Ditch the tropical vacation; join our Epic adventure to K2 Base Camp this summer!
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
MAX ALTITUDE: 6,893 meters
TOUR DURATION: 16 days
LODGING: Mix of hotels, guesthouses, & camping
GROUP SIZE: 8-12 people
Ojos del Salado (6,893 meters), located in the border of Chile and Argentina, is the second-highest mountain in South America after Aconcagua. It is also the world’s highest active volcano. Perhaps best of all, it is far and away from the very busy areas of Aconcagua and other popular Andean peaks.
This is an expedition for the seasoned adventurer looking to experience a proper South American expedition in a wild, and remote setting.
While the hikes and climbs on this trip don’t represent super technical routes, climbing these high altitude peaks are a real physical challenge due to the rapid acclimatization, strong winds, unpredictable weather, and general harshness of the climate.
The question is, are you ready to say YES to climbing Ojos del Salado?
Dates | Deposit | Full |
---|---|---|
January 10th - 25th, 2026 | $600 | $5800 |
Whether you’re just curious about this trip or are ready to make a deposit, we’re here for you.
To submit an inquiry or make a trip deposit, please fill out and submit the form below. Or send us an email to arrange a call with our adventure staff to join and learn more about how we prepare and execute such expeditions as Ojos del Salados.
Since 2018, Chris has been traveling to remote corners of the world leading Epic Expeditions. Every year he leads group trips to K2 Base Camp, the Everest region in Nepal, the mountains of Mongolia, and other destinations in Central, East Asia and South America. He is the director and founder of Epic Expeditions.
Chris wanted to take the concept of an adventure holiday a step further by combining his passion for travel, photography, trekking, and alpine environments into one-of-a-kind curated adventures for people who are as stoked on challenging adventures and discovering new cultures as he is – thus this trip was born.
As a native of Chile and professional mountain guide for the last 20 years, there is not much Gustavo can’t do.
Gustavo is an IFMGA guide who regularly leads trips around the world. His specialty is in Ecuador and Chile, where he leads multiple expeditions throughout the season every year.
He is the kind of guy that comes down from climbing Cotopaxi, only to go for a run before dinner. We are luck to have this legend on our team.
Our journey begins!
Today is the day we all meet as a group for formal introductions, the expedition briefing, and gear checks.
The afternoon is spent doing any last minute gear shopping, exploring the beautiful Chilean capital, Santiago, and getting things organized.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Santiago
Max Elevation: 500 meters
Meals: Free Time / No meals included
The team departs Santiago in the morning and drive to Farellones at 2,340 meters (2-hour drive). Our scenic drive takes us toward La Parva, where we start our trek into the rugged mountains.
The trail to Piedra Numerada is a steady ascent through breathtaking valleys, with glacial streams and towering peaks surrounding us. The hike is designed as an initial acclimatization effort, allowing our bodies to begin adapting to the altitude. We establish camp at Piedra Numerada, enjoying a hearty meal under the stars as we prepare for the climb ahead.
We continue our ascent toward Federación Base Camp. As we climb, the terrain becomes increasingly alpine, with grassy slopes giving way to rocky ridges and breathtaking high-altitude views. The slower pace allows for acclimatization, and our guides ensure that everyone is adapting well.
Reaching Federación Base Camp at 4,100 meters, we settle in for the night, enjoying a warm meal and preparing for our first acclimitization summit attempt the next morning.
Today is a major event in our acclimatization process. We begin our summit push before dawn, using headlamps to navigate the steep and rugged terrain. The climb involves a mix of scree slopes and glacial sections, making for a challenging but rewarding ascent.
Reaching the summit of Cerro El Plomo, we are treated to awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding Andes. This climb helps our bodies adjust to high-altitude exertion, an essential step in preparing for Ojos del Salado. After taking in the summit experience, we descend carefully back to base camp, where we rest and refuel.
It will take us around 10 hours to reach the summit and return to Federación Base Camp.
We break camp and begin our descent. The hike back down offers a final opportunity to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery in this special part of Chile before we return to civilization. Upon arrival in Santiago, we check into our hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest.
The comforts of the city—hot showers, fresh food, and soft beds—are a welcome treat after our time in the mountains.
We transition to the next phase of our expedition with a short flight (1.5 hrs) north to Copiapó, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. This day is dedicated to more rest and recovery, allowing our bodies to recuperate from the first phase of the expedition.
We use this day to enjoy some downtime in Copiapó before heading back to camp life the following day.
A rugged drive takes us into the remote wilderness of the Atacama, where the stark beauty of the desert meets towering volcanic peaks.
Our destination is Laguna Verde, a breathtaking high-altitude lake surrounded by dramatic landscapes. After setting up camp, we relax in the natural hot springs (temps around 40 degrees C), letting the mineral-rich waters aid in recovery and acclimatization. And…because everyone loves hot springs!
We’ll wake up very early and drive to the base of Nevado San Francisco at
5,040 meters.
The drive takes about 1 hour, followed by a 7-hour climb
to the summit at 6,023 meters.
