you can be consulted:
Dmytro Horbatov
The expedition to Aconcagua and is a unique opportunity to climb the highest peak in all of America (the Seven Peaks program) and the highest volcano in the world in one trip. Two almost seven-thousanders in two distant countries!
In addition to the iconic climbs, we will have a lot of delicious food - both in Argentina and Chile. And in Argentina it will be, first of all, steaks, and in Chile we will taste seafood.
We will contemplate incredible and unusual landscapes - the red earth of Aconcagua, salt marshes and salt baths near Ojos, the Atacama Desert - the driest place on the planet!
We understand that not everyone will have time to visit both peaks in one trip, so we have separate tours:
If you decided to do it separate - it will be twice as expensive in terms of total costs.
The program is optimally designed in terms of acclimatization, saving time, and enjoyment of the view.
Don't miss the opportunity to get the most out of an expedition to the other side of the world!
Our route provides for high-quality acclimatization of the participants, with ascents and descents, and comfortable rest. So that by the final exit you are both adapted to the altitude and full of energy for a difficult climb!
We will climb the highest volcano in the world - Ojos del Salado (6893 m), and the highest point in the Americas - Aconcagua (6962 m). Of course, if the participant's training and weather permit.
The program is combined in such a way as not to spend extra days on additional transfers, but at the same time, not to rush during acclimatization, and to have enough time to enjoy the wonders of the Atacama region
It's expensive (from $100 per day), but it allows us to eat delicious and high-quality food, which means we gain strength. Local chefs prepare pasta, pizza, salads, steaks, poultry for us - you won't want to come down from the mountain!
Two reserve days in case of bad weather. But most often they are not used
Personal and group equipment will be delivered to the base camp of Plaza de Mulas by mules
The consultant has personally been to the Aconcagua peak and will advise you with knowledge of the matter
Experienced teamleaders of the Kuluar Club, who have been to the Andes many times, will accompany the participants throughout the program.
Over the course of the club's work, we have developed an algorithm that allows us to organize programs with the highest quality. You can see for yourself by applying for participation.
More than 24,000 participants have already gone with Kuluar and 97.8% were satisfied. We are sure you will be too!
Copaípo greets us with the heat and scent of the desert. It is a small mining town north of Santiago, and this is where most expeditions to Ojos del Salado begin. We check in and rest after our journey. In the evening, we gather around the table – the team leader introduces the group and tells us what lies ahead: two climbs, two very different landscapes.
A full day of preparations: we check our kit, stock up on food and water for the entire route (there are no petrol stations or shops on the road to Ojos) and pack everything into the jeeps.
We set off in the morning and drive for several hours along rough tracks into the heart of the Atacama. The landscape changes gradually – from arid foothills to the open altiplano. Laguna Santa Rosa greets us with its pink waters and flocks of flamingos (if we’re lucky). We set up camp and go for a gentle acclimatisation walk – our first night at altitude.
Distance: approx. 3–4 km, elevation gain: +100 / –100 m, walking time: approx. 1–2 hours
Siete Hermanos translates as ‘Seven Brothers’ – seven volcanic cones have merged so closely together that they form a single peak. We set off radially from camp: first a traverse up the slope, then onto the ridge. The ascent takes several hours. From the top, we have a clear view of the lagoon below and the first outlines of Ojos on the horizon – that’s where we’ll be heading in a few days.
Distance: approx. 10–12 km, elevation gain/loss: +1100 / −1100 m, walking time: approx. 7–8 hours.
Laguna Verde is one of the most beautiful spots on the route. Emerald-green salt water, volcanoes all around, and thermal springs by the shore. We drive on, set up camp and treat ourselves to some proper relaxation – a swim in the natural pools with water at 30°C after our first acclimatisation hike
Distance: approx. 2–3 km, elevation gain: +150 / –150 m, walking time: approx. 1–2 hours.
We drive up in jeeps to the San Francisco Pass (4,726 m) – the international border between Chile and Argentina. Next, we hike to the summit of the stratovolcano (6,018 m). This is the first six-thousander on the itinerary and an important acclimatisation milestone before the Ojos. The ascent is not technically difficult, but the altitude is already making itself felt. After the descent, we return to camp at Laguna Verde.
Distance: approx. 8–9 km, elevation gain: +1200 / −1200 m, walking time: approx. 7–9 hours.
