Summit of Fire: Ojos del Salado Chilean Ascent

Difficulty

Extreme

Comfort

Basic

Climb Ojos del Salado (6,898m) — the highest volcano on Earth and second-tallest peak in the Andes — through Chile’s stunning Atacama Desert. This non-technical ascent combines 4WD access up to 5,800m with a proven acclimatization strategy, expertly crafted by record-holder Maximo.

Since 2012, we've led over 21 expeditions with unmatched support: private basecamp infrastructure, real chefs, Starlink internet, and satellite comms even on summit day. Our elite guides, including high-altitude medical experts, conduct daily health checks and ensure a top guide-to-client ratio (1:2.5).

Progressively climb Cerro Siete Hermanas, Mulas Muertas, and Nevado San Francisco (6,023m) before attempting Ojos.

If you prefer custom dates, we also offer private expeditions. Pricing depends on group size and may be further reduced if your dates are close to a scheduled expedition:

1 climber: USD 5,380
2 climbers: USD 4,935
3 climbers: USD 4,550
4 climbers: USD 4,265
5 climbers: USD 4,100

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

Summit the Ojos del Salado

Conquer the world’s highest volcano at 6,898m after a demanding climb, traversing rugged terrain.

Rest and Recharge at Laguna Verde

Unwind at a high-altitude basecamp featuring internet, hot showers, and stunning views—an oasis of comfort amid the Andean wilderness.

Adventure to Siete Hermanas and Mulas Muertas

Carefully planned acclimatization hikes to peaks above 4,700m and 5,200m ensure your body is mountain-ready.

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 hikers. Requires specific skills and equipment

Tour provider's comments

Previous high-altitude experience (highly recommended)
Solid cardiovascular fitness

While most of the ascent is non-technical, the final 10–15 meters are steep and usually equipped with a fixed rope for safety. The high altitude and unpredictable weather also make the climb physically and mentally demanding — this is not a regular hike.

Our Progressive Climb Plan

Cerro Siete Hermanas (4,780m)
Mulas Muertas (5,200m)
Nevado San Francisco (6,023m) – your first 6,000er!
Tejos (5,800m) – a crucial 4WD-supported acclimatization push
Summit: Ojos del Salado (6,898m) – the crown of the expedition

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

9 nights

Hotel

2 nights

Camp Site

2 nights

🇨🇱 Ojos del Salado (2 people per tent)

Private basecamp infrastructure: dining, toilet, storage tents

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

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

Tour conditions

Included

Leadership by English-speaking expedition leader;
Certified assistant guides (1 for every 2 climbers during summit day);
Assistance with equipment rental in Copiapó;
Transportation to and from the airport;
2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Copiapó (shared room);
4WD transportation from Copiapó;
2 nights at Laguna Santa Rosa Hut;
Basecamp tents (2 people per tent);
Private basecamp infrastructure: dining, toilet, storage tents;
Chef preparing four meals per day;
Medical kit and medical oxygen;
Stoves and gas for all altitude camps;
Climbing permits (DIFROL);
All meals provided outside Copiapó;
Starlink internet access at basecamp;
Electric generator and solar panels.

Extras

Flights to/from Copiapó;
Personal climbing equipment;
Refunds if you abandon the expedition early;
International travel insurance;
Lunches and dinners in Copiapó;
Reimbursement for lost/damaged personal equipment;
Private hotel room or private tent (optional upgrade).

Equipment Rental Costs (sample)

2024 rental prices – confirm availability in advance:

Thermal sleeping pad – $35
Down jacket – $115
La Sportiva double boots – $130
Down mittens – $50
Crampons – $50
Climbing helmet – $40
Ice axe – $50
Sleeping bag (-5ºC to -10ºC comfort) – $90

Optional Add-ons

🏕️ Single Tent & Hotel Room – USD 410
Includes 2 nights in private hotel room at Cumbres de Atacama in Copiapó, 2 nights in a private tent at Laguna Santa Rosa, and 9 nights in a private tent at Laguna Verde.
❤️ Bring Your Loved One to Base Camp – USD 1,250
Let your family or partner join the first part of the trip at 4,400m altitude with hotel, transport, permits, refuge, meals, guides, and drivers included.

