Ojos del Salado Climb In 16 Days

Ojos del Salado Highest Volcano of the World

Tour Description

Our acclimatization itinerary commences in the northern Chilean city of Copiapo, the Atacama region’s silver and copper mining centre. We trek for five days in the spectacular and remote Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, in the vicinity of the Santa Rosa and Negro Francisco lagoons.

Located to the south of the Maricunga Salt Lake, the Santa Rosa lagoon is famous for it’s large population of pink, yellow-legged Andean Flamingoes, striking birds which are year-round residents. Both the Santa Rosa and Negro Francisco lagoons are internationally protected wetlands with fauna including vicuñas, guanacos, and the Andean fox as well as richly varied bird life including the Horned Coot, Andean Goose, Piuquen and Patagonian crested duck.

Moving towards the north-east, we reach Laguna Verde (4,400m / 14,765 ft), a stunning turquoise lake set in a landscape dominated by snow-capped volcanoes and red desert hillsides. From this point we travel to our destination, Ojos del Salado, in 4-wheel drive vehicles, arriving at the Refugio Atacama base camp (5.350m / 17,000 ft). Here we will take time to allow our bodies to acclimatize to the considerable elevation, making progressively higher ascents to allow our body to adjust to increases in elevation. Ascending gradually is essential to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and serious conditions like pulmonary edema.
From the Refugio Atacama base camp, we ascend to Refugio Tejos (19,350ft / 5,750m), commonly regarded as the highest mountain hut in the world. Crossing scree slopes and occasional snow patches we’ll reach the main summit, where we’ll use a fixed rope on the final 80 meters. From the summit we’ll enjoy impressive views of the other high peaks of this range—no fewer than 13 above 6,000m / 19,685 ft.

To see an Ojos del Salado topographic map click here

To order a topographic map : click here

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1 Copiapo On arrival to Copiapo, we’ll settle into our hotel in this bustling centre for mining and agricultural activities in the region. We’ll meet the guides and other members of the group, make an equipment and gear check, and have a power point presentation on the expedition.
Hotel / Elevation 543m / 1,781 ft

Day 2 Copiapo – Valle Chico This morning we’ll make the aproximately three hour journey to Valle Chico, on a road that is half paved and half gravel. We’ll arrive to our camp, have lunch, and in the aftenoon take an acclimatization hike. Dinner and overnight at our campsite.
Transfer distance 130km / 80 miles / Transfer time 3 hours / Tent / Elevation Min 543m / 1,781 ft - Max 3,200m / 10,498 ft

Day 3 Valle Chico – Laguna Santa Rosa Today we travel to Laguna Santa Rosa, a high altitude lake in the stunning Nevado Tres Cruces National Park. We’ll hike part of the distance in the morning along the road. The Nevado Tres Cruces Park is famous for its spectacular altiplanic scenery and abundant and varied wildlife, including three varieties of flamingoes, and herds of vincuña and guanaco. The striking Laguna Santa Rosa is located on the southern edge of the Maricunga salt lake, the most southern salar in Chile. It is ringed by imposing snowy mountains including the impressive Tres Cruces (6,753m / 22,155 ft) and, dominating the southern horizon, Volcán Copiapo (6,052m / 19855 ft). Overnight at our campsite.
Transfer distance 90km / 56 miles / Transfer time 1.5 hours / Tent / Elevation Min 3,200m / 10,498 ft - Max 3,600m / 11,811 ft

Day 4 Laguna Santa Rosa Lake – Laguna Negro Francisco Today we travel around the east side of Volcán Copiapo to reach Laguna Negro Francisco (4,100m / 13,451 ft). This laguna is larger than the Laguna Santa Rosa and is home to three species of flamingoes and a wide variety of waterfowl. We’ll stay overnight at the Conaf (National Forestry Corporation of Chile) hut.
Transfer distance 85km / 52 miles / Hut / Transfer time 1,5 / Elevation Min 3,600m / 11,811 ft - Max 4,100m / 13,451 ft

Day 5 Laguna Negro Francisco Today we’ll make an easy hike near the Laguna San Francisco to aid in our acclimatization and enjoy the awesome views.
Trekking Time – 3 hours / Hut / Elevation 4,100m / 13,451 ft

Day 6 Laguna Negro Francisco– Summit Volcán Copiapo - Laguna Negro Francisco Early this morning we’ll transfer to the base of the Copiapo Volcano (5,000m / 16,404 ft) a trip of approximately 45 minutes. We’ll ascend this active volcano, with its sulphur fumaroles and summit lagoon, a trek of 8 to 10 hours. We return to the Conaf hut to sleep.
Trekking Time – 8-10 hours /Hut / Elevation - Min 4,100m / 13,451 ft - Max 6,052m / 19855 ft

