Ojos del Salado Guided Expedition · 22,614ft

Itinerary

Ojos del Salado Guided Expedition Program

Day 01 • Arrival in Catamarca | 1,385m

Upon arrival at Catamarca Airport, your expedition guide will greet and take you to your hotel. This day will be used to check your mountain equipment; if necessary, additional equipment can be rented. You will stay at one of the best hotels in Catamarca. (Meals not included)

Day 02 • Catamarca to Fiambalá | 1,505m

The group will travel by private transfer to the town of Fiambalá, which offers stunning views of the surrounding region. This day will be used to rest after the long journey and to discuss the expedition in detail—accommodation in a hotel.

Day 03 • Fiambalá to Quemaditos Refuge | 3,600m

After breakfast, the group will depart by truck, traveling 131 km from Fiambalá to Refugio Quemaditos, located near the Cazadores River. Here, we will set up our first camp.

Day 04 • Quemaditos Refuge to Aguas Calientes Camp | 4,165m

Our first night in the mountains prepares us for an early start. We will trek to Aguas Calientes Camp, the last site with a reliable water source from the Cazadores River. The walk will take 7 hours.

Day 05 • Aguas Calientes Camp to Aguas de Vicuñas Camp | 5,050m

An early start after breakfast, with a trek toward Aguas de Vicuñas Camp. This day will push us to a higher altitude as we approach the next camp. Walking time: 7 hours.

Day 06 • Aguas de Vicuñas Camp to Arenales Base Camp | 5,200m

The final approach to the mountain begins today. We’ll trek to Arenales Base Camp, where the camp will be set up, and you will have time to explore this incredible location. Walking time: 7 hours.

Day 07 • Rest Day at Arenales Base Camp

This day is dedicated to resting at Arenales Base Camp, allowing the team to acclimatize and prepare for the following expedition stages.

Day 08 • Acclimatization – Nearby Peaks | up to 6,700m

We will ascend nearby hills and peaks surrounding the base camp, reaching up to 6,700m altitudes. Peaks such as Cerro Tres Cruces (6,700m), Cerro del Nacimiento (6,493m), and Incahuasi Volcano (6,698m) are all visible during this acclimatization hike. This will help the team adjust to the altitude for the summit attempt.

Day 09 • Rest Day at Arenales Base Camp

This day will include final preparations and equipment checks. The team will rest to conserve energy for the summit push.

Day 10 • Arenales Base Camp to High Altitude Camp | 5,800m

The group will leave early for the ascent to the high altitude camp at 5,800m. Once at camp, we will set up and take in the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Walking time: 7 hours.

Day 11 • Rest at High Altitude Camp

This day is reserved for rest in preparation for the summit attempt the following day.

Day 12 • Summit day | 6,864m and Return to High Camp

The summit attempt begins early in the morning. The route follows a well-marked path over sandy terrain, with slopes ranging from 15º to 40º. After about 6 hours of hiking, we will reach the crater of Ojos del Salado, from where we continue to the summit. The final climb involves 30m of 5.4 climbing (American grade), and ropes will be provided to cross snowfields and the final ascent. After spending 15 minutes at the summit (limited space for about six people), we will return to the high camp—walking time: 12 hours approx.

Day 13 • High Altitude Camp to Arenales Base Camp

After breakfast, we will pack up the camp and descend to Arenales Base Camp, enjoying the last sights of this incredible region. We will prepare the gear for the mules to transport the following day.

Day 14 • Arenales Base Camp to Aguas Calientes Camp

We will put down the camp, have breakfast, and begin the trek down to Aguas Calientes Camp, marking the end of our expedition.