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.

Climbing Llullaillaco

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you embark on one of the world’s iconic climbs. 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

Pictures from climbing Llullaillaco

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.

Llullaillaco mountain guides

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Llullaillaco. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Llullaillaco. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
GuideInfoCost
Utu Travelview guides trip webpage from $750
Argentina Extremaview guides trip webpage from $2,300
Chile Montana Trips & Expeditionsview guides trip webpage from $3,200
Grupo Alpamayo Tours logoGrupo Alpamayo Toursview guides trip webpage from $3,550
Spondylus Emotion & Experienceview guides trip webpage from $3,890
Puya Outdoorview guides trip webpage from $5,200

Llullaillaco route

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.

Llullaillaco Videos

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.

Llullaillaco Summit view

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.