- Code: MNT-010
- Level: Strenuous
Levels Explained
- Private Departures

- Price (2006-07):
US$ 1,525 per person (2 people min.)

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Ojos del Salado
The Ojos del Salado, reaching 6.893 m/22.600 ft., is the highest volcano in the world and the second highest summit in America. Its remarkable setting in between turquoise lagoons filled with wild birds, white sparkling salt pans and snowed peaks makes it attractive even for the less mountain minded excursionists. The Ojos del Salado is considered an active volcano and its last eruptions, mainly gases and ashes, date from 1937 and 1956. Today its crater is completely covered by ice. Its name was given because of the presence of many small salt lagoons around the area formed by its retreating glaciers. It is not a technical climb, however it is physically strenuous. The last 150 mt. demand some extra strength while climbing over rocks.

ITINERARY
-Day 1, Reception in Copiapó and drive towards the Andes campground at Valle Chico (3,000m/9,000ft).-Day 2, Reach Laguna Santa Rosa at (3,500m/11,500 ft);-Day 3, Acclimatization trek around Sta. Rosa;-Day 4, Drive to the beautiful Laguna Verde (4,400m/13,200ft) and set up Base Camp next to a spring;-Day 5, Trek around the area for acclimatization;-Day 6, Drive by 4x4 from Laguna Verde to Camp1 at Refugio U. Atacama (5,250m/ 15,750ft); -Day 7, Carry some equipment from Camp1 to Camp2 and return to Camp1;-Day 8, Hike up to Camp2 at Refugio Tejos (5,750m/17,250ft) for overnight;-Day 9, Climb up to the summit (6,893m/ 22,600ft) and return to Camp 2; -Day 10, Descend to Laguna Verde if summit was made  the day before, otherwise attempt summit again;-Day 11, Drive to Copiapó;-Day 12, Transfer to airport in Copiapo.

Note: We suggest one extra night to top off the expedition with a relaxing stay at local beaches, vast and unspoiled by civilization.