de
Adventures menu Adventures menu

Nevado Ojos del Salado

Highest volcano on Earth – Expedition on the rarely traveled Argentine route to the second highest peak in the Americas

Ojos del Salado – Expedition on Argentina’s Highest Peak

The Ojos del Salado rises to 6,893 meters and is an active stratovolcano with visible geothermal activity – fumaroles and geysers bear witness to the mountain’s life. From an alpinist perspective, it is the highest volcano in the world and, after Aconcagua, the second highest mountain in the Americas.

Due to its proximity to the Atacama Desert, an extremely dry climate prevails with little precipitation, mostly clear and bitterly cold nights, and radiantly beautiful days.

The ascent requires strenuous high-altitude trekking, with the summit climb itself involving easy climbing. While the Ojos del Salado may not have as elegant a shape as other Andean peaks, as a high desert six-thousander it offers the perfect blend of desert adventure and high-altitude mountaineering in solitude, pristine wilderness, and virtually boundless expanse.

Two Summits – One Expedition on the Argentine Side

The mountain has two summits at the same elevation: an eastern summit (Chile) and a western summit (Argentina). Our expeditions take place entirely on the Argentine side, in the Fiambalá region of Catamarca Province.

The Argentine route is significantly less traveled than the Chilean normal route, making it a more authentic, wilder, and more unique experience. Here you’ll experience the mountain world off the beaten path, in its pristine form.

Adventure Factor couregeous
Experience / Emotion thrilling
Fitness / Struggle workout
Risk feel free to tell your partner about it
Comfort sophisticated

Highlights:

  • The highest volcano on Earth
  • Unique ascent off the beaten path in authentic form
  • EPGAMT – AAGM certified guides
  • Continuous support from our English-speaking mountain guide

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Because of the complex logistics of this double expedition, changes to the planned itinerary may need to be made during the trip. The exact plan will also depend on weather and snow conditions. In addition, we will be in a very remote and politically highly sensitive area where regulatory or environmental restrictions can be expected at any time.

The following schedule is planned:

Days 1 - 6: Arrival in Catamarca, onward travel and acclimatization.

Day 1: Arrival at San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca Airport. Followed by private transfer to Fiambalá.

Day 2: Relaxed travel day by vehicle from Fiambalá to Hotel Cortaderas (3,300 m). The hotel is located directly on the picturesque Laguna Cortaderas.

Day 3: Acclimatization day – We hike to surrounding peaks above 4,000 m to gradually adjust to the altitude. Return to the hotel for the night.

Day 4: Drive to Cortaderas to Camp Vega El Cuerno (4,050 m). Setting up camp and additional short hikes for acclimatization.

Day 5: After a short drive, we climb Cerro Pirca Redonda (5,100 m), another acclimatization peak.

Day 6: From camp we drive to the starting point of our next hike (4,700 m) and climb Cerro Pequeño 8000 – Laguna Fría (5,200 m). An extremely rarely climbed peak.

Days 7 - 13: Ascent of Ojos del Salado.

Day 7: A driving day brings us to Base Camp (5,500 m).

Day 8: From Base Camp, after a short drive, we climb our first six-thousander – an aesthetically impressive volcano, Cerro Holmedo.

Day 9: From Base Camp we carry equipment to High Camp at 6,000 m and then return to Base Camp.

Day 10: Complete rest day for recovery at Base Camp.

Day 11: Ascent to High Camp.

Day 12: Summit day: Ascent of Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) and subsequent descent to High Camp.

Day 13: Return from High Camp to Base Camp.

Days 13 - 16: Return journey to Catamarca and reserve days.

Day 13: After a short break at Base Camp, the return journey begins via Cortaderas to Fiambalá.

Day 14: Return from Fiambalá to Catamarca City.

Days 15 – 16: Reserve days allocated for weather-related and acclimatization-related delays.

The Nevado Ojos del Salado is a massive stratovolcano in the Andes on the Argentine-Chilean border. Its proximity to the Atacama desert brings with it an extremely dry desert climate with low rainfall, mostly clear and bitterly cold nights and bright days. The “Ojos” is the highest mountain in Chile and the highest volcano in the world. After the Aconcagua (6962 meters), it is the second highest mountain in South America and in the entire Western Hemisphere.

