Ojos del Salado, 6,893 m, is an extinct Chilean stratovolcano towering over the lifeless Atacama Desert. It is part of the climbing program "Seven Volcanoes" and is the highest volcano in the world. At the same time, it ranks as the highest mountain in Chile and the second highest in South America and the entire Western Hemisphere (after Aconcagua).
Due to the fact that the camp at an altitude of 5200 m can be reached by jeep (and in 2007 even set a record - the Chileans were able to reach the 6688 m mark by car!), volcano Ojos del Salado is considered one of the most accessible and easy six-thousanders. In addition, due to the dry and windy climate of the Atacama Desert, there is almost no snow at the top of the volcano.
Despite the fact that the main movements between camps will be made by jeep and there are no difficult sections on the ascent itself, still do not underestimate the volcano Ojos del Salado, because there is a factor of altitude. We will pay a lot of attention to acclimatization, we will make several radial climbs to other peaks.
Our route provides quality acclimatization, which will allow the body to get used to the altitude, and you - to fully enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Andes.
The program includes 2 reserve days in case of bad weather, which greatly increases the chances of a successful ascent of Ojos del Salado.
We do not cancel or shift groups. If the manager approved the purchase of a ticket, you can surely buy it. The hike will not be canceled due to our fault.
The manager has participated in many climbs and will advise you knowledgeably.
Experienced Kuluar teamleaders will accompany participants throughout the program.
During the work of the club we have developed an algorithm, which allows us to organize the programs of the highest quality. You can see this for yourself by applying for participation.
More than 12,000 participants have already been with Kuluar and 97.8% have been satisfied. We're sure you will, too!
The possibility of substantial savings on equipment, going on a climb with Kuluar.
Copiapo is a town in northern Chile. There are not many sights here, but it has a convenient location for anyone planning to climb the Ojos del Salado. Today we get ready, arrange the necessary documents, and buy more food. In the evening we all go together to the cafe for a general introduction dinner, where teamleader will tell us about the plans for the coming days.
In the morning we take a pre-booked car to the picturesque Santa Rosa Lake. The trip will take 3-4 hours. After setting up camp at the campground and eating lunch, we'll go on an acclimatization walk.
Santa Rosa Lagoon is a large 2-kilometer lake that connects to the huge Maricunga Salt Plain, which covers 145 square kilometers. The Pink Lake gets its name from the thousands of flamingos that live there. You can also sometimes see guanacos here. We must go up to the observation deck, which offers a view of the plain and the surrounding brown hills.
As an acclimatization we will make a radial climb to the summit of Siete Hermanos. In Spanish it means Seven Brothers. The mountain got its name from seven volcanoes that grew so close to each other that they formed one big peak. The trail first runs traverse the slope and then leads us to the ridge. The ascent will take us about 4 hours. We'll spend some time at the top, admire the panoramas around and start descending down.
Today we move to the salty Laguna Verde (Spanish for "Green Lake"). The mountains around the lake are majestic and beautiful. We set up camp and go for an easy walk along the lagoon, whose water is unusually rich in color. If you wish, you can relax in the hot springs near the lake.
Gradually increasing the altitude, preparing your body for the main goal. Today we are going to climb Mulas Muertas summit, 5,910 m, the height of which is just under the 6,000 m. The name of the summit is translated from Spanish as "Dead Mules". This is mostly due to the very unfavorable habitat for living organisms. Here, in the heart of the Atacama Desert, there is almost no moderate weather. It is either too hot or too cold.
The top of Mulas Muertas, like all the other mountains in the area, is a long-extinct volcano. The ascent is not technically challenging. The main challenges you will face today are the altitude and the long ascent. But the reward is stunning panoramic views of the Lagoon and the volcanoes around you, including the towering Ojos del Salado, beyond which the territory of Argentina already extends. After the descent, you can take a relaxing soak in the thermal springs.
In the morning after breakfast we will drive by jeep to the border of Chile and Argentina - San Francisco Pass (4726 m). From there begins the trail that will lead us to the top of the San Francisco Stratovolcano 6018 m. This mountain is considered one of the most accessible six-thousanders, as with proper acclimatization you can climb in half a day and after the descent go straight into civilization.
In the evening we return to Laguna Verde camp.