Our first 6,000-meter peak is an essential acclimatization climb. While non-technical, Nevado San Francisco presents a significant challenge due to the altitude. The steady ascent allows us to test our high-altitude endurance, and reaching the summit is a powerful confidence boost. From the top, we gaze across the vast Atacama Desert, with Ojos del Salado looming in the distance. After our climb, we return to Laguna Verde for a well-earned rest.
A full rest day at 4,300m is crucial for adapting to the thin air before our main objective. We focus on hydration, hot springs, and relaxation. There are optional short walks in the area too to allow for active recovery, and we once again take advantage of the hot springs to ease any muscle fatigue.
For those seeking an extra challenge, Incahuasi provides another opportunity to push our limits and further improve acclimatization – while bagging another peak above 6,500 meters. This climb is more demanding, but it strengthens our readiness for Ojos del Salado.
Those who prefer to conserve energy can spend another restful day at Laguna Verde, taking in the beauty of this extreme landscape.
With Ojos del Salado ahead, we take one final full day of rest. We review our summit strategy, check gear, and ensure everyone is in peak condition for the challenge ahead. Mental preparation is as important as physical readiness at this stage, and we take time to visualize and discuss the climb.
This is Ojos del Salado 6,893 m summit day. Well wake up at midnight to departure at 1 am. We’ll drive for 3 hours to Tejos hut at 5,800 m. The
roads can be rough but views are incredible. We’ll start hiking at 4 am for around 12 hours up and down.
The high altitude, rugged terrain, and final rock scramble make this an intense and rewarding climb.
Reaching the summit—the highest active volcano on Earth—is an unforgettable achievement. We take in the view from nearly 7,000 meters, reflecting on the journey before making a careful descent back to camp.
From Laguna Verde, 4-hour drive back to Copiapó.
After the ultimate challenge, we pack up and begin the journey back to civilization. The drive to Copiapó provides time to process the accomplishment of summiting Ojos del Salado.
Upon arrival in town, we check into a comfortable B&B and enjoy a well-deserved celebration dinner.
We trade the high mountains for the coastline and 100% oxygen, heading to Bahía Inglesa, a stunning white-sand beach on the Pacific Ocean.
The warm sun, clear waters, and fresh seafood offer the perfect contrast to the rugged peaks we’ve just conquered.
The drive from Copiapó to Bahía is roughly 4 hours.
After a relaxing morning by the ocean, we return to Copiapó and fly back to Santiago.
Our final evening together is spent sharing stories, enjoying a celebratory dinner, and reflecting on an unforgettable adventure.
Today is departure day with no planned activities on the schedule.
You leave Chile not only with incredible memories from this Epic expedition, but with the pride of having attempted one of the world’s most iconic high-altitude, volcanic peaks.
They speak Spanish in Chile! The Chilean accent is famous actually for being more difficult to understand than the Spanish from neighboring countries. Throw in a copious amount of slang used by the locals and you might think they are speaking something completely different than Spanish!
That said, study up on the basics before you arrive so you can do things like order food, count, and say basic greetings. Basic Spanish is within your grasp if you put in a little bit of effort.
For your upcoming expedition to Ojos del Salado in Chile, it’s essential to understand the tourist visa requirements for participants from the United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
United States Citizens:
Visa Requirement: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Tourist Card: Upon arrival, you’ll receive a Tourist Card (“Tarjeta de Turismo”) valid for up to 90 days. Keep this document safe, as you’ll need to return it upon departure. If lost, obtain a replacement from the International Police (PDI) before leaving Chile.
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and in good condition.
European Union Citizens:
Visa Requirement: Citizens of EU member states can enter Chile without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.
Tourist Card: Similar to U.S. citizens, EU travelers will receive a Tourist Card upon arrival, which must be retained and returned upon departure.
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
United Kingdom Citizens:
Visa Requirement: UK citizens can visit Chile for up to 90 days without a visa.
Tourist Card: Upon arrival, you’ll be issued a Tourist Card valid for the duration of your stay, which must be surrendered upon departure.
Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Chile.
Additional Considerations for All Travelers:
Extensions: If you wish to extend your stay beyond 90 days, you can apply for an extension at the Chilean Immigration Office.
For this trip, we stay in a mix of 3-star hotels, local bed and breakfast guesthouses, and tents.
The tents we use are robust, 4-season tents built to battle the high-altitude elements.
Prices are based on same gender room sharing (two people to a room and tent).
Trip participants need to be in great shape and capable of trekking and climbing over mixed terrain for long distances (Ojos del Salado summit day can be around 12 hours up and down).
On average our trekking/climbing days are 5-6 hours per day. You are NOT required to carry a heavy bag or your main “camp bag” during the climbs – we porter or drive everything between camps.
The biggest days on the itinerary are the summit days; when the climb will take between 10-12 hours round trip, depending on conditions and your fitness level from bases camp to summit and back to base camp is to be expected.
Because of the high altitude, the name of the game for this itinerary is slow, controlled walking; it is not a race, but a slow, and steady marathon.
