Ojos del Salado Adventure: Trekking the World’s Highest Active Volcano

As your local tour guide to the wilds of Chile, I can tell you with absolute certainty: there’s no summit in South America quite like Ojos del Salado. Towering at 6,893 meters (22,615 ft), this Andean giant is the highest active volcano in the world and the second-highest mountain outside the Himalayas, just behind Argentina’s Aconcagua.
 

But Ojos del Salado is more than just height—it’s a symbol of Chilean adventure, where volcanic fire meets Andean ice, and the raw power of nature humbles even the most seasoned mountaineer. If you’re ready for the ultimate high-altitude challenge, or simply want to stand in awe of one of Earth’s greatest peaks, this guide has everything you need.

📍 Where Is Ojos del Salado?

Ojos del Salado sits on the Chile–Argentina border in the Atacama Region of northern Chile, deep within the Altiplano and Andes Mountains. It is part of the Puna de Atacama, a vast high desert plateau famous for salt flats, lagoons, and remote volcanic peaks.

Nearest city: Copiapó, ~10 hours away by 4x4

National park: Nevado Tres Cruces National Park

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Ojos del Salado

☀️ Best Climbing Season: November to March

Warmer temperatures

Less snowfall on the upper slopes

Best weather windows for summit attempts

❄️ Off-season: April to October

Extremely cold and windy

Deep snow, avalanche risk, and inaccessible roads

Only recommended for experienced winter mountaineers

🌋 Why Visit Ojos del Salado?

✅ Climb the highest active volcano in the world

✅ Experience one of the most remote and surreal landscapes on Earth

✅ Visit the world’s highest lake (~6,390 m) near the summit

✅ A major bucket-list goal for mountaineers and volcano chasers

✅ Less crowded than Aconcagua or Everest Base Camp

✅ Combine it with exploring the Atacama Desert or Altiplanic Lagoons

🧭 Reaching the Volcano

✈️ Fly to Copiapó

Nearest airport: Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO)

Direct flights from Santiago (2 hours)

🚙 4x4 Route to Base Camp

From Copiapó to Refugio Murray (~4,500 m): 250+ km on remote gravel roads

Continue to Refugio Atacama (~5,200 m) and Refugio Tejos (~5,800 m) for acclimatization

You must rent a 4x4 vehicle or book a tour with off-road transport and support

⚠️ This is serious expedition terrain—self-driving requires advanced planning, permits, and supplies.

🥾 Climbing Ojos del Salado: What to Expect

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Requires excellent acclimatization and high-altitude fitness

No technical climbing, but includes scrambling, extreme altitude, and exposure

Oxygen and crampons may be necessary

🏕️ Route Overview (Chile Side)

Copiapó (380 m) – Supplies and last stop for food/fuel

Laguna Verde (4,300 m) – Stunning lake for acclimatization

Refugio Murray (4,500 m) – First base, basic shelter

Refugio Atacama (5,200 m) – Base camp for climbers

Refugio Tejos (5,800 m) – High camp with metal shelter

Summit (6,893 m) – Final push includes rocky scramble

🗻 Total climb from Refugio Atacama to summit: ~1,700 vertical meters

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary for Summit Attempt (10–12 Days)

Day 1: Arrive in Copiapó
Day 2: Drive to Laguna Verde (acclimatization night)
Day 3–4: Hikes to nearby hills (4,700–5,000 m)
Day 5: Move to Refugio Atacama
Day 6: Acclimatization hike to Refugio Tejos
Day 7: Rest or hike again
Day 8: Move to Refugio Tejos
Day 9: Summit day – Early morning push (~10–12 hours round trip)
Day 10–11: Return to Copiapó

🧰 Climbing Requirements & Preparation

🏋️‍♂️ Physical Preparation

Excellent cardiovascular fitness

Prior acclimatization to 5,000 m+ highly recommended

Training with long hikes and weight loads

🏔️ Equipment Checklist

Down jacket, base layers, mountaineering boots

Ice axe, crampons (for summit snow)

4-season tent (if not using shelters)

Satellite phone or GPS

Cooking gear, water filter, food for 10+ days

Emergency gear (first aid, high-altitude meds, headlamp)

📝 Permits & Logistics

Permit required from Chilean authorities (Conaf or local tour operator)

Passport and vehicle paperwork for border checks

Travel insurance covering extreme altitude

🎒 Many climbers hire support teams with guides, porters, and 4x4 drivers.

🌟 Highlights Beyond the Summit

🏞️ 1. Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon)

High-altitude emerald lake at 4,300 m

Surrounded by salt crust and volcanoes

Optional hot springs nearby

Ideal spot for relaxing and acclimatizing

📷 2. World’s Highest Lake

At ~6,390 m, this crater lake near the summit is the highest lake on Earth

Freezing but scenic – a once-in-a-lifetime photo op

🔭 3. Atacama Desert Extensions

After your climb, explore:

San Pedro de Atacama (geysers, moon valley, salt flats)

Altiplanic lagoons like Miscanti and Miñiques

Tatio Geysers – One of the highest geothermal fields in the world

🛏️ Where to Stay Before and After the Climb

In Copiapó:

Antay Casino Hotel – Modern amenities, pool, and great rest before the climb

Hotel San Francisco de la Selva – Budget option in city center

Stock up on food, fuel, and gear rentals in Copiapó

In Laguna Verde (Camping):

Wild camping or basic shelters near the hot springs

No services—bring your own supplies and water treatment

🍽️ What to Eat (and Bring)

There are no restaurants or stores once you leave Copiapó. Prepare:

Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals

Pasta, oats, soup packets, dried fruits, nuts

High-calorie snacks (energy bars, chocolate, jerky)

Ample water and purification tools

Bring more fuel than you think for cooking and melting snow

🔥 Essential Tips from a Local Guide

✅ Spend at least 5 days acclimatizing before going above 5,000 m

✅ Check weather forecasts constantly (conditions can shift rapidly)

✅ Expect extreme cold and wind – protect exposed skin

✅ Don’t underestimate the altitude: AMS (altitude sickness) is common

✅ Use Refugio Tejos only for summit night – it’s basic but functional

✅ Enjoy the solitude – you may go days without seeing another climber!

📸 Best Photo Spots

📷 Sunrise at Laguna Verde

📷 Refugio Tejos with volcanoes in the background

📷 Crater lake near the summit

📷 Summit shot above the clouds – few places on Earth match it

💬 Final Thoughts from Your Guide

Ojos del Salado is one of those rare mountains that truly tests your limits—not with steep ice walls, but with endurance, altitude, and isolation. Yet what you get in return is a feeling of pure awe. Whether you reach the summit or simply stand at its base, the experience connects you to the rawest parts of the Earth.

This isn’t just a mountain—it’s a mythic place of fire, salt, wind, and stars. And it’s waiting for you.

🔗 Related Guides You Might Like:

Atacama Desert Travel Guide

Climbing Volcán Villarrica – What You Need to Know

Best Trekking Routes in Northern Chile