Custom Departures |  Starting at $1,700

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Ojos Del Salado: Climb the highest volcano in the world.

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What to Expect

At 22,615 ft / 6,893 m, Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano on Earth and the second-highest mountain in South America. Located in the remote Atacama Desert, this expedition is defined by extreme altitude, isolation, and environmental intensity rather than technical climbing. 

❋ Highest Volcano on Earth

Climb to 22,615 ft on one of the most extreme non-technical high-altitude objectives in the world, where altitude—not technical difficulty—is the primary challenge.

❋ Logistics-Supported Expedition Model

All expedition logistics are coordinated for you, including vehicles, refugios, route planning, and water systems, allowing you to focus entirely on execution and performance at altitude.

❋ 4WD High-Altitude Vehicle Support

Dedicated 4WD vehicle and driver/fixer support enable efficient movement between camps while preserving energy for higher elevations.

❋ Flexible Expedition Style

This is a self-directed, logistics-supported expedition. Climbers maintain autonomy over pacing, acclimatization hikes, and summit attempts, with optional upgrades for guided support.

❋ Structured Acclimatization Strategy

Multiple itinerary options are designed around real expedition experience, ensuring proper adaptation whether arriving pre-acclimatized or starting from baseline.

❋ Pre-Expedition Planning & Support

Receive detailed acclimatization plans, GPX tracks, logistics coordination, and expedition strategy before arrival.

Itinerary Options

  • For climbers arriving already acclimatized

    Duration: ~9–12 days

    • 2 nights Copiapó (arrival + logistics)

    • Progressive ascent via high camps

    • 3 dedicated weather days

    • Summit attempt (22,615 ft)

    • 1 night hotel post-expedition

    On-Mountain Flow:

    • ~12,500 ft — 1 night

    • ~14,200 ft — 2 nights

    • ~17,000 ft — 1 night

    • ~19,200 ft — 1 night

    • Summit push

  • For climbers without recent high-altitude exposure

    Duration: ~18–21 days

    • 2 nights Copiapó

    • Gradual acclimatization progression

    • Optional acclimatization peak (Nevado San Francisco ~19,700 ft)

    • 3 weather days

    • Summit attempt

    On-Mountain Flow:

    • ~8,000 ft — 2 nights

    • ~12,500 ft — 2 nights

    • ~14,200 ft — 5 nights

    • ~17,000 ft — 2 nights

    • ~19,200 ft — 1 night

    • Summit push

  • Duration: ~21–24 days

    • Longer acclimatization at each elevation

    • Increased summit success probability

    On-Mountain Flow:

    • ~8,000 ft — 2 nights

    • ~12,500 ft — 3 nights

    • ~14,200 ft — 6 nights

    • ~17,000 ft — 3 nights

    • ~19,200 ft — 1 night

    • Summit push

Logistics Only Package

Included

This option is designed for climbers who want to lead their own climb while relying on a fully built logistics system on the mountain. This is not a guided expedition.

You maintain full autonomy over pacing, strategy, and decision-making—while all base camp infrastructure, transport, and core support are handled.

  • Pre-expedition planning (acclimatization plan, GPX tracks, strategy)

  • Full expedition logistics coordination

  • 4WD high-altitude vehicle + driver/fixer

  • All mountain transport

  • Refugio accommodations (~14,200 ft, ~17,000 ft, ~19,200 ft)

  • Camping logistics (~12,500 ft; tent required)

  • All meals during expedition

  • All expedition water

  • Weather monitoring and summit planning support

  • First aid kit and medical preparedness

  • Dry toilet system

  • Hotel accommodations in Copiapó (2 pre + 1 post)

  • Permits and local logistics

Not Included

  • International or domestic flights

  • Travel / evacuation insurance (required)

  • Personal gear and equipment

  • Tips for local staff

  • Personal snacks and specialty nutrition

  • Satellite communications (recommended)

  • Emergency evacuation costs

Important — Self-Guided Responsibility

This is a self-guided climb.

You are responsible for:

  • Route decisions

  • Pacing and load carries

  • Camp movement

  • Summit strategy

This option is best suited for climbers with prior high-altitude experience who are comfortable operating independently in an expedition environment.

