airports can be difficult (cash and some cards may not be accepted).
• Expenses in case of early termination of the expedition (e.g., due to altitude sickness or personal reasons).
Participants are responsible for covering transfer costs and additional hotel nights.
• Personal expenses: drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), bottled water, showers, tips for staff
• Any expenses caused by natural disasters
• Tips for staff (optional, small amounts are appreciated)
• Tips for guides (recommended: approx. $200–400 per participant)
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Book a combined tour with ascents of the two highest mountains in America — Aconcagua and Ojos del Salado — with additional 5% discount on the total cost of both tours.
🔹 Aconcagua (17 days) + Ojos del Salado (11 days) - $ 9 850*🔹
16.12.2026 - 01.01.2027 + 07.01.2027 - 18.01.2027
19.01.2027 - 04.02.2027 + 08.02.2027 - 19.02.2027
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🔹 Aconcagua (17 days) + Ojos del Salado (16 days) - $ 10 450*🔹
16.12.2026 - 01.01.2027 + 03.01.2027 - 18.01.2027
02.01.2027 - 18.01.2027 + 19.01.2027 - 03.02.2027
* - The price is indicated with a discount applied for combining two programs.
Necessary clothes and shoes
• down jacket at -20 C;
• storm jacket with a membrane;
• fleece jacket Softshell;
• storm pants with a membrane;
• softshell fleece pants;
• thermal underwear (warm);
• thermal underwear (thin);
• thin trekking socks;
• warm trekking socks;
• gaiters;
• overmitts;
• gloves up to -20 C;
• fleece hat (1 pc);
• panama from the sun;
• trekking trousers (for exits below);
• T-shirts with short sleeves - 3 pcs;
• shorts, swimming trunks;
• balaclava;
• rain cover;
• technical climbing boots, 7000 m;
• trekking sneakers;
• sandals.
Tourist equipment
• backpack 40-50 liters;
• trunk of 120 l;
• sleeping bag at -20 С;
• personal dishes (bowl, mug, spoon, fork, knife);
• thermos (1 l);
• sunblock cream (factor 50+);
• hygienic lipstick;
• towel, soap, toothpaste, brush;
• personal first aid kit.
Special equipment
• suspension system;
• selfbelay;
• carabiners with clutch;
• crampons;
• telescopic poles;
• ski goggles;
• climbing goggles (degree of protection +4).
