Andean Challenge: Ojos del Salado and Aconcagua

Difficulty

Extreme

Comfort

Basic

Group size

2-10 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Conquer two giants in one epic expedition! First, summit Ojos del Salado (6,898m), the world’s highest volcano, with expert acclimatization in Chile’s remote Andes. Then head to Aconcagua (6,962m) — the highest mountain in South America.

Non-technical routes, serious altitudes, and top-tier support led by Maximo, world record-holder for most 6,000m+ summits.

Start in Santiago for easier logistics and lower costs. Enjoy private camps, 4x4 support, Starlink internet, and professional chefs.

For just USD 800 more than a standard Aconcagua climb, experience two legendary summits in one seamless journey!

Volcano Tours

Maximo K. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Maximo is one of the world’s most accomplished high-altitude mountaineers, with over 25 years of climbing experience and a career spanning more than 118 expeditions. Born in Argentina, raised in Brazil, and educated in the UK, Max has led professional climbs since the age of 23, guiding teams through some of the most extreme and remote mountain regions on Earth—from the Andes to the Himalayas. His deep knowledge and calm leadership have earned him a reputation for precision, safety, and unwavering dedication. Recognized by Guinness World Records, Max holds the record for the most 6,000-meter peaks climbed, with 90 ascents in the Andes alone. He has summited over 260 peaks above 5,500 meters and participated in at least 11 expeditions to the world’s legendary 8,000-meter giants, including the formidable K2. In 2012, he launched the Andes 6K+ Project, an ambitious mission to climb all 104 Andean peaks over 6,000 meters—an effort that is now 85% complete. His solo season, during which he summited 30 of these peaks alone, remains a landmark achievement in South American mountaineering. Beyond his climbing exploits, Max is a passionate educator and researcher. He contributes to high-altitude medicine studies, teaches specialized courses for physicians, and plays an active role in the classification and naming of Andean peaks. As the founder of Andes Specialists, he continues to share his knowledge and love for the mountains with climbers from around the world. With more than 30 countries visited, Max remains as humble as he is accomplished—always seeking the next summit with the same curiosity and respect that first drew him to the heights.

View Maximo`s tours

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

Jorge

Jorge was born in Trelew, a city in the province of Chubut, in Argentine Patagonia, near the sea. At the age of 12, his family moved to Epuyen, a small town nestled in the mountains of Northern Patagonia. It was in this environment that Jorge began to explore and climb mountains from an early age. At 15, a physical education teacher introduced him to the fundamentals of hiking through the forests and mountains of the region. He earned his Trekking Guide certification in 2011 and became a certified Mountain Guide in 2013 through the Provincial School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides in Mendoza. Over the course of his career, Jorge has climbed various mountains in Patagonia, the Central Andes, Bolivia, and Brazil. Since 2015, Jorge has been working as a guide with Gente de Montanha, where he is also responsible for expedition logistics during the summer season in Argentina. During the rest of the year, he returns to Epuyen, where he dedicates himself to mountaineering, climbing, trekking, kayaking, and cycle touring—always planning his next adventure. Throughout his career, Jorge has led more than 25 expeditions to Mount Aconcagua, completed over 42 expeditions to mountains above 6,000 meters, and helped more than 150 people achieve their mountaineering dreams. He has been guiding for Gente de Montanha for over 10 years.

Mario

Mario is a renowned Chilean high-altitude mountain guide and the leading expert on expeditions in the Atacama region. He currently holds the record for the most ascents of Ojos del Salado — the world’s highest volcano — with over 60 successful summits. With a guiding career that began in 2001, Mario has led expeditions across much of the Andes, with a strong focus on the remote and challenging terrain of the Atacama Andes. His extensive local knowledge, combined with his calm leadership, has made him a trusted figure in high-altitude expeditions. Mario’s mountaineering résumé includes a remarkable ascent of Kangchenjunga (8,598 m) in Nepal, completed without supplemental oxygen or the support of sherpas, showcasing his technical skills and endurance at the highest level. In addition to guiding, Mario is a highly skilled ski mountaineer who has represented Chile in international ski touring competitions, including world championships and South American events. Today, Mario serves as Head of Operations and Safety on the Chilean side of Ojos del Salado, where his deep experience and commitment to safety continue to benefit climbers from around the world. Whether you're aiming for a high-altitude summit or exploring the vast Atacama, Mario is the guide you want by your side.

Tour highlights

Two Major Summits in One Trip

Conquer Ojos del Salado (6,898m), the world’s highest volcano, and Aconcagua (6,962m), the tallest peak in the Americas — all in a single expedition.

Smart, Gradual Acclimatization

Carefully designed itinerary including climbs of Siete Hermanas, Mulas Muertas, and Nevado San Francisco ensures you're fully acclimatized.

Expert Logistics and Leadership

Expedition led by Maximo and a team of seasoned high-altitude guides, with medical oversight and flexible strategies for success and safety.

Exclusive Private Basecamp at Laguna Verde

Enjoy Starlink internet, real meals, hot showers, private toilets, and electricity in one of the most remote places on Earth.

