PARINACOTA – 6.342 M
The most beautiful Volcano on Earth
Code
E07
Region
Andean High Plateau, Far North of Chile
Duration
13 Days
Prices
From 2.490 USD
Next trip
16.09.2025
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General
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Dates
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Prices
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Services
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Itinerary
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Personal equipment
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Security
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Gallery
Introduction
In the extreme North of Chile, in the border triangle between Chile, Peru & Bolivia, the Lauca National Park is located. It is one of the most beautiful natural reserves in South America. In this unique ecosystem, Parinacota a majestic and fantastic volcano rises, dominating the landscape with its 6.342 metres. From its slopes, those who try to climb it get an unforgettable view of the intense blue colour of Lake Chungará, and the infinite extension of the high plateau in the heart of the Andes. Without a doubt, this region is one of the greatest natural treasures of Chile. Climbing Parinacota requires experience in the use of crampons, but it does not offer big technical difficulties. Besides having a good physical condition and a very strong will, the thirst of adventure is a prior requirement for a safe and unique mountain experience on the volcano which might be the most beautiful on Earth.
Highlights
- Fantastic camps in the Andean high altitude mountain landscape of the North of Chile.
- Unforgettable acclimatization hikes in the surroundings of the Huasco & Surire Salt FLats.
- Exploration of the fabulous Lauca National Park.
- Observation of the unique flora & fauna of the Andean high plateau.
- Ascent to the summit Cerro Rojo (5.340 m) before climbing the Parinacota Volcano.
- Visit of Lake Chungará, one of the highest in the world.
- Optimal acclimatization and maximum security thanks to the extra safety and rest days.
- Ascent to the summit of Parinacota (6.342 m).
- End of the expedition in the attractive port city of Arica, the northernmost city of Chile.
Level of difficulty
Header | For everybody | Medium | Difficult | For experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Physical Level | Cell | Cell | Cell | |
Technical level | Cell | Cell | Cell |
Season
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell |
We offer this expedition on FIXED DATES, but also as PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS.
Fixed dates - Season 2025/2026
The participants can make reservations freely for fixed date expeditions. SPONDYLUS will define the starting / ending dates of each expedition.
Minimum number of participants: 5 persons
Maximum number of participants: 12 persons
If there are less than 5 participants in the group, there will be a small group extra charge.
Code | Start | End | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
E07FD1 | 16.09.25 | 28.09.25 | Space available |
E07FD2 | 09.11.25 | 21.11.25 | Space available |
Private Expeditions
The dates for private expeditions are requested by the participants. In general it is not possible to add external persons to the group. If required, the itinerary can be adapted to the group´s needs and priorities.
Prices
The price depends on the number of participants, and they are based on a double room/tent.
5-7 participants | 2.870 USD/Person |
8-10 participants | 2.670 USD/Person |
11-12 participants | 2.490 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 persons), a small group fee will be charged. All this depends on the final number of participants.
Included services
- 4* Hotel in Arica on DAY 12 of the itinerary (in double room)
- Fully equipped camps (expedition tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, etc ...). The dining tent is equipped with tables and chairs. For sleeping, quality triple expedition tents are used for two people, and double tents are used for a single person.
- Catering is offered as mentioned in the itinerary. Food is carefully selected and prepared for all meals. The special conditions and the energy requirements for a high altitude expedition are always taken into consideration at the moment of preparing the meals. Drinking water and hot drinks are available at the camp all the time.
- Private transportation in all vehicle transfers according to itinerary
- Experienced, bilingual mountain guides (Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, according to availability). The number of guides on every expedition is provided according to the number of participants: 1 mountain guide or an assistant / 3 participants.
- Security and emergency equipment: radios, satellite phones, oxygen, first aid kit
- Acquisition of all necessary permits
- All entrances, park fees, etc. according to the itinerary
Not included
- Arrival Iquique & Departure Arica
- Services in Santiago. We will be very pleased to organize for you: shuttles, accommodation, city tours, etc. Please contact us if required.
- Eventual extra permit fees (at the moment, no extra permit fees are charged for climbing the mountains included in this program. If this situation changes, the participants will be informed and will have to cover the fee).