Guided Ojos Expedition (Custom Pricing)

For climbers who want full support on the mountain, we offer a guided option built on top of the logistics package.

This includes everything in the logistics program, plus:

  • Professional mountain guide(s)

  • Daily pacing and acclimatization strategy

  • Support with load carries and camp movement

  • Ongoing health and altitude monitoring

  • Summit decision-making and execution

Pricing varies based on:

  • Group size

  • Guide ratio

  • Level of support requested

Inquire directly for guided expedition pricing and availability

Start Here

Who This is For

This expedition is designed for experienced endurance athletes and climbers who are ready to operate at extreme altitude in a remote, unsupported environment.

Ojos del Salado is non-technical, but that framing is misleading. The altitude, dryness, wind, and isolation create a serious objective that requires discipline, pacing, and the ability to function above 20,000 ft.

This is a strong fit for climbers coming off Aconcagua, those working toward the Seven Summits or Seven Volcanic Summits, or those with prior high-altitude experience looking for a physically demanding but technically accessible objective.

You do not need advanced technical climbing skills, but you should be comfortable managing effort, making decisions at altitude, and operating without constant external oversight.

This is not a guided, hand-held experience. It is not designed for someone hoping to figure things out on the mountain.

Ojos rewards preparation, patience, and strong internal pacing.

This expedition is a strong fit if you:

  • Have prior experience above 18,000 ft (strongly recommended)

  • Maintain a consistent endurance-based training routine

  • Can move efficiently at altitude over multiple days

  • Are comfortable with self-directed movement and decision-making

  • Can handle extreme dryness, wind, and environmental stress

  • Are preparing for larger objectives (Denali, Everest, etc.)

Prepare First

Fitness & Preparation

Ojos del Salado requires a high-level aerobic base, strong pacing discipline, and the ability to perform in extreme altitude conditions.

Success is determined less by strength and more by efficiency at altitude—your ability to move slowly, recover, and continue functioning as oxygen availability drops.

You should be able to:

  • Sustain 12+ hours of movement on summit day

  • Function effectively above 20,000–22,000 ft

  • Carry a light pack at altitude

  • Maintain output across multiple high camps

  • Move confidently over Class 3–4 terrain, including exposed scrambling

Training should focus on:

  • Aerobic endurance (long-duration efforts)

  • Loaded uphill movement

  • High-altitude exposure (if possible)

  • Lower body strength and durability

  • Pacing discipline and energy management

Summit Push — Final Section

The final section includes a short rock step:

Difficulty: ~5.4–5.6

Length: ~10–15 meters

Altitude: ~22,400 ft

This is technically straightforward but performed at extreme altitude. Fixed lines may be present but are unreliable and should not be trusted for protection.

Wind exposure and conditions on the summit ridge are often the determining factor in success.

We provide detailed pre-trip guidance so you arrive with a clear plan—not guesswork.

FAQ

  • No, but it is not easy.

    Most of the route is non-technical, but the final summit section includes a short exposed rock step (~5.4–5.6) at extreme altitude.

  • Altitude and environment.

    This is one of the highest mountains in the world, located in one of the driest and windiest environments on Earth.

  • Strongly recommended.

    This expedition is best suited for climbers who have already been above 18,000 ft.

  • No.

    This is a logistics-supported, self-directed expedition. You are responsible for your movement on the mountain unless you add a guide.

  • Light pack only.

    Vehicle support allows efficient movement between camps, but you are still responsible for your personal gear during summit pushes.

    • Hotels in Copiapó (pre/post)

    • Basic refugios at higher camps

    • Camping required at ~12,500 ft

  • Extreme and variable.

    • High winds are common

    • Temperatures swing significantly

    • Humidity is near zero

    Wind is the primary factor in summit success.

  • No.

    Weather, altitude, and individual performance determine outcomes.

  • Acclimatization.

    Your starting point (especially if coming off Aconcagua) determines how aggressively you can move through the mountain.

  • Yes.

    High-altitude evacuation insurance is required.

  • "What I love most is the flexibility. I can go at my own speed, enjoy the climb and keep pacing whatever it works for me."

    - Jesse S., Kilimanjaro Client

  • "This has been such a worthwhile investment in myself."

    Former Customer

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