Expedition to Nevado Ojos del Salado
The Atacama Desert frames the ascent of the highest volcano in the world, a high-mountain expedition that combines altitude, isolation and some of the most singular landscapes of the Andes.
- Weather conditions. The high Andes of the Atacama Desert have one of the most arid climates on the planet. Low humidity, intense solar radiation, a wide temperature range and constant wind exposure characterize the environmental conditions for much of the year.
- Bilingual mountain guide (ES/EN), led by guides who are members of ANGM Chile
Participation requirements
To take part you need a level of fitness in keeping with the program's demands and a willingness to follow the guide's instructions in the field. No prior technical experience is required unless the program states otherwise. If you have any health condition, tell us when booking so we can advise you; if in doubt, consult your doctor.
Safety and mountain conditions
This is a mountain activity, subject to the conditions of the environment. The guide in charge continuously assesses the weather, the terrain and the group, and decides to adjust the route, the pace or to suspend the activity when safety requires it. Coming back safely always comes before reaching the objective.
Changes due to weather conditions
The mountain decides whether the activity can take place. A reliable forecast is available a few days beforehand, so we are flexible with advance bookings: if conditions do not allow a safe departure, we look for an alternative date or refund your deposit. If we start the program by mutual agreement and conditions prevent reaching the objective, the activity is considered completed.
Equipment the participant brings
The program includes the necessary technical equipment; you bring your mountain clothing, suitable footwear and personal items (backpack, water, snack, sun protection). The exact detail is in the program checklist, and if you are missing anything we have rental gear: let us know when booking.
Suggested clothing
Dress in layers for changeable mountain weather: a thermal base layer, an insulating layer and a windproof, waterproof outer layer, plus a hat, gloves and suitable socks. Footwear must be suited to the program's terrain. The full detail is in the checklist.
The detailed gear checklist is available online, on the program page:
https://huellandina.com/en/tours/volcanoes-journey-and-expeditions/nevado-ojos-del-salado/
Declaration of Knowledge and Acceptance of Risks, Terms and Conditions
Sociedad Turismo HAE Limitada
In accordance with Supreme Decree No. 19/2018 of the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism, and the guidelines issued by the National Tourism Service (SERNATUR), I hereby declare that, by contracting and/or participating in an adventure tourism program operated by Sociedad Turismo HAE Ltda., I have been previously, clearly and sufficiently informed about the nature of the activity, its operating conditions, and the inherent risks associated with it. I understand that such risks cannot be completely eliminated, even when the service provider complies with applicable safety standards, which are intended to reduce and manage said risks.
I expressly declare that I understand and accept the following:
I acknowledge that adventure tourism and mountain activities take place in natural and/or remote environments and involve inherent risks, including, but not limited to, accidents during transportation to or from the activity area; falls on level or uneven terrain; impacts; animal bites; avalanches, landslides or rockfall; as well as injuries caused by natural agents or sudden changes in weather conditions, such as sunburn, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, hyperthermia, or other effects associated with the natural environment.
I understand that it is the duty of the service provider to inform the conditions and requirements for the development of the activity, and that it is my duty as a participant to properly inform myself of such conditions, to meet the minimum requirements established, and to comply at all times with the instructions given by the company and the guide in charge of the activity, in accordance with SERNATUR regulations.
- I acknowledge that the use of trekking, mountaineering or climbing equipment requires specific training and technical supervision. I undertake to use the equipment provided by HAE Ltda. only under the supervision of the guide in charge. If I choose to use my own equipment, I fully assume the associated risks and expressly release HAE Ltda. from any liability for damages, injuries or accidents that may occur during or after its use.
I understand that any equipment provided by HAE Ltda. remains under my responsibility during the period of use. In the event of damage, loss or theft, I undertake to pay HAE Ltda. the corresponding amount in accordance with the previously informed guarantee.
I declare that I have been informed of the requirements necessary to participate in the activity (age, previous experience, technical skills, required equipment, physical and mental health conditions), as well as the limitations of the coverage of the additional insurance provided by HAE Ltda. under its current Adventure Tourism insurance policy. I declare that I meet these requirements and assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.
- I acknowledge that HAE Ltda. may cancel or modify an activity before or during its execution due to technical, weather-related, safety or other reasons established in the technical program sheet or determined by the professional judgment of the guide in charge. I understand that mountain programs do not guarantee the achievement of specific objectives, such as reaching a summit, and that failure to achieve such objectives does not constitute a breach of the service.
- During the execution of the program, I accept that HAE Ltda. and the guide in charge may terminate my participation if, in their technical judgment, my physical or mental health is at risk, if I do not meet the necessary conditions to continue, or if my behavior affects the safety or well-being of the group. In such cases, no refunds or rescheduling shall apply, in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions and the applicable Cancellation Policy.
- I expressly authorize that, in the event of an accident or illness that prevents me from communicating, the necessary medical assistance be provided to me, undertaking to assume the costs arising from such assistance, including rescues, evacuations or early termination of the program.
- I authorize HAE Ltda. to record and use images, videos or other materials obtained during the development of the program for promotional, informational or commercial purposes, without any right to compensation.
- I declare that this document is contractual in nature, that I have read and fully understood its content, and that I voluntarily accept the inherent risks of the activity, the General Terms and Conditions, the specific Program published on the website, and the applicable Cancellation Policy.
What does this document cover?