- Drinks at restaurants and refuge
- Porters
- Tips
- Personal international health and accident insurance
- Personal equipment (look at the recommended list of equipment)
- Any other service not included in the program
Itinerary
DAY 1: IQUIQUE (IN) – TAMBILLO (3.000 M)
On the flight from Santiago to Iquique, we will see the wild Pacific Coast and the Andes Range passing under our sight. The SPONDYLUS expedition team will be waiting for us in Iquique, historical coastal city and old capital of the salt peter industry. We will leave the Pacific coast and drive across the Coastal Mountain Range to get to Humberstone, an old mining town which was abandoned in 1960. We will walk around the streets and buildings of this ghost town. Today it is a National Monument and in 2005 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will continue going to the East arriving at the quaint village of Pica, always travelling towards the Andes mountain range. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our camping area at an altitude of approx. 3000 m.a.s.l., where we will spend our first night under the clearest and most spectacular star studded sky in the whole world.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: TAMBILLO – HUASCO SALT FLAT (3.800 M)
After having breakfast, we will pack our camp and continue with our trip. The landscape grows more spectacular, and after approx. 2 hours, we will get to the altiplano or Andean high plateau. The view over the fantastic Huasco Salt Flat is impressive, a hidden scenic treasure located within the altiplano. The white salt flat is decorated by the view of several mountains in the background, some of which are above 5.000 metres altitude. We will set our camp right on the edge of the salt flat. Later, we will go on a hike to enjoy the incomparable landscape. If we are a little are lucky, we will be able to see flamingos and vicunas in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: HUASCO SALT FLAT – CANCOSA (4.100 M)
Today we will keep on travelling due North. After approx. 2 hours driving, we will get to Cancosa, an altiplano village on the border with Bolivia. The inhabitants belong to the Aymara people, and they still live entirely dedicated to the production of quinoa, and to their llama & alpaca herds, just like their ancestors did. We will stay in a simple accommodation that belongs to a local family. After lunch, we will walk around the village and enjoy some thermal baths.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: CANCOSA – TORONI HIGH PASS (5.090 M) – DIAMANTE LAGOON (3.850 M)
After breakfast, we will say good bye to our kind hosts. We will get into the vehicles to continue with the trip. We will have our back packs with us, because we will go on one of the hikes in the program. After reaching the altitude of Toroni High Pass at 5.090 metres, we will leave the vehicles behind, and will walk down the valley that will take us straight to the heart of the landscape that stretches out in front of us. If we are lucky, we will be able to see the majestic flight of a condor along our hike of about 6 hours, before arriving to our camp on the shores of the beautiful Diamante Lagoon.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5:DIAMANTE LAGOON – SURIRE SALT FLAT (4.265 M) – CAMP CERRO ROJO (4.530 M)
We will continue along the Chile – Bolivia border line. After driving for approx. 90 minutes, we will see the majestic Isluga Volcano. Its fumarole at the top indicates us, the direction to get to the Surire Salt Flat Natural Monument. The heart of this park is a luminous salt lake in the middle of a huge high mountain desert plateau at an altitude of 4.250 metres. This ecosystem is the habitat of numerous birds that are very easy to observe. Three kinds of flamingos can be seen feeding on the shore of the lake. Andean gulls, coots and ducks populate the lagoons, and running at great speed we will be able to see a rhea, that is called “Suri” in this area. We will continue to the foot of Cerro Rojo. This will be the place of our Base Camp that will shelter us for the next three nights. The view over the salt lake is really impressive.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: CLIMB OF CERRO ROJO (5.340 M)
Today, we will start our trek directly from our camp and climb towards the summit of this beautiful volcanic edifice. The route takes us through a Queñoa forest of unusual beauty. There is no other tree in the world that grows at such altitude. But soon, the terrain and the altitude will not allow any vegetation to grow, and the slope gets steeper. We will get to an excellent view point on a rocky edge, here we are half way to the summit. Approx. 2 hours later, we will get to the summit after passing by an area between huge rock blocks that facilitate the climb. After achieving our goal, we will feel that we are on the roof of the Andes. The view extends over countless snowed tops, and in the distance we see the 6.000 m. mountains and volcanos near the border. The descent on volcanic sand could not possibly be more pleasant, and soon after this we will be enjoying a hot cup of coffee at the group dinning tent of our Base Camp. (Total time: 6-7 h)
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: CERRO ROJO BASE CAMP (4.530 M) / LEISURE DAY
