Chilean Andes: Ojos del Salado

0 ft

Elevation

Chile

Country

Days

1B

Difficulty

Early Nov

Start

Late Mar

End

About the Mountain

WHY CLIMB IT?

Ojos del Salado (22,615 feet) is the highest active volcano in the world, towering above even behemoths like Chimborazo (20,703 ft) and Cotopaxi (19,348 ft). It’s only slightly shorter than Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America, so if you make it to the top, it’s a real accomplishment. Like Aconcagua, most of Ojos del Salado is hike-able, not requiring technical mountaineering skills. However, there is a 100-foot technical climb to the summit that’s made even harder by the high altitude.

“Due to its geographical location in the Andes and the Atacama dessert, the climate and weather of Ojos del Salado is truly unique.”

- Ana Rosberg

On top of its challenging summit tower climb, Ojos del Salado has intense weather to contend with, including fierce, arid winds, even during the peak season. The benefit is that you can experience a true, high-altitude expedition experience in the Andes without the crowds you’d likely find on similar peaks. The terrain on Ojos del Salado is also uniquely striking. Whether you start in Chile or Argentina – since you can reach the summit from both – you’ll start in the desert and rise through a lagoon-dotted landscape to eventually reach a snowy peak. While the route from Chile is shorter and easier with more amenities, the route from Argentina is accessible without a permit.