OJOS DEL SALADO EXPEDITION
The highest volcano on earth
Ojos del Salado – 6.893 m
The highest volcano on earth
Code
E01
Region
Altiplano of the Atacama Desert, Chile
Dauer
14 Days
Preis
From 2.750 USD
Nächster Termin
08.11.2026
The high plateau of the Atacama Region, where the Tres Cruces National Park is located, is known with good reason as, "The Roof of the Andes". There is no other area in the world, with such a high concentration of mountains and volcanoes above 6.000 meters above sea level.
One of the most impressive mountains of this geographical area is without a doubt the, Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano on Earth at 6.893 m. On the other hand, the large amount of attractive summits found in this area offers wonderful opportunities for mountain lovers.
These hidden giants, some of which are only known by specialists, offer no big technical difficulties, but require that the mountaineers have a very good physical condition and this is what makes them a wonderful challenge. The excellent acclimatization program as well as the vast experience of the SPONDYLUS team in this area, should be the guarantor of a save and successful expedition.
High Lights
Itinerary
Duration: 14 days.
Arrival at Copiapó. The local expedition team will be there waiting for the group. Drive (for approximately 4 hours) to camp 1 in Valle Chico. Here we spend the first night under the stars and the clearest skies on Earth.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Today we drive (for approximately 1,5 hours) to Laguna Santa Rosa, where we set up our tents in a fantastic landscape looking at the giant mountains of this region. In the afternoon, we will go for an easy acclimatization trekking around the lagoon and the Maricunga Salt Flat.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This day will be entirely dedicated to acclimatize ourselves. So, we climb one of the summits of the Siete Hermanos Mountain, which is located in our camping area. We will climb very slowly about 1.000 m until we reach one of the summits located at approx. 4.800 m.a.s.l. We then walk back to our camp. Even though we walk down the mountain faster, we will be stopping every now and then to enjoying the impressive views of this wonderful and unique landscape.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gradually, we get closer to the giant mountains. Our trip today (of approx. 3 hours) will take us beyond the mountains Tres Cruces (6.749 m), Barrancas Blancas (6.119 m), El Muerto (6.488 m) and, last but not least, the highest volcano on Earth, Ojos del Salado with its 6.893 m.a.s.l. We marvel with the spectacular view of the mountains that this magnificent geography offers us, and we see very clearly why this area is called “The Roof of the Andes”. We camp on the shores of the magnificent Laguna Verde. We can take an outdoor welcome bath at the warm springs located here.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will go for a wonderful trekking along the shore of Laguna Verde. This gives us the opportunity to enjoy the fascinating nature of the area. This trekking is a very important step in our acclimatization program for the high altitude activities coming ahead.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our objective today is to climb the first 6.000 m summit of our expedition. We will drive (for approx. 40 minutes) in the darkness to the starting point (located at approx. 4.700 m) of our climb to the summit of the San Francisco mountain. With good weather conditions, we will achieve the summit in approximately 6-8 hours. From the top, we enjoy an amazing view over the roof of the Andes, here we have a fantastic view of the huge Incahuasi Volcano with an altitude of 6.621 meters. After enjoying the summit we then start our descent (approx. 4 hours) and then return to our camp at Laguna Verde.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day at leisure and preparation for the climb of the Ojos del Salado.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we relocate our camp above 5.000 meters. The dirt road is complicated, drivers and vehicles will be tested. After driving for approximately 3 hours, we reach our destination. From this point, the view of the altiplano is really impressive, the mighty Ojos del Salado is right in front of us. It is almost impossible not to look up and see the top, and on a clear day we are able to see part of the ascent route. We start to feel nervous, because we know the Summit is slowly getting closer.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The climb to the Tejos Refuge today (5.825 m) is done for two reasons; one to carry the equipment that we will use at the refuge, and two, it is also a very important process for our acclimatization. After breakfast, we will divide and distribute the equipment to be carried among the participants of the expedition: food, gas cookers, gas tanks, water bottles, etc. At a slow pase, in approximately 4 hours, we arrive at the Atacama container which will be our refuge at this stage. But as it should be in mountaineering, our objective today is the walk itself, and not the end of the walk. The route offers a really dramatic mountain experience, a great natural wonder. Photographers will be able to get wonderful shots. After leaving our loads at the refuge and taking a good rest, we walk back down to our base camp.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we take the same route to climb up to the Tejos Refuge where we will find the equipment that we carried up the day before. It feels so good to climb just carrying a light back pack, and be able to save energy for the climb planned for the next day. When we arrive at the refuge, we take a seat, eat, drink a lot of water and try to sleep a bit before departure time long before dawn to reach the summit of the highest volcano on Earth.