After the efforts of the previous days, today we will take it easy. The beautiful surroundings invite us to do short hikes, and we will have the possibility to take a bath in the natural pool of the Polloquere hot springs. The recovery will do us good, and it will play an important role in an adequate and responsible acclimatization of our bodies. During our stay at the Base Camp we will be offered a delicious breakfast and dinner, as well as a light lunch. We will also have water, tea and cold drinks which are available all the time in the group’s tent to guarantee an adequate hydration.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8: CERRO ROJO BASE CAMP (4.530 M) – PARINACOTA BASE CAMP (4.500 M)
The Surire Salt Flat connects to Las Vicuñas National Reserve and continuing to the North there is the Lauca National Park which has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Almost one third of the Chilean bird species can be found here. There are lots of possibilities to see alpacas, vicunas, guanacos and even a rhea, the big flightless bird that looks like an ostrich and lives in this habitat. We will arrive at a col near the Northern flank of the Guallatiri Volcano (6.060 m) and arriving at Churiguaya (4.600 m). From here we will do an easy hike of approximately 2 hours going downhill with the view of Lake Chungará and the volcanos Parinacota (6.342 m), Pomerape (6.282 m) & Sajama (6.520 m). We will get to the shore of Lake Chungará near the border with Bolivia. This lake with a deep blue color, located at 4.538 m.a.s.l., is one of the highest in the world. We will arrive at our camp site located near the Cotacotani Lagoons, here we will start the next day the ascent of Parinacota Volcano.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: BASE CAMP (4.500 M) – HIGH CAMP (5.300 M) – BASE CAMP (4.500 M)
Today we will carry the equipment to the High Camp located at approx. at 5.300 m. After this, we will return to our Base Camp to spend the night. This procedure will help us to distribute the load (personal equipment, required food, cookers, gasoline, etc.) in two porting days. However, today’s excursion is extremely helpful in terms of acclimatization. This is another very important step to a gradual preparation of our bodies for the high altitude of the following days.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: BASE CAMP (4.500 M) – HIGH CAMP (5.300 M)
After enjoying the comfort of Base Camp, we have breakfast and check our equipment for the last time. We say good bye and start the ascent. There is no way back now. Our objective is the summit. The area where we will walk today is not new to us, because we walked along it during the porting we did the previous day. At almost 5.300 m., we will enjoy the afternoon hours and the sunset with an incomparable view of Lake Chungará. We will get ready to spend the night here. We have great expectations here, but the excellent acclimatization of the whole group will give us the confidence that we will reach our goal.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: HIGH CAMP (5.300 M) - PARINACOTA SUMMIT (6.342 M) – BASE CAMP (4.500 M)
SUMMIT DAY! Around 4:00 a.m., we leave our tents, remember it will be dark. A slow but constant pace is the key for success. Due to the extreme cold in the hours before sunrise, it is not possible to take long rests. Depending on the conditions and the weather, the ascent to the summit takes between 6 to 8 hours. We will not have to overcome major technical difficulties, but depending on the season there might be fields of penitents that will make the walk difficult. At the highest point on the edge of the crater, our effort is rewarded by a unique landscape. The weather conditions as well as the physical condition of the group will determine the duration of our stay at the summit. After this, it will take us between 3 to 4 hours on the same route to get back to the High Camp, and from here back down to Base Camp. Here we will have the opportunity to make a toast for the success of reaching the summit. The tension of the previous days goes away, and the joy and relief of what we have achieved and lived determines our emotions. All of us rejoice, remembering the moments lived together and feeling a satisfaction. We did it! The summit of what probably is the most beautiful volcano on Earth!
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: BASE CAMP (4.500 M) - ARICA
Today we say good bye to the Andes before going back down to the sea. We will go down the gorges along the sinuous road until we get to the coastal city of Arica. The last part of this interesting journey (approx. 5 hours) will take us to the fertile Valley of Lluta. Arica is known as the "City of the Eternal Spring" due to its privileged climate. It is also a cultural melting pot in the border triangle between Chile, Peru & Bolivia. From a historical point of view, the Chinchorro culture that settled here thousands of years ago is of particular importance. The city also played a key role in the War of the Pacific at the end of the XIX century, at that time still under the Peruvian flag, without forgetting the fact this is one of the most important port cities of Chile. We will end our day here eating at a typical restaurant, and we will say good bye to the expedition team.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13: ARICA (OUT)
After breakfast, we will be driven to the airport. END OF SERVICES.
Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended equipment
Technical clothing
Expedition down 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, 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
Trekking boots, 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 gaiters
Technical Equipment
Crampons, Telescopic trekking poles, Harness, 2 Climbing carabiners, Light Ice Axe
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 70L +, Back Pack 30L+, Swimwear, Towel
Security
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!