Today we have to go to Ojos del Salado base camp. We will go there by jeep. The base camp is a large flat area at an altitude of 5,200 meters. It has a tin container that is used as a communal kitchen; it is a good place to shelter from the wind to cook and eat. There is also an emergency shelter for 4-5 people. We set up our own tent camp. In the afternoon you can walk around the camp, or devote the rest of the day to lazy relaxation.
Refuge Refugio Tejos is the summit camp for the ascent of Ojos del Salado. We hike without large backpacks to it, dropping off some water and some food that we will need before the summit assault. After lunch we go down to Atacama base camp.
Today is a day of rest before the summit. Depending on the weather and condition of the participants we can spend today in Atacama base camp, or go down a kilometer and relax near Laguna Verde. Either way, we'll spend the night at the base camp.
In the morning we gather the camp and go up to the Tehos summit camp. It will take no more than three hours to get there, even at a slow pace, so there is no need to get up and leave early.
In the evening we will check our gear once again, so as not to forget anything, we will try to have an early dinner so that we can get some sleep and rest before the assault.
We wake up at 3-4 in the morning, have breakfast, pack up and start climbing. The trail first zigzags upward and then goes oblique traverse to the right along the mountainside. When we reach the crater, we go around it by simple rocks, and we are on top of the highest volcano, Ojos del Salado, at 6,893 meters! Weather and health permitting, we spend some time here, enjoy and start the descent down to the Atacama shelter, picking up our stuff from the Tejos camp on the way. If you wish, we can return a jeep ride to Laguna Verde on the same day.
Two days are planned in case of bad weather, additional acclimatization or other unforeseen circumstances. If everything went well and according to plan, we return to Kopiapo that day.
The last day of our program. We return to the city from which our climbing story began. Tonight we can fly home or extend our vacation in Chile and go to the Pacific coast.
Important! The decision on the possibility or impossibility to continue the ascent is made solely by the guides, is binding in execution and is not subject to discussion. We are interested in as many participants as possible to climb the summit, but safety is always in the first place!
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the teamleader has the right to make changes to the route.
Citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa to enter Chile, but your passport must be valid for at least six months before entry date.
You must have no illnesses from this list in order to participate in the hike.
Climbing Ojos del Salado opens up many peaks for you. We recommend:
We have prepared for you a commemorative Ojos del Salado medal, which you will receive after the ascent.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the ascent.
You can use the form below to find the cheapest tickets:
You need good insurance to participate in the program. Please do not neglect this item. For some participants, it saved thousands of dollars. You can find our recommendations for taking out insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar hikers"
We strongly recommend that you approach the question of preparation carefully. Start running three months before your planned ascent. It is good if you can run 10 km at a relaxed pace and not be exhausted. Do not try to run fast, try to run longer. If you can measure your heart rate - run at a heart rate of about 130-140 beats per minute. If it is not possible, run at a pace at which you can talk.
To participate in climbing on Ojos del Salado, it is desirable to have previous hiking experience. Any hikes in the Caucasus, Georgia and other high mountains would be optimal. A good option is the winter Carpathians. For example:
If you do not have the necessary hiking experience and can not get it, be sure to contact our manager and talk in person.
Despite the fact that all the days of the program we will be in the middle of the desert, it will not be hot. Very often strong winds blow here, there may be snow and poor visibility - stock up with good windproof and warm clothes. At altitudes of 6000 and above, the temperature can drop to -20, with the wind feels even colder. The air is very dry. The air is very dry, be prepared for sharp temperature changes and changeable weather.
In Copiapo we stay in a comfortable hotel in 2-bed rooms with breakfast. Lunch and dinner in town cafes (from $15 for lunch). During the active part of the route all overnight stays in 2-bed tents. Meals are shared, cooked on gas burners (hot in the morning and evening, sandwiches at lunch, snacks). No hot showers or toilets. You can have a shower and get warm at thermal springs near the lakes, where the water temperature is about +30C. There is no mobile and internet connection in this region.
The cost depends on the number of participants:
*Please note: It is not the manager's task to choose a separate flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations from his experience and shares flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.
Full payment for the program is made on the first day of the hike to the teamleader in dollars.
To reserve a place in the group you need to make an advance payment of $500. You can do this by contacting us or through the payment form on the website.
Important! Conditions for refund of prepayment in case of cancellation of participation in the program:
If you leave the route, the money is not refundable.