Accommodation: Camp / Refuge (according to availability)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning using our headlamps we leave the container refuge and start our ascent following a narrow track. After approximately 2-3 hours the angle of the slope increases drastically and we ascend using a zigzag path until we arrive at the volcano´s glacier that we cross (approx. 6.450 m). This is a great physical and exhausting challenge, not only because of the altitude, but also because the scree, rocks and volcanic ash complicates our progress. But this effort will soon be rewarded, because we reach the crater edge and from here are able to see the summit of the mountain. It seems close enough to touch, but it will take us approx. 90 minutes to get there. From this point, we continue our path walking along the edge of the crater that finally leads to a small rock couloir (rock fan), from here we follow it up until we reach the gap in between the double summit rock block. At this stage, our steps are shorter and our breathing stops are more frequent. We are close to the summit, about 40mt left to go, a short semi-technical rock climb and the crossing of a rock bridge, with the help of fixed rope gets us to the highest point, (it is normal to have windy conditions). We made it! Exhausted, but happy, we write our names in the summit log book. The view of the Chilean and Argentinian plateaus, and the neighbouring giant mountains is really impressive and will be unforgettable. After this we start our climb down to base camp (total time: 10-12 hours).
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is a security day. If, due to extreme weather conditions or any other reason it is not possible to attempt the summit the day before, this is the day to try it again.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we take down and pack up all our camping equipment and tents. We will go on an impressive trip (from 7-8 hours) all the way from 5.000 m down to the Pacific coast. We will take the first hot bath after many days of camping at the hotel located at the beautiful and small bay of Caldera/Bahía Inglesa. We will enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After having breakfast, drive to the airport. END OF SERVICES.
Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast
Season 2026/2027
Scheduled dates with guaranteed departure for groups of 5 or more.
CODE | START | END | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
E01FD1 | 08.11.26 | 21.11.26 | Space available |
E01FD2 | 27.12.26 | 09.01.27 | Space available |
E01FD3 | 24.01.27 | 08.02.27 | Space available |
E01FD4 | 14.02.27 | 27.02.27 | Space available |
E01FD5 | 07.03.27 | 20.03.27 | Space available |
Expedition Services
Included services
Not included
Expedition Prices
The price depends on the number of participants, and they are based on a double room/tent.
5 - 7 participants | 3.150 USD/Person |
8 - 10 participants | 2.930 USD/Person |
11 - 12 participants | 2.750 USD/Person |
Additional expenses
Single Room / Tent Supplement * 150 USD
* The extra charge for single room & tent will be done at the moment of making a reservation for the single room. If there is no other person found for sharing a room at the moment of making the reservation of a double room, we will charge half of the extra charge.
Small Group Surcharge
If the size of the group is smaller than the minimum number of participants (5 people), a small group fee will be charged. All this depends on the final number of participants.
Expedition Impressions
Question & Answers
Technical clothing
Expedition jacket, Breathable windbreaker (Goretex, Windstopper or similar), Polartec or fleece jacket, Medium weight polartec fleece, Thermal underware (it is very important it is breathable, no cotton, or similar), Breathable windbreaker mountain trousers (Goretex or similar), Trekking trousers, Thermal expedition socks.
Head & Hands
Sun hat, woolen hat or similar, Synthetic hat with ear protection, Ski mask (balaclava) or mask, First layer thin gloves, Trekking gloves (Goretex, Windstopper or similar), Goose down or synthetic expedition mittens
Sleeping gear
Goose down or synthetic expedition sleeping bag (comfort zone -20ºC) with compression bag, Expedition mattress (Therm-a-Rest type or similar).
