Llullaillaco

Height: 6,752 m
Countries:
Argentina flagArgentinaChile flagChile

Llullaillaco is a challenging and remote climb, standing at 6,739 meters on the Chile-Argentina border. The ascent is non-technical but demanding due to the high altitude and harsh conditions. The mountain is best known for its archaeological significance, as Incan mummies were discovered near the summit. The climb typically involves a long approach through the Atacama Desert, and while the route itself is straightforward, the altitude can be unforgiving, requiring careful acclimatization. The views from the summit are expansive, offering a stark, desolate beauty that's characteristic of the Andean highlands.

Prepare for an adventure climbing Llullaillaco. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • F: Easy (alpine grade 1)

When to go

  • February to September

Permits

  • 0 permits are needed
  • costing around $0 total

These are pictures taken while climbing Llullaillaco. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Llullaillaco, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Guide links

These guides offer organised climbs for Llullaillaco. Compare each trip - pricing, reviews, and key details to help you choose the right guide. To explore more options / routes, check out our full Guides Directory.
We've carefully selected these independent guides based on their expertise with Llullaillaco. Compare their offerings, from group sizes and equipment inclusion to trip duration and support services. Each guide brings their own unique approach, so you can find the perfect match for your adventure. Click through to see full details and connect directly with any guide that interests you.
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Llullaillaco. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.

The Chilean side has a basic refuge, but as the drive-able track goes higher this is unlikely necessary.

Llullaillaco permits

What permits are needed for climbing Llullaillaco

When climbing from Chile a border zone permit from DIFROL is needed, but nobody will check this.

Llullaillaco access - getting there

How to get to Llullaillaco

Easier to get to from Chile, from Argentina it's a long drive from Salta.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Llullaillaco. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Llullaillaco video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.
What you can see from the summit of Llullaillaco. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

Llullaillaco Links

useful websites, Groups and communities

Groups / links with more info on the Llullaillaco route.

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