Medical preparation for Ojos del Salado
What to pack in your travel medical kit
Climbing Ojos del Salado—the world’s highest volcano at 6,893 meters—is an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Atacama Desert. Yet, successfully summiting a giant nearly 7,000 meters high demands not only willpower but also meticulous medical preparation. While we at Spondylus Chile ensure maximum safety behind the scenes, the task of optimally supporting your own body lies with you.
Highest safety standards: What SPONDYLUS handles for you
Safety is our top priority on our expeditions. You will never be left on your own at altitude. Our experienced team carries professional safety and emergency equipment on every trip. This includes:
- Medical oxygen for emergencies.
- A comprehensive emergency medical kit for acute altitude-related conditions.
- Satellite phones and VHF radios for constant communication.
In addition, we employ a scientifically grounded acclimatization strategy. Unlike many competitors who forgo high camps for the sake of simplicity and conduct the ascent exclusively from base camp, we deliberately establish multiple high camps. We gradually increase our groups' sleeping altitudes—the key to highly efficient and gentle altitude acclimatization.
Your personal responsibility: the personal travel medical kit
Despite our comprehensive safety plan, we recommend that every participant bring a personal travel medical kit. Everyone’s body reacts differently to extreme altitudes; at such heights, minor ailments like headaches or upset stomachs can jeopardize a successful summit attempt if not treated promptly.
Focus on the following core areas in your medical kit:
- Painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen): Essential at the first signs of altitude-related headaches. Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Gastrointestinal medications: The combination of unfamiliar food, dehydration, and high altitude can easily upset the stomach. Remedies for diarrhea and nausea, as well as electrolyte powder to replenish lost fluids, should be included in your gear.
- Blister and wound care: Blister plasters (e.g., Compeed), medical tape, and disinfectant are invaluable during long treks in expedition boots.
- Altitude-specific medications (e.g., acetazolamide/Diamox): These prescription drugs can aid acclimatization or help treat acute mountain sickness.
Important: You must consult a qualified sports medicine or high-altitude medicine specialist regarding intake and dosage beforehand!
Note on precautions:
Regardless of your travel medical kit, we strongly recommend that all guests take out specialized accident and health insurance for South America that covers rescues at extreme altitudes.
Your personal expedition medical kit (up to 7,000 m)
- Painkillers: Ibuprofen (400 mg / 600 mg) or Paracetamol.
- Altitude sickness: Acetazolamide (Diamox) – only after consulting a doctor.
- Gastrointestinal medication: Vomex (for nausea), Imodium (for diarrhea).
- Electrolytes: At least 10–15 sachets of electrolyte powder for rehydration.
- Blister plasters: Various sizes as well as wide sports tape.
- Sun protection: Lip balm and sunscreen with SPF 30+ or higher.
- Personal long-term medication: Sufficient supply for the entire duration of the expedition.
A carefully tailored personal medical kit is an essential component of your adventure on Ojos del Salado. Behind the scenes, the Spondylus team provides professional emergency medical support, medical oxygen, and satellite phones to ensure a comprehensive safety net. Combined with our responsible acclimatization strategy involving multiple high camps, we create the best possible conditions for realizing your dream of reaching the summit. However, from a medical standpoint, we never take incalculable risks; consequently, we cannot offer an absolute guarantee of reaching the summit. The safety of our guests, our mountain guides, and the entire team is our top priority at all times. With the right medical preparation, you will be well-equipped to safely conquer this magnificent challenge on the world's highest volcano.