Shoes
High mountain expedition boots with inner boot and adequate for using with crampons, Light trainers and sandals or similar to wear at camp, Water proof hiking gaiters
Technical Equipment
Crampons, Telescopic trekking poles, Harness, 2 Climbing carabiners, Helmet
Additional Equipment
Sun glasses with 100% UV protection, Skiing goggles, Wide mouth water bottle, Thermos, Sun block factor 30+, Lip sun protector factor 30+, Pocket knife, Watch with alarm, Personal first aid kit, Expedition Duffel Bag, Head lamp with batteries & extra batteries, Back pack 30L +, Back pack 70L +, Swimwear, Towel
To guarantee maximum security, all along the expedition we always take with us oxygen, satellite phone, VHF radios and medicine for emergencies.
Besides this, we strongly recommend every participant to hire a Foreign Health insurance and an Accident insurance for South America.
We know that reaching the top of a mountain is the dream of every mountaineer. This is the reason why we make our best effort to make a successful ascent possible. Due to our wide experience on climbing high mountains, we normally succeed.
However, it is not possible for us to guarantee reaching the summit of any mountain, and we will never put our health at risk trying to achieve the goal. The security of our clients, our mountain guides and the whole expedition team is our highest priority!
The world's highest volcano is not technically demanding, yet it places significant physical demands on any high-altitude mountaineer, making it a magnificent challenge from a mountaineering perspective.
The excellent acclimatization phase of this responsibly designed program, combined with the SPONDYLUS team's extensive experience in the region, should guarantee the success of this wonderful and unique expedition.
Testimonials
“
Queremos destacar la gran profesionalidad de la agencia, el cuidado por los detalles, la logística impecable y el trato cercano y humano durante toda la expedición. En un entorno tan exigente como la alta montaña, se agradece enormemente la sensación constante de seguridad y confianza.
Mención especial merece nuestro guía de montaña, Eduardo, cuyo conocimiento, experiencia y buen criterio fueron clave para el éxito de la expedición. Siempre atento al grupo, cercano, motivador y con una gran capacidad para tomar decisiones acertadas en cada momento.
Aitor, Urko & Ander
País Vasco
“
Vielen Dank für eine tolle Reise und ein unvergessliches Erlebnis. Als mein Vater und ich uns das erste Mal bei Hans meldeten mit der Idee als Vater-Sohn Projekt auf den Ojos del Salado zu gehen hast du uns sofort an die Hand genommen. Dass wir dann auch noch zusammen die wunderschöne Natur an den diversen Salzseen bestaunen konnten und auch noch zwei Gipfel zusammen machen konnten, war ein absolut tolles Erlebnis. Leider hat es nicht ganz gereicht, dass wir beide auf den Gipfel des Ojos gestanden sind aber es ist eine 50% Quote die sich wie 100% anfühlt.
Hubert & Maximilian Obereder
Österreich
“
Ihr habt alles perfekt geplant und durchgeführt.
Mit Eduardo und Jean-Marie hast Du mir zwei sehr erfahrene und liebenswerte Bergführer ausgesucht. Wir gingen los als Guide und Kunde und kamen zurück als wahre Freunde.
Die Eindrücke, die ich in diesen 3 Wochen an der Küste, in der Wüste und auf den Bergen gewonnen habe, waren sehr beeindruckend. Ich habe Chile kennen und lieben gelernt. Dass ich den Gipfel auch noch mit Bike und das in Rekordzeit erreicht habe, war natürlich das Sahnehäubchen.
Peter Schaft
Deutschland
Preparing for your ascent
of the World's Highest Volcano.
Rising 6,893 meters above sea level, Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano on Earth. It is counted among both the “Seven Second Summits” and the “Seven Volcanic Summits.” Beyond these distinctions, the volcano offers a magnificent challenge for any high-altitude mountaineer, set amidst the unique and fascinating landscape of the high-altitude Atacama Desert.
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