Mountain Ojos del Salado (6 893 m / 22 615 ft)

Ascent to the Ojos del Salado - is a unique opportunity for beginners in high altitude mountaineering who want to find out whether they can tolerate the height. Except for the last 100 meters before the summit, the route is very ease to climb from the technical point of view. It mostly passes onto volcano slopes which at times compete in jeeps trying to beat another world record by achieving the most elevated point. In addition, this volcano tops the list of "7 Volcanoes" being the highest volcano on the Earth.

Ojos del Salado is the second highest peak in the world outside of Asia, and the world's highest volcano. There is no doubt that Ojos del Salado is a recently active volcano, but the question of whether it should be considered currently (or "historically") active is arguable. The large amounts of sulfuric gases and vapor were seen in 1994 but currently just an unpleasant sulfur smell is the only sign of volcanic activity. Ojos del Salado is a border mountain and can be reached from both Argentina and Chile. The Normal Route from the Chilean side is more popular since it has better infrastructure. Ojos del Salado is considered an easy walk-up but the last 100 meters can be a bit tricky. The summit block has very loose, steep and rotten rock so the climbing can be a severe problem especially if you are tired of the long summit push. Usually you can find some old ropes there but never rely on it. Never climb alone and always bring a good rope and vital climbing and belay equipment in your backpack. Keep in mind the weather conditions what can be the strong wind and cold down to 30 degrees Celsius. Heavy storms can quickly cover the surrounding area with a few feet of snow even in summer.

• Volcanic Seven Summits
• Country High Points of the Americas
• Chile Region High Points
• Andes 6000-meter Peaks (19 685 metres)

Volcano Ojos del Salado is located on the border between Chile and Argentina. The Atacama Desert stretches to the west of the volcano and till the Pacific coast . Like most of the volcanoes Ojos has several summits located at the crater rim. It's considered that highest summit is on the territory of Chili.

From the Santiago international airport take the domestic flight to Copiapo (Chile) and then drive to the base camp "Refuge Atacama". Up to the Laguna Verde path runs along a good road. The last part to the base camp you have to deal with the gravel road. As a rule, the climbers reach base camp by 4x4 jeeps. Distance from Copiapo to the volcano can be covered in 6 hours but during your way you have to elevate more than 5 000 meters above sea level. So if you are not acclimatized you better need to get some overnights below the base camp and spend at least 3-4 days to reach Camp Atacama. Stops are usually made at the Laguna Santa Rosa (3 600 meters) and Laguna Verde (4 400 meters).

The climbing permit is required. There is a police station at the Laguna Verde where your permit has to be checked before you've been allowed to proceed further. A lot of local tour-agencies can help you to get the climbing permit.

The scientists recently have found traces of sacrificial altars of the Incas which situated not far from the "Normal Route" to the Ojos del Salado summit. Apparently the volcano was revered by Indians as a sacred mountain.

 

The most elevated lake on Earth is situated in Chili at the east slopes of volcano Ojos del Salado. The "Normal Route" to the volcano summit passes a bit west of the lake shore.

 

On April 21, 2007, the chileans driver Gonzalo Bravo and his co-driver Eduardo Canales Moya set a new world record and their modified 4x4 Suzuki SJ reached an altitude of 6 688 meters. The previous record of 6 646 meters was set by a German expedition just a month earlier. It is curious that to achieve this numbers the Germans needed support of 17 people and 770 000 USD.

 

Volcano Ojos del Salado is the highest mountain in the world below the snow line. Thus despite an elevation of 6 893 meters above sea level, the summit of the volcano has no permanent snow cap. Due to the unique region's climate the accumulation of solid precipitation at the top of volcano doesn't prevail over its melting and evaporation.

 

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Guided Tours

• Aventuras Patagonicas

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