DETAILED ITINERARY TO OJOS DEL SALADO:
Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world and the second-highest peak in the Americas, featuring impressive glaciers and extreme high-altitude conditions. This guided expedition to Ojos del Salado combines physical challenge, professional logistics, and unparalleled views of the Andes Mountain Range. It is ideal for experienced mountaineers seeking a demanding yet safe ascent.
The adventure can be combined with other classic expeditions in the region, such as the Aconcagua Normal Route , Aconcagua 360° Route , and San Francisco Volcano , allowing for a complete high-altitude mountaineering program that optimizes acclimatization and overall high-altitude experience.
The journey to Ojos del Salado requires careful planning, including progressive acclimatization, technical mountaineering equipment, and the support of expert guides. During the ascent, participants will experience unique landscapes, including glaciers, volcanic craters, and panoramic views of the Andes Mountain Range. The recommended season for the expedition is between November and March, when snow and weather conditions are more stable.
More information: www.wikipedia.com/Ojos_del_Salado
DAY 01 – LA RIOJA / FIAMBALÁ
Meeting in La Rioja and transfer to Fiambalá, then Hotel Cortaderas.
Overnight: Hotel Cortaderas
Altitude: 515 → 3,300 m
DAY 02 – CERRO FALSO MOROCHO
Transfer to La Gruta – Cerro Falso Morocho – return to hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Cortaderas
Altitude: 4,837 m
DAY 03 – FIAMBALÁ
Active rest day at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Cortaderas
Altitude: 3,300 m
DAY 04 – SAN FRANCISCO VOLCANO
Transfer to Paso San Francisco – ascent of San Francisco Volcano – return.
Overnight: Hotel Cortaderas
Altitude: 6,016 m
DAY 05 – FIAMBALÁ
Active rest day at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Cortaderas
Altitude: 3,300 m
DAY 06 – PASO SAN FRANCISCO / LAGUNA VERDE
Transfer to Paso San Francisco and Chilean customs – Laguna Verde Camp.
Overnight: Laguna Verde Camp
Altitude: 4,350 m
DAY 07 – REFUGIO ATACAMA / TEJOS
4×4 ascent to Refugio Atacama and/or Tejos (depending on terrain and snow conditions).
Overnight: Refugio Atacama or Tejos
Altitude: 5,250 – 5,800 m
DAY 08 – HIGH CAMP
Rest day.
Overnight: —
Altitude: 5,250 / 5,800 m
DAY 09 – OJOS DEL SALADO SUMMIT
Refugio Tejos – Ojos del Salado Summit – return to Tejos and descent to hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Cortaderas
Altitude: 6,893 → 3,300 m
DAY 10 – FIAMBALÁ / LA RIOJA
Return to La Rioja and airport – end of services.
Overnight: —
Altitude: 515 m
DAYS 11–12 – CONTINGENCY DAYS
Extra days reserved for weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Summary
Maximum altitude: 6,893 m.
Location: Andes Mountain Range, border between Chile (Atacama) and Argentina (Catamarca)
Mountain type: Inactive stratovolcano
Route type: High-altitude trekking and non-technical volcanic ascent
Technical difficulty: Moderate (long summit day, no technical climbing)
Glacier travel: No
Climate: Extremely arid, cold nights, strong winds
Unique features: Highest volcano in the world and highest crater lake on Earth (6,390–6,500 m); high-altitude desert landscapes and remote Andean scenery
Acclimatization style: Progressive, with multiple hikes above 4,500 m
Summit: Two rocky summits – Chilean summit and Argentine summit
Summit day: Long and demanding (≈7 hours ascent)
Crowds: Very low
Commitment level: Moderate
Typical duration: 12 days
Best for: First 6,000 m experience or acclimatization objective
Climbing season: October – April
First ascent: 1937 – Jan Alfred Szczepański and Justyn Wojsznis (Poland)
Volcanic activity: No historical eruptions; steam emissions recorded in 1993 More information: www.wikipedia.com/Ojos_del_Salado