Ojos - Trekking / Expedition
SummitClimb Ojos del Salado:
✪ Highest volcano on Earth (6,893 m)
✪ Carefully designed high-altitude acclimatization
✪ Full set up with Starlink, chef and best structure in the region
✪ 4WD-supported expedition with international guides
Overview
Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano on Earth and the second-highest peak in the Andes, standing at 6,893 meters on the Chile–Argentina border. While less visited than Aconcagua, it presents a unique challenge: extreme altitude, cold summit conditions, and the psychological impact of its remote desert location. Although 4WD access reaches up to 5,800 meters, this requires a well-designed acclimatization program to ensure success.
Our 14-day expedition includes multiple climbs over 6,000 meters and is led by experienced high-altitude guides. Since 2012, we’ve organized more than 20 expeditions to this region. For 2026/27, we offer new group dates starting and ending in Copiapó, Chile, supported by full logistics and an international team.
Ojos del Salado
Ojos del Salado is located in the Chilean Andes and stands as the highest volcano on Earth and the second-highest mountain in South America.
The approach to Ojos is unique: 4WD vehicles can reach altitudes above 5,800 meters, making it one of the most accessible extreme-altitude climbs. But this access comes with a catch - the lack of hiking during approach stages reduces natural acclimatization. To compensate, our program includes multiple acclimatization climbs on nearby peaks over 6,000 meters, such as Nevado San Francisco and Mulas Muertas.
There is no single established "normal route," but most ascents follow a high camp at Tejos (approx. 5,800 m) and a final summit push that includes a steep rocky section near the top. Although not technical, this short scramble requires attention and is often equipped with fixed ropes for safety. Technically, Ojos is considered a trek - but due to the extreme altitude and often frigid summit conditions, it is a serious challenge.
Our itinerary includes multiple acclimatization climbs to improve safety and success, but as with any high mountain, flexibility is key. The final program may be adjusted on-site by the expedition leader depending on weather and group performance.
Itinerary Ojos del Salado (13 Days)
We drive across the Atacama Desert to reach the beautiful Laguna Santa Rosa, where flamingos roam. Accommodation in a rustic hut near the shore of the lagoon.
- Overnight: Mountain hut
- Meals: B/L/D
Our first acclimatization ascent. Depending on the group’s condition, we aim to reach the summit or a high point, returning to the hut in the afternoon
- Overnight: Mountain hut
- Meals: B/L/D
Drive deeper into the Andes to our exclusive basecamp by Laguna Verde. Our private infrastructure includes a dining tent, kitchen, storage tent, Starlink internet, solar power, and even a shower.
- Overnight: Basecamp tent
- Meals: B/L/D
A relaxing day at basecamp to hydrate, recover, and let the altitude effects settle in. A good moment to check gear and enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks.
- Overnight: Basecamp tent
- Meals: B/L/D
A relaxing day at basecamp to hydrate, recover, and let the altitude effects settle in. A good moment to check gear and enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks.
- Overnight: Basecamp tent
- Meals: B/L/D
We drive up to Tejos (around 5,800m) and make a short hike towards 6,000m. This gives us a major acclimatization boost before the summit attempts.
- Overnight: Basecamp tent
- Meals: B/L/D
Time to relax and recover before the main objective. We focus on hydration and nutrition.
- Overnight: Basecamp tent
- Meals: B/L/D
Time to relax and recover before the main objective. We focus on hydration and nutrition.
- Overnight: Basecamp tent
- Meals: B/L/D
Time to relax and recover before the main objective. We focus on hydration and nutrition.
- Overnight: Basecamp tent
- Meals: B/L/D
We return by 4WD to Copiapó for a warm shower, clean bed, and celebratory dinner.
- Overnight: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
We return by 4WD to Copiapó for a warm shower, clean bed, and celebratory dinner.
- Overnight: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
Spare day for weather delays or further rest. If unused, it can be spent relaxing in Copiapó or exploring the region.