Built-in Flexibility and Backup Days

Multiple rest days and extra buffer days maximize your chances of summiting while reducing the risk of altitude sickness or weather setbacks.

Breathtaking Landscapes and Panoramic Views

Experience desert lagoons, colorful valleys, endless salt flats, towering Andean peaks, stunning sunset views from some of the highest places on Earth

Route details

Welcome to Chile! We’ll pick you up at Copiapó Airport, about 50 km from the city. Today we’ll review all your climbing gear, shop for any missing items, and enjoy our first team dinner — a perfect chance to meet your expedition teammates.
Included: Transport, hotel

Difficulty

Extreme

Only for experienced and physically fit tourists. Requires specific skills and equipment

Tour provider's comments

Ideally, you should have climbed at least one 6,000-meter peak before attempting this expedition. It helps with acclimatization and ensures you’re familiar with snow walking and altitude demands.

💪 Strong cardiovascular fitness is a must

You just need to arrive well-trained, motivated, and with some high-altitude experience.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

21 nights

Hotel

2 nights

🇨🇱 Ojos del Salado

Private basecamp infrastructure: dining, toilet, storage tents

Starlink internet and solar/generator electricity at basecamp
Stoves and gas for high altitude camps

🇦🇷 Aconcagua

Camping at all camps: Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, Canada, Nido de Cóndores, and Colera

Dining tents at Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, and Nido de Cóndores
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch/snack, dinner)
Group equipment: tents, stoves, kitchen gear, cookware, gas

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Copiapó

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

Conditions

Included

🇨🇱 Ojos del Salado

Leadership by English-speaking expedition leader;
Certified assistant guides (1 for every 2 climbers during summit day);
Assistance with gear rental in Copiapó;
Airport transfers in Copiapó;
2 hotel nights in Copiapó (shared room);
4WD transport from Copiapó to mountains and back;
Camping at Laguna Verde and Tejos;
Private basecamp infrastructure: dining, toilet, storage tents;
Medical oxygen and full medical kit;
Starlink internet and solar/generator electricity at basecamp;
Stoves and gas for high altitude camps;
Climbing permit (DIFROL);
All meals provided outside Copiapó.

🇦🇷 Aconcagua

Leadership by Andes Specialists team;
1 guide for every 2 climbers during summit day;
Daily medical check-ups at Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, and high camps;
Transport to/from Horcones (Aconcagua Park entrance);
Camping at all camps: Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, Canada, Nido de Cóndores, and Colera;
Dining tents at Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, and Nido de Cóndores;
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch/snack, dinner);
15 kg personal luggage carried to Plaza de Mulas by mule;
Group equipment: tents, stoves, kitchen gear, cookware, gas;
Treated drinking water at all camps;
Pre-expedition gear orientation and checklist;
Large medical kit and use of oxygen & Gamow bag if needed;
WFR-certified guides;
Discount on equipment rental in Mendoza.

Extras

Aconcagua Climbing Permit (USD 850);
Flight from Copiapo to Mendoza (USD 200 approx.);
International flights to/from Santiago;
Hotels in Mendoza (if needed);
Meals in Mendoza and Copiapó (~USD 350 average);
Personal mountaineering equipment (rentable);
Rescue insurance (mandatory – e.g., Global Rescue);
Optional porter service (Aconcagua only);
Additional hotel nights if returning early;
Single tent/hotel upgrades (optional);
Tips for guides and porters;
Expenses for abandoning the expedition;
Medical expenses and medication.

Optional Add-ons

🍷 Mendoza Winery Visit – USD 210
🏨 Single Room in Mendoza – USD 180
🛏️ Private Room at Cuevas Hut – USD 90
⛺ Single Tent for Entire Mountain – USD 520
⛺ Single Tent at Plaza de Mulas Only – USD 350
🏨+⛺ Private Hotel + Tent (Aconcagua + Ojos) – USD 510
🧗 Personal Guide Above Aconcagua Basecamp – from USD 1600

Equipment Rental Costs (sample)

🇨🇱 Copiapó

Down Jacket – USD 115
Double Boots – USD 130
Crampons – USD 50
Ice Axe – USD 50
Helmet – USD 40
Sleeping Bag (–10ºC comfort) – USD 90

🇦🇷 Mendoza

Down Jacket – USD 100
Waterproof Jacket – USD 74
Plastic Boots – USD 125
La Sportiva G2 Evo – USD 150
Crampons – USD 54
Ice Axe – USD 54
Helmet – USD 43

It's important to know

Having reliable mountaineering equipment is essential for a successful expedition. All personal gear will be carefully checked by one of our guides at the hotel. Equipment rental is available in Copiapó and Mendoza; please inform us in advance about your requirements, so we can confirm availability and pricing.

Information about the equipment is sent on request.

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Dates and Prices

from
$8,890

$10,220

18 Dec, 2026 – 10 Jan, 2027

24 days 23 nights

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from
$8,890

$10,220

5 – 28 Jan, 2027

24 days 23 nights

Request to book