Visit the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods on a trek to K2 Base Camp in 2026.
Visit the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods on a trek to K2 Base Camp in 2026.
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 | Place | 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.
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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.
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
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Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour. Road trip with some hiking and cultural immersion.
A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.
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