Chile is generally one of the safest countries in South America, making it a great destination for travelers and climbers. However, as with any adventure, it’s important to take precautions, especially when visiting remote areas like Ojos del Salado. Here’s what you need to know:
Overall, Chile is a secure and well-developed country for adventure travel. With proper precautions and an experienced team, your journey to Ojos del Salado will be both safe and unforgettable!
Yes you can! The single supplement charge for both a single hotel room and tent Single room supplement: USD $500, Single tent supplement: USD $150.
Yes, we can accommodate pretty much any diet preference.
Diet restrictions (vegan, celiac, lactose intolerant, etc) do come with extra cost: $200 USD.
Yes, we have gear to rent in Chile.
The following items can be rented for a fee:
The Ojos del Salado Expedition takes place during the Chilean summer (January–February), offering the best weather window for high-altitude climbs. However, conditions can still be extreme, with hot desert days, freezing mountain nights, and strong winds. Below is a breakdown of what to expect along the journey.
Didn’t find the answer you working for? Send us a message!
Ojos del Salado, towering at 6,893 meters (22,615 feet), is the highest active volcano in the world and the second-highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, after Aconcagua. Its first recorded ascent was made on February 26, 1937, by Polish mountaineers Jan Alfred Szczepański and Justyn Wojsznis, who were part of a scientific and exploration expedition. Since then, it has attracted climbers from around the world, eager to experience its unique combination of high-altitude mountaineering and extreme desert conditions.
Over the years, Ojos del Salado has become a popular peak for mountaineers aiming to train for 8,000-meter climbs, push their altitude limits, or complete the Seven Second Summits (as the second-highest peak on its continent). Despite its extreme altitude, it remains less technically demanding than other peaks of similar height, making it an attractive goal for experienced trekkers and climbers.
Ojos del Salado isn’t just a mountain—it’s an active volcano and one of the most impressive on Earth. While no major eruptions have occurred in recent history, fumaroles near the summit indicate ongoing volcanic activity, adding an exciting geological element to the climb.
Unlike many high-altitude climbs in the Himalayas or the Andes, Ojos del Salado is located in the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert in the world.
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Trip Leader
Pema is a woman of many talents. The things she has achieved by the age of 30, most people can’t even imagine doing in a lifetime.
Born in Kathmandu, Nepal to Tibetan Parents, Pema moved to the USA at a young age.
A keen interest in mountains, photography, and free diving launched a career of full-time world travel and big-time adventures.
Pema is one of the most experienced members of our trip leader staff. She has summited multiple 8000-meter peaks and completed countless multi-day treks in the Himalayas and Karakoram.
Throw on top of all of that a bright personality who brings out the best in people, and you have the recipe for an excellent trip leader. That’s Pema.
General Manager for Pakistan Operations
“Our man in Pakistan” is one way to describe the legend and our dear friend, Nisar Hussein.
Nisar grew up on the outskirts of Karakoram National Park in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Northern Pakistan. His village, Kanday, is literally at the foot of some of the world’s highest mountain ranges.
He has a deep passion and love for the Pakistani mountains and truly believes in the potential for tourism in Pakistan to be a force for good in local communities.
These days he helps run our Pakistani field operations from his dual bases in Islamabad and Skardu.
Nisar possesses a work ethic beyond compare and is likely behind all of the little details that make our trips in Pakistan so special.
Trip Leader
Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.
In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to.
When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer.
Meet him during : K2 Base Camp Trek
Trip Leader
Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.
She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos.
Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team!
Meet her during : Discover the Celestial Mountains | Island Peak Climbing Expedition
Adventure Guide
As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…
for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry.
He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world!
“
He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi…
The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)
– Coastal
Head of canine operations
Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight.
She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.
These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen.
Trip Leader
An experienced trek leader and
IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.
Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka.
A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.
“
We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!
– Monika Steinlechner
Meet him during : Trekking in the Fann Mountains
Adventure Guide
Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.
His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.
Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens.
His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.
“
We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations!
– Alexandra Ruth
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Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour. Road trip with some hiking and cultural immersion.
15 Days
Intermediate
$3125
A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.
15 Days
Strenuous
$3200
Trip Leader
João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare.
With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.
João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions.
After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.
João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none
When not in Pakistan, João is guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails – discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.
“
João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!
– Jeffery
Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley | K2 Base Camp Trek
Adventure Guide
Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains.
Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles
in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.
“
Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!
– Borgan
Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley
Trip Leader
Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.
Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.
Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020
When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.
“
I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!
– Coastal
Adventure Admin / Marketing
After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe
She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements.
Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.
Head of Operations
A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations.
Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.
Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.
“
Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge.
– Calvin
“
Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.
– Katrina
Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek
Founder | Trip Leader | Director
Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way.
Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in South America, Pakistan, and Nepal.
A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 65 expeditions to various corners of the earth (and counting).
Chris believes in using community and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe.
For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.
Although he is originally a native of Southern California, he now lives in Madeira Island, Portugal, when he is not leading expeditions in far-flung lands.
Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas – an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.
Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!
“
Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”
– Will De Villers
“
Pakistan is a magical country! Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]
Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.
– Clark Tyler
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