Between two intense sections, there’s a proper break. We’re in no hurry. We eat, sleep and soak in the thermal springs. It is here that the body ‘processes’ the altitude gained and prepares for the next stage.
We pass through the Atacama base camp (5,200 m) and drive up by jeep to the Tejos refuge – our advance base. After settling in, we set out to acclimatise along the route of the upcoming ascent: we gain altitude to 6,300 m and return. For the first time, we see the entire route to the summit. We spend the night at 5,825 m.
Distance: approx. 10–12 km, elevation gain: +570 / −570 m, walking time: approx. 2–4 hours.
We head down to the Atacama base camp (5,200 m) – this follows the classic ‘climb high, sleep low’ approach. After a night at 5,825 m, the 600-metre descent allows the body to recover much more effectively. We rest, eat well and get ready for tomorrow.
We’re heading back to Techos. We’ll arrive before lunch, have a rest and check our kit. An early dinner and an early night: we’re getting up at 3 or 4 in the morning tomorrow.
We set off in the middle of the night. The route winds its way upwards, then traverses the slope before reaching the crater. The final few metres are rocky terrain, so belaying is essential. And there’s the summit: the highest volcano on the planet, 6,893 metres above sea level. We spend as much time here as the weather allows, taking photos and soaking it all in. Then – the descent, packing up camp and travelling to Copiapó late at night. The first peak of the programme – done!
Distance: approx. 8 km, elevation gain/loss: +1070 / −1070 m, walking time: approx. 10–12 hours.
Set aside as a contingency in case of bad weather. If the climb goes to plan, we’ll have this day to ourselves. Rest, a shower, a good meal, and a celebration. We could even pop down to the coast.
Early morning flight from Copiapó to Santiago – Mendoza. Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capital. We’ll check in and relax. Unforgettable steaks and Malbec are a must.
In the morning – collect your climbing permit from the Aconcagua National Park office (open Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–13:00). The rest of the day is free: explore the town, enjoy some wine, and prepare your kit. Overnight at the hotel.
We drive to the national park entrance, sort out the paperwork (20–30 minutes) and set off on the trail. The trek to Confluencia camp takes 3–4 hours. A completely different landscape unfolds around us – the red earth of Aconcagua, the cliffs and the rugged Andes. This is Argentina now, and it looks completely different.
Distance: approx. 8 km, elevation gain: +640 / –0 m, walking time: approx. 3–4 hours.
A long and eventful trek to base camp – 6–8 hours through the picturesque Horcones River valley. The main load is carried by mules, so the rucksacks are light. Plaza de Mulas is a bustling camp with showers, a medical centre and even a small shop.
Distance: approx. 18 km, elevation gain: +1090 / –100 m, walking time: approx. 6–8 hours.
A day for acclimatisation and recovery. The camp doctor will measure oxygen levels and check how everyone is feeling. We recommend a short hike up to 5,000 metres and back. In the evening, we’ll prepare our kit for the trek to the high-altitude camps.
Distance: approx. 5 km, elevation gain: +500 / –500 m, walking time: approx. 2–3 hours.
The first high-altitude ascent – we climb up to the "Condor's Nest". Thanks to our excellent acclimatisation from Ojos, this climb is easier for us than for most other groups on the route. At night, an incredible starry sky unfolds.
Distance: approx. 6 km, elevation gain: +1190 / –0 m, walking time: approx. 5–6 hours.
Further up lies the Berlin or Cholera assault camp. We have an early dinner and turn in early: we’re setting off on the assault in the middle of the night.
Distance: approx. 3 km, elevation gain: +500 / –0 m, walking time: approx. 4–5 hours.
We set off between 3 and 5 am, depending on the weather. The ascent takes 8–10 hours: loose scree, strong winds and very thin air. At the summit lies the highest point in South America and the Americas. We take photos, record videos and descend to base camp. If we have the energy, we can head down to Plaza de Mulas today.
Distance: approx. 8 km, elevation gain: +1010 / –1010 m, walking time: approx. 12–14 hours.
We pack up camp and head down to Plaza de Mulas – if we spent the night in Berlin yesterday. If, however, we were unable to make the descent yesterday, today we leave the national park and head to Puente del Inca (≈25 km, mostly downhill; the mules will carry the luggage). We take a transfer to Mendoza, where a well-deserved shower and a festive dinner await us.