- Overnight: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and departure from Copiapó.
- Meals: B
Prepare
While Ojos del Salado is technically a high-altitude trek with no complex climbing, the combination of altitude, cold, and remoteness gives it a strong expedition character. Proper acclimatization, equipment, and logistics are essential - and that’s where our experience makes the difference. Our team has guided dozens of successful climbs in this region and knows exactly how to adapt to changing conditions. After registration, you’ll receive a detailed preparation briefing. We recommend reviewing the participation requirements carefully before signing up. Whether you're an experienced climber seeking a minimalist approach or prefer full-service support, we offer flexible options to help you reach the summit - safely and confidently - as a team.
About Ojos del Salado
✪ Highest volcano on Earth, second-highest peak in South America
✪ Conditions: Extreme altitude, very dry, cold and remote desert environment
Temperatures
✪ On summit day, temperatures can drop to -25ºC / with wind chill down to -35ºC
Gear & Rental
✪ Equipment can be rented in Copiapó. Prior reservation is strongly recommended.
Altitude & Flexibility
This expedition follows a well-established route with 4WD support up to high altitudes. However, despite vehicle access, the summit push is demanding due to the extreme altitude, cold, and isolation. Temperatures on summit day can reach -20°C to -25°C, with strong winds making conditions even harsher. The success of the expedition depends on good preparation, gear, and acclimatization. As always, the top priority of our mountain guides is safety - and our team is trained to adapt the plan to the weather and health of each participant.
Participation requirements
The requirements for a successful ascent of Ojos del Salado are good physical fitness, high endurance, robust health, as well as teamwork and the ability to move independently (hiking) in alpine terrain. Experience at high altitudes above 5,000 m is very helpful and strongly recommended.
Testimonials
From Kilimanjaro to Everest, SummitClimb is your trusted partner for high-altitude expeditions worldwide. And when it comes to the Andes, we rely on true regional expertise. Our Ojos del Salado climbs are led by Máximo Kausch, one of South America's most accomplished high-altitude mountaineers, with over 90 ascents above 6,000 meters and the world record for the most 6,000-meter peaks climbed. All of our expeditions are led by internationally experienced guides. For German-speaking groups, we can provide German-speaking guides (for groups of 3 or more) or even Swiss/German mountain guides (for groups of 8 or more).
Máximo personally leads or oversees the majority of our Ojos del Salado expeditions. Having guided in this region since 2012 and with over 20 successful climbs of Ojos, his unparalleled experience guarantees an optimized itinerary with excellent success and safety rates. The program offers high-end support with professional chefs at basecamp, Starlink internet, a generator, and medical kits with oxygen—ensuring infrastructure that is unmatched in this remote desert region.
If you're looking for one of the most remote, scenic, and well-supported 6,000-meter peaks on Earth, this is the perfect expedition to climb above 6,000 meters.
Costs & Services
Full Service
Full-Service package "all-inclusive" on the mountain - the following services are included:
- Supervision by SummitClimb expedition leader during the ascent
- High-altitude mountain guide (ratio 1 guide per 3 clients)
- Copiapó airport transfers
- 2-3x hoteld B/B in Copiapó as by itinerary
- Meals in Copiapó as by itinerary
- All transportation from/to Copiapó per group itinerary
- Full organization of basecamp and high camp logistics
- Camp equipment: large tents, stoves, gas, pots, tables, and chairs
- Catering (hot meals, drinks, and snacks) at basecamp and high camp
- Starlink internet at basecamp
- Satellite telephone and emergency communications during summit push
- GPS Tracking and SPOT System
- Full medical kit, including oxygen and pulse oximeter
- Daily health monitoring and altitude checks
- Flights to/from Chile
- Personal equipment (however you can rent it)
- Private expenses (e.g., telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
- Additional hotel nights in case of early arrival, extra rest days, or delayed departure
- Travel insurance (Recommended, however rescue insurances are NOT mandatory)
- Meals in Copiapó not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and staff
