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Pico de Orizaba & Nevado Ojos del Salado

The highest volcanoes of the Americas combined in a fiery journey from Mexico to Chile.

The volcanoes in Mexico are the entry point into high-altitude mountaineering for many climbers. They are easily accessible, not too high and technically rather easy. The highest among them, and also the highest volcano of North America, is the glaciated Pico de Orizaba. Via Mexico City we reach this beautifully situated mountain and climb it on the classic Jamapa glacier route. Following a fiesta with Mexican culinary highlights we continue to Santiago de Chile. A domestic flight takes us to Copiapo at the edge of the Atacama Desert. From there it’s off to the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park where we make use of our acclimatization from Orizaba and undertake fabulous tours reaching almost 6000m in the stunning countryside. Optimally acclimatized we then climb the 6893m high and technically easy summit via the Tejos Hut. Lastly, we head home with the highest volcanoes of the Americas tucked under our belt.

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

Highlights:

  • The highest volcanoes of the Americas
  • A unique combination of these two amazing mountains in one unforgettable trip
  • Mexican New Year’s Eve party
  • 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:

1. - 10. Day: Pico de Orizaba in Mexico

1. Day: Flight to Mexico City and overnight stay in a hotel.

2. Day: City tour and overnight stay in a hotel.

3. Day: Transfer to our lodge in Tlachichuca (2600m).

4. Day: A short acclimatization trek followed by a rest at the lodge.

5. Day: Another acclimatization trek to approx.4000m

6. Day: Acclimatization trek and city tour of Tlachichuca.

7. Day: With the jeep and then on foot we make our way to the hut at 4200m. Overnight stay in a simple hut.

8. Day: Summit day. We leave early in order conquer the 1400 meters in height which await us. Descent to the hut and jeep ride back to Tlachichuca.

9. Day: Reserve day in case of bad weather.

10. Day: Return to Mexico City and overnight stay in a hotel.

11. - 21. Day: Nevado Ojos del Salado in Chile

11. Day: Flight to Santiago de Chile. Overnight stay in a hotel.

12. Day: Domestic flight to Copiapo and drive to Laguna Santa Rosa at 3700m. A beautiful lagoon with flamingos. Camp.

13. Day: During an acclimatization tour to one of the surrounding lower five thousanders we get to experience the unique mysticism of the Atacama Desert. Then it’s onward to Laguna Verde at 4300, where we will camp out for 2 nights and bathe in the hot springs.

14 Day: Hike and rest.

15. Day: Hike and afternoon departure by jeep and then on foot to the Atacama camp at 5100m. Overnight stay in tents.

16. Day: After breakfast we bring our equipment and water to the small Tejos hut at 5830m and descend back into the Atacama camp.

17. Day: Ascent to the Tejos hut where we will spend the night.

18. Day: Summit attempt. We climb over gravel, boulders, snow and glaciers to the crater rim. The last meters to the summit require some 2nd level of difficulty climbing. Then we descend to Camp Atacama or to the Tejos Hut.

19. Day: Reserve summit day.

20. Day: Return to Copiapo and overnight stay in a hotel.

21. Day: Homeward journey with the return flight from Santiago de Chile arriving home on the next day.

The shapely stratovolcano Pico de Orizaba, also known by its Aztec name Citlaltépetl, is the highest mountain and highest volcano in Mexico. After Mt.McKinley in Alaska (6194 meters) and Mount Logan in Canada (5959 meters), it is also the third highest mountain throughout North America.

Second only Kilimanjaro, the highly visible Pico de Orizaba is regarded as one of the most prominent volcanoes in the world. From ist summit, even the Gulf of Mexico is visible on a clear day at a distance of 110km.

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 Aconcagua was long regarded a volcano, but today there is geological consensus that the highest mountain in South America is not a volcano but deposited volcanic rock which subsequently rose to its present height and form. 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 accommodation incl. breakfast in a single room (if available in Hotels, Guesthouses, Huts)
  • All transfers according to the programme
  • Climbing permits
  • Continuous support from our English-speaking mountain guide
  • Half and full board during the whole trip (except on flight days)
  • Pharmacy, high altitude emergency Medicine
  • Kitchen team
  • Satellite communication for a fee and depending on availability
  • Radio communication
  • flight from Mexico to Chile
  • All fees & permits
  • 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
  • Fees for Satellite phones, emails

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 participants 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:

Mexico: 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 180 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 participants under the supervision of an expedition leader. Participants 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 participants are obliged to follow the instructions and accept the decisions made by the expedition leader. Each participant 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 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 participant 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 Volcanic Seven Summit 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 participants 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.