The hike calls for strenuous high-altitude trekking, while the ascent to the summit even requires a slight climb. Although the Ojos del Salado is not as shapely as other mountains in the Andes, as a desert six-thousander, it definitely offers the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and high-altitude mountaineering in solitude, pristine ruggedness and a seemingly boundless expanse.

check_circle_outline  Included:

  • Planning and organization of the whole trip
  • All transportation in private 4×4 vehicles throughout the entire expedition, including airport transfers (max. 4 persons per vehicle incl. driver/guide)
  • EPGAMT – AAGM certified guides
  • Base Camp service: community dome, tables, chairs, lighting, cooking equipment
  • 12V battery charging system
  • High-quality high-altitude and base camp tents (double occupancy)
  • All meals during the expedition (except meals in Hotel Cortaderas)
  • 2 nights at Hotel Cortaderas (multi-bed room, simple accommodation)
  • 2 nights at Hotel Fiambalá (double room)
  • Satellite communication and GPS tracking via InReach (24h)
  • First aid equipment
  • Emergency oxygen in all vehicles
  • Weather Reports
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  Not included:

  • Personal insurance
  • Intl. flights
  • Personal medication
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bag
  • Personal snacks during the expedition (energy bars, gels, chocolate)
  • Fees for satellite phone, emails
  • Additional nights at Hostería Municipal Fiambalá
  • Additional nights at Hotel Cortaderas
  • Meals in the cities
  • Hotels in the cities
  • Meals at Hotel Cortaderas (except dinner)
  • All personal expenses outside the program
  • Costs in case of early departure from the expedition
  • Porters for summit day on Ojos del Salado

info  General Infos

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

Even despite modern equipment and altitude tactics, an expedition to great heights still poses a major challenge. In addition to the conditional requirements, the altitude itself is the greatest difficulty. We attach great importance to a prudent, slow acclimatization.
Weather and mountain conditions can lead to program or route changes.

Participation in the expedition is solely at your own responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures is not liable for accidents, damages or losses.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance). For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

language  Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Argentina:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months.

Visa-free entry is possible for tourist purposes for up to 90 days.  Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

You will need your own mountain equipment and a down sleeping bag with a comfort range from -20 degrees. After booking, we will send you a detailed equipment list. We are happy to advise you personally in the selection or purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what is best to avoid.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty / Technique

The ascent lies in the individual responsibility of the members under the supervision of an expedition leader. Members must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and independently create rope teams when necessary. Showing cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for everyone. The members are obliged to follow the instructions and accept the decisions made by the expedition leader. Each member must know his/her own physical boundaries in order to be able to make the decision to turn back if need be.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is a good physical condition and stamina. Work out in the months prior to the expedition! Several hours of climbing with a heavy backpack over 1000 vertical meters in altitude per day should not be a problem for you. We are happy to advise you personally on how you can best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital Health

We recommend each member to undergo a medical check-up prior to embarking on the expedition. Sound health is a prerequisite for taking part in an expedition. Of particular importance is a trip to the dentist, because previously unnoticed dental problems can suddenly become acute due to altered pressure conditions resulting from higher altitudes.

how_to_reg  Experience

We know very well the excitement and attraction of high mountains! But we also want you to climb a mountain safely and come back healthy and having been able to enjoy the expedition while it was taking place and not only afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in a expedition, you should have already gained considerable alpine mountaineering experience. When booking, please mention which altitudes you have already reached or which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newbie, we can offer a tailor-made training and development program for your desired destination.
All necessary skills and techniques that will be needed on an expedition can be learned or refreshed in the Alps during a special introductory weekend. Get in touch.

payment Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

The following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel:

until 30 days prior to departure…………………………. 30%
29 – 20 days prior to departure…………………….. 40%
19 -10 days prior to departure…………………….. 70%
9 – 4 days prior to departure………………………… 80%
from the 3rd day prior to departure (72 hours)………100%
on the day of departure………………………………… 100% of the tour fee.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.

Copyright 2025 Furtenbach Adventures. All Rights Reserved.