Distance: approx. 25 km, elevation gain: +0 / –3,190 m, walking time: approx. 7–8 hours.
In the event of bad weather, this day may be used as a reserve day.
If everything went to plan, you’ll have some free time in Mendoza. The city is perfect for a break: wine, steaks, spas, and tours of wineries.
We hope the whole team has managed to add both Ojos del Salado and Aconcagua to their list of conquered peaks. After an expedition like this – the only way is up!
And if you're heading to the mountains, go with KULUAR!
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the teamleader has the right to make changes to the route.
No visa is required for Argentina and Chile. Upon arrival, you will be stamped in your passport. To climb Aconcagua, you need a permit, its registration requires personal presence, it is issued in Mendoza on the first day.
To participate in the trek, you must not have any diseases incompatible with active tourism: the list is here.
Climbing Aconcagua opens up many peaks for you. We recommend:
We have prepared commemorative medals for you, which you will receive after the climb!
In Aconcagua:
In the cities, we eat in cafes (not included in the price), tasting the famous Argentine steaks and washing them down with the equally famous Malbec. It will cost about $30 per day to eat, depending on your appetite. Vegetarians shouldn't worry either, there is no problem finding delicious food for you.
In the base camps, local chefs cook hearty and tasty meals - a complete meal. Pasta, pizza and even steaks.
When climbing the mountain, we use sublimates and heat water on our own.
While climbing Ochos:
In the cities, there are restaurants and cafes with lots of seafood.
While living in the camps, the team leader prepares the food, and the participants help. We climb in jeeps, so we can buy whatever we want - there is no need to save weight.
There is 3G in the Plaza de Mulas, so we recommend buying a local SIM card in Mendoza or using a virtual SIM card, for example, in the AirAlo app.
There is also paid internet in the base camp, but it costs about $10 per 30 minutes.
You need to buy tickets in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the track.
The consultant will help and advise you on options or give you the contacts of an agent who will buy tickets for you.
To participate in the program, you need insurance that includes helicopter evacuation.
The technical difficulty of the climb is minimal, but the altitude of almost 7000 meters is a sign.
You need to carry your own tents and food to the high-altitude camps (or take a porter).
The day of the climb is not easy for everyone. Don't expect an easy walk, it won't be. Prepare yourself physically and mentally.
The equipment needed to climb Aconcagua can be rented in Mendoza. It is not cheap, but it is in good condition. A set of a down sleeping bag for -15/-20, high-altitude boots, crampons and tops will cost about $300 per program.
The best time to climb Aconcagua and Ochos is in winter - from mid-December to the end of February. It is in the winter months that we plan our programs to the highest peak in South America.
It's really hot in Mendoza, maybe +30 or more.
We also start the track with temperatures of +20...+25, but it will get colder as we gain altitude.
At night in the Plaza de Mulas, temperatures can drop to -5, and at the top to -15...-20.
Climbing Aconcagua requires good physical fitness. It is advisable to start training 3-4 months before the start of the expedition. Run at least 3-4 times a week at a comfortable pace, gradually increasing the duration of your runs. Remember that it is not the speed you run that matters, but the distance you run. You should be comfortable running 10 km before starting the program.
Read more in the article: Physical preparation for hiking in the mountains
Prices are as of 2024/2025, subject to change
During the ascent to Ochos, we rent jeeps, at the rate of one car for 3-4 participants. The car will be driven by the team leader Kuluar or one of the experienced participants.
The cost depends on the number of participants:
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 4 and more | $7900 |
| 3 | $8600 |
| 2 | $9900 |
*Please note: it is not the responsibility of the consultant to select a separate flight for each participant. The consultant gives general recommendations based on his experience and shares the flights of other participants so that you can fly together. The participant is responsible for selecting and purchasing a convenient flight ticket. If you want the consultant to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, please read the terms and conditions on the Additional Services page.
Full payment for the program is made to the guide on the first day of the trip in dollars.
To reserve a place in the group, you need to make a deposit of $800. The details will be sent to you by the consultant.
Friends! We kindly ask you to choose dollar bills issued in 2003 and newer. Dollars of the 90s are not accepted in many countries, and we sometimes have problems with payments with local partners. Thank you for your understanding and happy new dollars :)
Important! Terms of prepayment refund in case of refusal to participate in the program:
In case of abandonment of the route, the cost is not transferred.