Rising to an impressive 21,456 ft (6,638 m), Incahuasi Volcano ranks as the 10th highest peak in the Americas. Nestled along the border of Argentina's Catamarca province and Chile's Atacama region, it is one of the most visually stunning and remote volcanoes in the vicinity.
This magnificent stratovolcano boasts a vast caldera measuring 3.5 km in diameter. Although the climb is non-technical, the real challenge comes from its towering elevation and unpredictable weather patterns. However, the summit's crater, often blanketed in snow, rewards intrepid climbers with breathtaking panoramic views.
Ascents can be made via the northeast or northwest slopes, with the chosen route based on the mountain's conditions and the expert judgment of your guide. Don't miss the chance to join a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, where stunning landscapes and thrilling experiences await!
Federico is an outdoor lover with plenty of adventures in The Andes. Specialized in the tour logistics and organization of Expeditions and Treks in the Central Andes, Patagonia, Peru, Bolivia, and French Alps.
Incahuasi Volcano rises to 21,456 ft (6,638 m), making it the 10th highest peak in the Americas, and is renowned for its stunning visual appeal
Challenging Climb
While the ascent is non-technical, climbers must navigate its significant elevation, with the summit's snow-covered crater offering breathtaking panoramic views
Flexible Ascents
Climbers can choose between the northeast or northwest slopes for their ascent, guided by expert judgment based on current mountain conditions
Route details
Day 1
Country of Origin – Buenos Aires – La Rioja – Fiambalá
Take an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, arriving in the early morning. From there, you'll connect to a domestic flight to La Rioja, which lasts about 2 hours. After landing, enjoy a scenic 3-4 hour drive to Fiambalá.
Your accommodations will be at Posada Las Cañas. In the evening, take a stroll through the town, followed by a welcome dinner at the hostel's restaurant and an overview of the program.
Day 2
Fiambalá – Cortaderas (3,300m)
Enjoy breakfast and take the opportunity to buy any last-minute supplies.
Then, head to the Museum of Man to deliver the donations gathered throughout the year to the chosen community.
In the afternoon, embark on a two-hour drive to Cortaderas, where you'll check in at the cozy Hotel Cortaderas. After lunch, go for a trek around the lagoon to help acclimatize, followed by preparations for the ascent planned for the next day.
Day 3
Cortaderas (3,300m)
Easy trek from Cortaderas to Refugio Pescadores, ascending Cerro Pastos Largos (4,100m) and Cerro Cortaderas (4,050m).
The trek takes 4-5 hours up and 2 hours down. Return to the hotel.
Day 4
Cortaderas – Las Grutas (4,100m)
Morning drive to Las Grutas / Refugio de Vialidad (2 hours), with stops to capture photos of nearby peaks such as Incahuasi and Walter Penck.
Enjoy a light trek to Falso Morocho (4,500m) before returning to the refuge for dinner.
Day 5
Las Grutas – Bertrand
Climb Cerro Bertrand (5,350m), starting from 4,450m.
The trek takes 4-5 hours up and 3 hours down.
Day 6
Las Grutas – Maricunga – Refugio Murray (4,300m)
Pack your gear and make your way to either Refugio Murray in Chile or Laguna Verde, based on the prevailing conditions.
Enjoy a leisurely trek around the lagoon. If the group decides to summit San Francisco Volcano (6,016m), you can choose to relax at Las Grutas.
Day 7
Refugio Murray (4,300m)
Acclimatization and the ascent to a nearby peak, either Vicuña (6,067m) or Barrancas Blancas (6,119m), will be determined by the prevailing conditions and the energy levels of the group.
Day 8
Refugio Murray – Refugio Atacama (5,350m)
After breakfast, transfer to Refugio Atacama (5,350m).
Load carrying to Refugio Tejos for acclimatization (4 hours up, 2 hours down). Beautiful scenery and gradual acclimatization.
Day 10
Refugio Atacama – Refugio Tejos (5,950m)
Move to Refugio Tejos (4 hours trek).
Prepare for the summit the next day.
Day 11
Refugio Tejos – Summit (6,893m)
Summit day!
Start at 2:30 AM and summit around noon, returning to Refugio Murray for the night.
Day 12
Refugio Tejos – Extra Day
This day is reserved for weather contingencies or additional acclimatization.
Day 13
Descent
Return to Fiambalá with optional activities such as thermal baths or quad biking.
Day 14
Departure: Fiambalá – La Rioja – Buenos Aires
Return to La Rioja and connect to Buenos Aires. End of services.
Difficulty
Extreme
Only for experienced and physically fit hikers. Requires specific skills and equipment
Tour provider's comments
Level skill: demanding.
This tour is for seasoned mountaineers.
Accommodation
Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Hotel
4 nights
Tent
9 nights
Accommodation includes:
2 nights in a hotel in Fiambalá (at the beginning and end of the expedition);
2 nights in a hotel in Cortaderas;
9 nights at Refugio Las Grutas (subject to availability, no prior reservations). If unavailable, tents will be used.
2 nights
Hotel in Fiambalá
You will be staying at the hotel in Fiambalá at the beginning and end of the expedition.
2 nights
Hotel in Cortaderas
You will spend 2 nights at the hotel in Cortaderas.
9 nights
Refugio Las Grutas or Tents
You will spend 9 nights at Refugio Las Grutas (subject to availability, no prior reservations). If unavailable, tents will be used.
Tickets to group meeting place
Group meeting place
Gobernador Gordillo Airport
Calculate tour price with tickets from your city
Partnered with
Weather during the tour
Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips
Tour conditions
Included
Round-trip transfers: Airport / Hotel Fiambalá / Hotel Cortaderas / Las Grutas / Base Camp Ojos del Salado;
Accommodation:
2 nights in a hotel in Fiambalá (at the beginning and end of the expedition).
