Acclimatization Expedition in the Chilean Andes
In the Andean valleys near Santiago, an expedition focused on the process of acclimatising to altitude, culminating in the ascent of Cerro El Plomo as preparation for major high-mountain expeditions.
- Weather conditions. The weather in the Central Andes is markedly seasonal, with snowy winters and generally dry summers. Altitude increases solar radiation, the temperature range and wind exposure, while convective storms may develop in the high mountains during the afternoon.
- 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/acclimatization-in-the-andes/
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! The minimum to perform the program is one (1) person, so there is no problem in doing the program just for you. But keep in mind that it is a shared service, so if there is another person interested in the program and the date they could share the service. But don't worry we'll let you know if that happens!
Yes, we have available trekking poles, mountain boots, gloves, backpacks, sunglasses for rent. So if you need something do not forget to let us know in the booking process.
It is the ascent of a mountain or volcano by a group accompanied by a (or several) Mountain Guides! We do our best to customize our programs to your needs, but please note that regular programs are shared services. We will always let you know in advance when more people join the same trip! If you will like to book in advance a private guide, it will need to be priced accordingly at the capacity of clients that your guide could have on this trip.
While most of our programs are small groups and it's almost always just the group you've booked together, our regular programs are shared services. So if you would like to book a private program in advance, it will be priced accordingly to the capacity of the clients that the guide or guides could have on that trip. Write to us to see it in detail!
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!
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.
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.
The weather conditions are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. However, an accurate and somewhat reliable weather forecast can only be had about five (5) days before the planned date for the trip, so we try to be as flexible as possible with reservations made in advance: To be able to book a date we only require the payment of the reservation fee, and once we have a reliable forecast we re-confirm the date and coordinate the payment of the difference. But if it is not possible to start the ascent because we foresee that there will be poor visibility in the glacial area (precipitation or clouds that reduce visibility to only a few meters) we will look for an alternative date or the refund of the booking fee. However, if by mutual agreement we decide to start the program (that is, to go out to pick you up or to meet at the lodge), either because the forecast looks good, acceptable, or unclear, and the conditions do not allow us to reach the summit or meet the proposed objectives, there is no refund of the payment!
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.