Group size

From 2 to 10 tourists

Duration

14 days

13 nights

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; please inform us in advance about your requirements, so we can confirm availability and pricing.

Head

Hat or cap

For sun protection

Bandana
Buff or similar

Balaclava
To protect your face on summit push

Hat
Woollen hat or similar for cold days

Ski goggles
UV protection goggles to be used during storms or very cold conditions

Sunglasses (cat 3 or 4)
With side protection to fit your face

Sunscreen and lip balm
30 FPS or more

Batteries
AA or AAA batteries depending on your headtorch. Can be purchased in local store.

Headtorch
Working headtorch and spare batteries

Torso

Light down jacket

Summit Down Jacket
Heavy hooded down jacket for cold conditions

Snowproof jacket
A good snow, rain and windproof jacket

T-shirt
Synthetic fibre long or short sleeve t-shirt

Fleece jacket
Used alone or as part of a layer system for better performance

Legs

Trekking pants
Light trekking pants

Gaiters
For snow, sand or scree terrain

Base layer pants
For very cold days and summit push

Snowproof pants
Goretex or similar pants will be used for high wind or during snow conditions

Fleece Pants
Fleece, polartec or similar. To be used with other layers for very cold conditions

Hands

Hand warmers
Chemical hand warmers for the summit push.

Mittens
Thick down mittens for summit push

Gloves
Fleece or polartec gloves for every day use

Feet

Sandals or crocs
Sandals or crocs for river crossing or hanging around camp

Trekking boots
Waterproof trekking boots, try wearing them before the expedition

Trekking socks
Good thick trekking socks

Thick expedition socks
For summit day

Double boots
A pair of double or double plastic boots such as Koflach Exped, Koflach Vertical, Asolo Ottomilla, Asolo AFS, Trezetta, Scarpa Vega, Scarpa Inferno, La Sportiva Baruntse, Olympus Mons, La Sportiva Spantik, Scarpa Phantom, La Sportiva G2.

Single layer boots such as La Sportiva Nepal XT, EVO, Batura or Boreal Latok, ARE NOT SUITABLE.

Technical equipment

Helmet
A light helmet with enough room for your clothing

Harness
A good light alpine harness

Crampons
Crampons with antibott system

Other Equipment

Carbo gels
These gels help out on recovery

Snacks
Salty snacks, sweets, etc. Any sort of tasty ready food as complement. On high altitude mountains we don’t normally worry about vitamins and proteins as these kinds of food are too hard to digest. You can buy all these in a local market.

Stuff sacks or bin bags
Helps to keep your stuff dry and organised

Sleeping Bag
A good down sleeping

Rucksack
A decent rucksack with hip belt and rain cover

Altitude medicine
Our guides already have pretty much any drugs you might need during any trip. However, it would be great if you could have a spare tab of the most used drugs:

Ibuprofen (Advil)– This is an anti-inflammatory and works great for high altitude head aches
Loperamide (Imodium) – controls diarrea (not to be used in case of digestive infections. Ask our guides)

Personal Hygiene kit
Soap, tooth brus, come, etc

Sleeping mattress
We prefer taking 2 foam sleeping mattress because of sharp rocks. If you have an inflatable mattress you should also bring a foam mattress to protect the inflatable one against sharp rocks. Don’t forget bringing a repair kit if you have an inflatable mattress.

1 litre thermos
Metallic good quality 1 litre thermos for the summit push. You must have one. Please do not bring smaller ones.

Water bottle

Nalgene 1 litre bottles or similar are great for expeditions! We prefer to not use camelbacks as its hose pipe might freeze

Duffel Bag
Used to transport or store your equipment. In many cases, we transport your personal gear on animals and we don’t want your equipment to get wet or have mule smell…