2 nights in a hotel in Cortaderas.
Nights at Refugio Las Grutas (subject to availability, no prior reservations). If unavailable, tents will be used;
Assistance with preparing the necessary equipment for the expedition;
Full meals provided throughout the expedition, from Fiambalá to the return. (Extra drinks not included at hotels);
Full-service Base Camp: meals, tent accommodation, cooking equipment, heaters, and dining tent;
High-altitude tents (TNF-V25, BD, Ferrino). Please request individual tents in advance if needed;
Professional bilingual guides with extensive experience in the region;
Constant communication between guides via VHF radios;
Solar panels to provide power during the expedition;
Satellite phone (for emergencies only);
Daily weather forecast updates throughout the expedition;
First aid equipment, oxygen bottle, and pulse oximeter for acclimatization monitoring;
Access to the Fiambalá Hot Springs and/or the Museum of the 6000s;
Welcome dinner in Fiambalá;
Farewell dinner in Fiambalá;
Extra summit days for flexibility if needed;
Flexible program design based on participants’ experience;
A second vehicle for evacuation to Fiambalá, if necessary;
Experienced assistant in Puna terrain and Off Road driving.
Extras
Personal porters or porters for shared equipment;
National and international flights (Buenos Aires / La Rioja / Buenos Aires);
Expenses due to trip abandonment;
Meals, drinks, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary;
Personal sleeping and expedition equipment (as per checklist);
Personal medication;
Aerial or ground evacuations;
Additional hotel services: laundry, drinks, communications (Internet, phone, or satellite), and other personal services;
Civil liability insurance, hospitalization, or medication of any kind;
Personal snacks for the expedition;
Accommodation and meals in Buenos Aires;
Lunch in La Rioja on the return day;
Any service not specified in the included services list.
Group size
From 2 to 8 tourists
Duration
14 days
13 nights
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
UPPER BODY
Synthetic T-Shirt: Breathable material, to keep you fresh and dry.
2 Long-sleeved Base Layer: Lightweight and breathable shirts that keep your body dry and comfortable during the trek, and protected from the sun.
Fleece Jacket or Sweater: Provides additional warmth during cold mornings and evenings.
Waterproof or Windproof Jacket: Essential for protection against rain and wind. It should be lightweight, breathable, and durable. Preferably with a hood.
Insulated Jacket (Synthetic or Down): Offers an extra insulation layer, ideal for low temperatures at high altitudes. Preferably hooded.
1 Pair of Lightweight Gloves and 1 pair of warm/fleece gloves: For Keeping hands warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
LOWER BODY
Trekking Pants: Comfortable and durable pants that allow freedom of movement. Quick-drying with multiple pockets.
Long Underwear or Tights: Additional layers that provide warmth under trekking pants.
FOOTWEAR
Trekking Boots: Sturdy and durable footwear with good ankle support, ideal for long walks on uneven terrain.
Thick Socks (2 pairs): Warm and cushioned socks to keep your feet warm and prevent blisters.
HEAD
Sun Hat: Vital for protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Choose one with a wide brim and UPF protection.
Wool or Fleece Hat: To keep your head warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection: Protect your eyes from UV rays and glare, essential at high altitudes. Preferably, with a wraparound design to minimize light entering from the sides.
Neck gaiter or buff: Multifunctional, protects your neck and face from cold, wind, and sun.
OTHER
2 Liter Water Bottle: Essential for staying hydrated. Choose a durable bottle with a wide mouth for easy filling.
35 – 45 Liter Backpack: This spacious and comfortable backpack is ideal for carrying all the necessary gear for a day of trekking.
45 – 70 Liter Duffle bag: This is a super-tough expedition duffel to protect the gear and clothes the mules will haul to the camps.
Headlamp with extra batteries: Hands-free light source for use at camp or in low-light situations.
Comfortable Sleeping Bag (Comfort -5°C): A sleeping bag provides comfort and warmth during cold nights in the mountains.
Sleeping Pad: Adds insulation and comfort for sleeping on hard and cold ground.
Comfortable Camp Clothes (sneakers, socks, cotton shirt, etc.): Comfortable clothes to wear after the trekking.
Sunscreen (recommended SPF 50+): Essential protection against UV rays at high altitudes.
Personal Hygiene Items (towel, soap, etc.): Basic personal hygiene items to stay clean and fresh during the trip.
Personal first-aid kit: bring any prescribed personal medications. Include eye drops in case you are sensitive or allergic to dust.
Swimming suit.
Personal ID or passport
USB power bank suggested
US$ 30 in Chilean pesos (for any small expense arising as drinks or snacks).
What kind of gear should I bring?
For a comprehensive list of equipment, please refer to the Equipment section. If you need to rent any piece of equipment, we’re here to assist you. Don’t hesitate to ask us!
How to get to the meeting point?
Take an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, arriving early morning. Next connect with a domestic flight (2 hours) to La Rioja at the scheduled time (where we`ll pick you up from), followed by a 3-4 hour drive to Fiambalá.
Cancellation of booking
In case of early cancellation of the reservation, we will be forced to withhold from you a percentage of the price paid:
regardless of when the cancellation was made - 30
less than 48 hours - 100
Additional terms:
You will be charged 30% of the cost of the expedition, regardless of when the cancellation was made. Refunds will be transferred to the traveler within 30 days after the cancellation date.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice before the activity will not be refunded.
Reviews
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Based on 8 reviews
Dates and Prices
The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, send a request for clarification
