The Chilean desert high plateau east of Copiapó, above Chañaral, is well known by the world mountaineers as it concentrates the highest number of six thousand meter peaks, between mountains and volcanoes, in the world. Hidden among all these mountains raises Vn Copiapó and Vn Ojos del Salado which we propose to climb.First we will attempt Vn. Copiapó as part of your acclimatization and then Vn. Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano in the world. During the trip we will come across places of amazingly beautiful and diverse nature, and from the summits the 360 degree view is beyond description. The climb of Ojos Del Salado is the right choice for those who are looking for a big and interesting challenge.

Please check the gear list to see what you will need to bring for the trip.

For further general information on Chile please also look at our fact file.

Location

Copiapo is the starting point of our trip from were Ojos Del Salado lies 260kms to the east and 800kms north of Santiago the Chile and is at the most southern part of the Atacama Desert in the 3^rd region.  

Climbing to Summit

Program

Day 1: COPIAPÓ - LAGUNA SANTA ROSA (3500m)

After meeting you at Copiapó's airport, we start our drive east and up, following narrow and dry river valleys that are the link between the desert and the high plateau. To reach our camp site we need to cross our highest point, Portezuelo Maricunga, which is a mountain pass 4125m above sea level. From there we go down to Santa Rosa Lagoon and Maricunga Salt Flat, where our first camp is, at 3500m. Now we are in the middle of the Chilean high plateau, which is the most southern part of the Atacama Desert and the home of a very diverse wildlife, such as flamingos and foxes. In the evening we take a short walk to the nearby lagoon where we may see local flora and fauna and a large variety of birds.

4 - 6 hours (LD)

Day 2: Laguna Santa Rosa - Siete Hermanos (4950m) - Laguna Santa Rosa

After breakfast we begin our acclimatization process by climbing the easy summit of Cerro La Guanaca, after which we return to our camp. We will probably meet some guanaco's families (Lama Guanicoe) during the climb.<

5-7 hours (BLD)

Day 3: Laguna Santa Rosa – Mina Marte – Laguna Negro Francisco (4200m)

We drive through an incredible landscape that leads us to Laguna Del Negro Francisco (4200m) during the drive we go through Mina Marte, an abandoned gold mine in the middle of the Chilean high plateau. We stay at the CONAF ranger station.

6-7 hours driving (BLD)

Day 4: LAGUNA NEGRO FRANCISCO

Laguna Del Negro Francisco is a big salt lake, very rich in fauna and surrounded by big mountains. The area is protected by the CONAF (Chilean National Parks Administration) and we will camp near the CONAF rangers hut. We have a rest day at 4200m in altitude, and in the morning we can go for an easy trekking in the area around the lake. (BLD)

Day 5: Laguna Negro Francisco – Volcano Copiapo (6050m)

We start very early in the morning, with a transfer to the start of the climb. The summit is at 6050m with views of all the surrounding mountains.

9-10 hours (BLD)

Day 6: Laguna Negro Francisco - Atacama Refuge (5500m)

We leave Vn. Copiapó area driving back and then heading north, taking the international route to Argentina, gaining altitude very quickly, then twisting south to follow a 17km long back route, which tests our ability as drivers as we cross sand flats and steep rocky, sometimes snow-covered slopes, and arrive finally at the Atacama refuge, at 5500m, where we set up our base camp.

5-7 hours driving (BLD)

Day 7: ATACAMA REFUGE (BC) -TEJOS REFUGE (CI) (6000m) - BC

Today we carry some food and fuel to Camp I following the sandy and rocky slopes; we drop our weights inside the metallic hut, take a look around to then go back to the BC. This carrying will improve our acclimatization as a way to be able to reach the summit during the next days.

5-7 hours (BLD)

Day 8: Rest day at Tejos Refuge

We use this day to rest and recover, before we go up to camp I and give the final push to the summit, which will be physically demanding. We also prepare the gear, the food and all the other stuff we will need for the summit day. If we feel fit enough this day could be a reserve day in case we get bad weather. (BLD)

 Day 9: ATACAMA REFUGE - TEJOS REFUGE (CI) (6000m)

Today we move up, following the mountain slopes, and carrying all the rest of the gear we will need for the summit day. It's a short day: we arrive early to get hydrated, rest to be ready for tomorrow's effort.

3-4 hours (BLD)

 Day 10: Tejos Refuge - Summit (6893m) - Tejos Refuge - BC

Starting very early in the morning, we climb 8 to 9 hours up to the summit, once again on land that may be snowy or dry. From this amazing summit we will see all the major summits of the area, including Tres Cruces, Pissis, and the highest volcano in the world. Depending on our time we can walk back down to Refugio Tejos

10-12 hours (BLD)

Day 11: Tejos Refuge - Copiapo

We dismantle the tents, organize the gear, pack the equipment and load the cars. Then we drive back to Copiapó. Transfer to the Hotel.

6 hours driving, Hotel (BLD)

Day 12: COPIAPO OUT

Transfer to the airport. End of Services.(B)