Acamarachi

Also known as: Pili

Height: 6,046 m
Country:
Chile flagChile

Acamarachi, also known as Cerro Pili, stands at around 6,046 meters (19,836 feet) in Chile’s Atacama Desert region. This remote stratovolcano is part of the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes and sits within one of the driest landscapes on Earth. Despite its imposing height and rugged terrain, Acamarachi is known for its relatively non-technical ascent, making it a unique choice for climbers interested in high-altitude volcanic peaks.

The ascent typically begins from the town of San Pedro de Atacama, with a drive taking climbers close to the base of the mountain. The climb itself is a mix of rocky scree and volcanic sand, which can be challenging on steeper sections. Acamarachi's summit offers expansive views of the Atacama and surrounding volcanic summits, including neighboring peaks like Licancabur and Sairecabur.

Climbers face high-altitude conditions and a stark, almost lunar landscape, with extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. Proper acclimatization is essential, as the air here is thin and the conditions can be harsh. Acamarachi is a great choice for those looking to experience Chile’s high-altitude volcanoes without technical climbing but with all the challenges of a high Andean ascent in a remote desert setting.

Table of contents

Climbing Acamarachi

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

  • June to September

Acamarachi mountain guides

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Acamarachi. 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 Acamarachi. 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
Grupo Alpamayo Tours logoGrupo Alpamayo Toursview guides trip webpage from $2,250

Acamarachi route

View the summit location and surrounding terrain to get a sense of the mountain's environment. This map offers a valuable perspective on the peak's position within the region, aiding climbers in visualizing their route and nearby landmarks.

Acamarachi Summit view

What you can see from the summit of Acamarachi. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.