Acknowledgement of the risks inherent to the mountains · use of equipment · modification or cancellation due to technical or weather conditions · coverage of the included insurance and its limitations · image authorization · emergency medical care · conditions for early termination of the activity.
When must I accept it?
The document is presented when you confirm your booking through WeTravel. Acceptance is a prerequisite to complete the registration. Participants under 18 require an additional signature from a parent or legal guardian.
Yes, for the 9-day program it is important to arrive with the acclimatization process already started. That is to say, to have already been doing some activity above 4,000 meters of altitude. This can be done independently by traveling to the San Pedro de Atacama mountain range and doing a few day hikes and climbs, or by taking advantage of the proximity of the mountains around Santiago, such as El Plomo, Leonera, or the San José volcano in Cajón del Maipo, to do some classic mountaineering. Another option is to extend our stay in the Atacama region and make a program of more days, but we believe that the best options are visiting other regions either independently (with our support for you to organize the trip) or accompanying you through our altitude program in Santiago!
We recommend having prior experience with high-altitude and being in good physical condition (this is a must). So, as it’s crucial to understand how your body reacts to altitude, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of success at Ojos del Salado, so climb and hike gaining altitude gradually as high as you can before arriving in Copiapó will be the best way to prepare your body for this expedition.
Our trips are subject to guide and logistic availability. We work with small groups (most of our trips can be done with just a single client), so most of the time we will adjust everything to align with your schedule, so we can confirm the dates and proceed with the arrangements to make it happen!
The expedition begins in Copiapó, the closest major city to Ojos del Salado. The nearest airport is CPO (Desierto de Atacama Airport). We may also arrange pick-ups from nearby towns like Caldera or Bahía Inglesa if preferred (both villages with accommodations close to the shore of the Pacific ocean), but the recommendation is to begin in the major city (to ease the departure and buy the last supplies) and to finish the trip at the sea!
If you are traveling as a tourist, you will only need a regular tourist visa for Chile (based on your nationality). However, for climbs in the border regions (like Ojos del Salado), we must handle special border permits. This permission is part of the logistics that we will do for the expedition, so once you send us your information during the booking process, we will have all the data needed to manage it directly with DIFROL (The National Department of State Borders and Boundaries).
No, it will not be a medical doctor during the expedition. We like to manage the logistics of our expeditions in the same way that we like to climb for ourselves, so as minimalist as possible to manage a balance with comfort and security. So, while there are no dedicated medical doctors in the group, the lead guide is trained to monitor altitude sickness and adapt the itinerary as needed. The guides are experienced in managing the group's physical condition at high altitudes.
We provide all meals in camps or refuges during the expedition, so you need to care on what you will eat while climbing and hiking, and when we are are towns or villages. Meals are designed to provide optimal nutrition for high-altitude climbing. We offer a variety of local dishes and cater to special dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free). Please make sure to inform us of any dietary preferences or restrictions during the booking process!# In our trips, we do not usually work with cooks or helpers, so we do it together with you, as partners: clients and guides will be cooking and managing all that needs to be done in camops during the expedition. Accommodation is tent-based during the expedition (two persons per tent), if refuges are available we will use them in shared rooms. Private tents and private rooms are available at additional cost and subject to availability.
As we generally work with small groups, actually often offer private trips. We can organize a trip for one single participant, but please note that if you're the only participant, you will be responsible for the full cost of the expedition, if you are OK with it and nobody else is joining the trip this will means that we can easily adapt everything to suits you, but in case that someone else joins, this will reduce the cost per participant, but it will always be in accordance to the guide : clients ratio defined for the program.
While summiting Ojos del Salado is the ultimate goal, the experience itself is about more than just the summit. We adjust the itinerary if needed and between the possibilities, ensuring that you have a safe and rewarding experience even if the summit attempt is not successful. The journey through the Andes and the Atacama desert is incredibly enriching, and your safety and enjoyment are our priorities.
Expedition cancellation is rare but can happen due to unforeseen logistical issues before departure (e.g., it is not possible to arrive at the departure location due to a major natural event) or guide issues close to the trip start (e.g., getting sick, or injured). During the expedition, it can be due to issues like altitude sickness or weather conditions that could force us to adjust the itinerary, though this is part of what can happen in a high-altitude expedition.
We recommend acclimatizing at higher altitudes before arriving in Copiapó. This is especially important if you are not used to high-altitude environments. Some helpful tips: - Spend time at 3,000–4,000 masl before traveling to Chile, or, - Consider using an altitude tent or similar gear to simulate altitude training. - If possible, climb nearby mountains, a good spot to complement your travel to Chile can be in San Pedro de Atacama, or do an acclimatization program like our 6-day program in the big mountains around Santiago de Chile (and the most important international airport in Chile, SCL).
Each program closes its online bookings some days before the start date: from 2 days for the 1–2 day ascents and treks, and more days for longer programs (up to several weeks for the expeditions). This margin lets us coordinate in time the logistics external to HAE —transport, refuges, permits, muleteers and other third-party services— essential to run the program safely. If you're interested in a date closer to the cutoff, write to us and we'll assess feasibility.
Yes. Booking in advance is the best way to secure our availability for your program. Mountain conditions cannot be predicted weeks or months ahead. That's why, as the activity approaches, we continuously monitor the forecast and keep you informed in good time about how conditions are developing. If everything is favorable, we confirm the departure; if conditions are not suitable, we'll assess the available options with you — whether rescheduling the activity for another date, running an alternative program, or cancelling the booking in accordance with our policies.
