Ojos del Salado

Height: 6,893 m
Countries:
Climbing Ojos del Salado, the world's highest volcano, offers a thrilling high-altitude adventure with desolate beauty and challenging conditions. The Chilean side provides easier access with basic refugios, while the Argentinian side demands more self-sufficiency. The final summit push involves loose, rotten rock and strong winds, testing your endurance.

Climbing Ojos del Salado

Difficulty

  • F: Easy (alpine grade 1)
  • PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)

When to go

  • December to February

Permits

  • 3 permits are needed
  • costing around $180 total

Pictures from climbing Ojos del Salado

Ojos del Salado itinerary

The Ojos del Salado climbing itinerary includes essential stops such as Base Camp, Tejos Refuge, Atacama Camp, and Berlin Hut, each strategically positioned for acclimatization. The final ascent to the summit at 6893 meters provides experienced climbers with a challenging yet rewarding endeavor.

base-camp
Base Camp (Atacama Refuge)

The starting point for the ascent, Base Camp provides a solid foundation for acclimatization.
5,300 m

high-camp
Tejos Refuge

Tejos Refuge serves as the first overnight stop, offering shelter and a chance to further acclimatize.
5,800 m

summit
Ojos del Salado Summit

The summit of Ojos del Salado, at 6893 meters, rewards climbers with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.
6,893 m

Ojos del Salado permits

What permits are needed for climbing Ojos del Salado

To climb Ojos del Salado, you need specific permits depending on whether you start from the Chilean or Argentinian side. These permits cover access to the climbing areas and sometimes include additional requirements such as an equipment list.

1. Climbing Permit (Chile)

  • $180 (~140,000 in the local currency)
  • Required for climbing from the Chilean side, covering access to the Ojos del Salado Zone.
  • Obtainable in advance from DIFROL in Copiapó or online https://www.difrol.cl/en/procedures/expeditions/

2. Border Permit (Chile)

  • $0
  • Required for crossing the border from Argentina to Chile, obtainable in Copiapó.
  • Pick up in Copiapó.

3. Registration (Argentina)

  • $0
  • Optional: Register with the police in Fiambalá before leaving for the mountains.
  • Register at the police station in Fiambalá.

Ojos del Salado access - getting there

How to get to Ojos del Salado

From the Argentinian Side
  • By Bus: Take a bus from major cities like La Rioja or Catamarca to Tinogasta. From Tinogasta, transfer to another bus or shared taxi to Fiambalá.
  • By Shared Taxi: Shared taxis are available from Tinogasta to Fiambalá, costing around $10 USD for the 50-55 km ride.
  • 4x4 Rental: From Fiambalá, rent a 4x4 vehicle to Refugio Cazadero Grande. You can also arrange for mulas (mules) to carry equipment from this point.
From the Chilean Side
  • By Bus: Travel by bus to Copiapó. From Copiapó, organize transportation to Laguna Verde.
  • Tour Operators: Many tour operators in Copiapó offer packages that include transport to Laguna Verde and further up to Refugio Atacama or Refugio Tejos.
  • 4x4 Vehicle: Rent a 4x4 vehicle in Copiapó for the drive to Refugio Claudio Lucero and then to Refugio Atacama (5200m) or Refugio Tejos (5800m).

Ojos del Salado Summit view

What you can see from the summit of Ojos del Salado

Ojos del Salado questions

What to know about climbing Ojos del Salado

Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.