Day 7 Laguna Negro Francisco - Laguna Verde We’ll travel to Laguna Verde (4,325m / 14,189 ft), a beautiful lake of turquoise waters set on a high plateau, surrounded by the highest concentration of tall peaks in the Andes. These include Incahuasi (6,615m), Mulas Muertas (5,897m / 19,347 ft) and Ojos del Salado (6,893m). In the afternoon we’ll luxuriate in the exquisite natural thermal water at the rustic Laguna Verde hotsprings.
Transfer distance 44 km / 27 miles / Transfer time 1 hour / Tent / Elevation Min 4,100m / 13,451 ft - Max 4,325m / 14,189 ft

Day 8 Laguna Verde A rest day, today we’ll relax, drink plenty of liquids, and eat well to assist in our acclimatization. We’ll enjoy the stunning landscape around this jewel of a lake.
Elevation 4,325m / 14,189 ft / Tent

Day 9 Laguna Verde – Summit Mulas Muertas - Laguna Verde Today we ascend Mulas Muertas--Dead Mules--(5,897m /19,347 ft). We may not reach the summit as it’s an exhausting one day trip. Our objective is to gain height to aid in our acclimatization and then return to a lower elevation to sleep. We will also get a spectacular view of Laguna Verde and the route we will take on Ojos del Salado.
Elevation Min 4,325m / 14,189 ft - Max 5,897m /19,347 ft / Tent

Day 10 Laguna Verde - Refugio Atacama We move today to the Refugio Atacama (5,350m / 17,552 ft), with its magnificent views of the majestic Ojos del Salado. Of the overall distance we will hike approximately 12km / 7 miles. Between driving and walking the trip will take about 4 hours.
Transfer distance 35 k / 21 miles / Trekking Time 2 hours / Tent / Elevation Min 4,325m / 14,189 ft - Max 5,350m / 17,552 ft

Day 11 Refugio Atacama - Refugio Tejos - Refugio Atacama This is a portage day in which we’ll take equipment and gear to Refugio Tejos (5,750m / 18,864 ft), a distance of 5 k / 3 mile, a hike of 2 to 3 hours. We’ll return to Refugio Atacama in the afternoon. Today’s portage--climbing up to a higher altitude and descending to a lower one to sleep--is aimed at making us stronger and helping in our adaptation to the elevation. An optimal acclimatization increases the possibility of reaching the summit successfully and in a safe and comfortable manner.
Trekking Time – 3-4 hours / Tent / Elevation - Min 5,350m / 17,552 ft - Max 5,750m / 18,864 ft

Day 12 Refugio Atacama We’ll take a rest day in camp, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating well. This will aid in our acclimatization and make us stronger for summit day.
Elevation - Min 5,350m / 17,552 ft / Tent

Day 13 Refugio Atacama - Refugio Tejos Today we ascend to Refugio Tejos where we’ll spend the night.
Trekking Time – x hours / Tent / Elevation - Min 5,350m / 17,552 ft - Max 5,750m / 18,864 ft

Day 14 Refugio Tejos – Summit Ojos del Salado - Refugio Atacama We set out at 4 or 5 in the morning, depending on the wind. This is a windy zone and, due to the altitude, extremely cold—temperatures can descend to -20 to -25 c. The ascent is by way of a scree slope, following a zigzag path for aproximately 4 hours, reaching the plateau of the volcano, a climb of 25 to 30 degrees, and on up a wide ridge to a small lagoon. At the end of the scree, we turn right, toward the west side of the volcano, arriving, after two more hours, to the crater. Towards the east we can see the summit. Skirting the left side of the crater we ascend a rocky ridge. The first part is without difficulty. The final part, however, contains a short technical section of grade 5 on the French scale. The guide will install a security rope and with a harness and assistance from the guide, climbers will ascend to the summit. From the top we have spectacular views of the heart of the Andes, including the impressive 6,000m plus trio of volcanoes: Nevado Tres Cruce (6,749m / 22,142m), San Francisco (6,016m / 19,737 ft ), and Piscis (6,792m / 22,283 ft). We return to Refugio Atacama to sleep--because of the altitude, it’s difficult to get a good nights sleep at Refugio Tejos. Our descent will follow the same route and will take between three and four hours.
Trekking Time – 10-13 hours / Tent / Elevation - Min 5,750m / 18,864 ft - Max 6893 m / 22615 ft

Day 15 Refugio Tejos – Summit Ojos del Salado - Refugio Atacama We’ll keep this day in reserve to allow for poor weather conditions.
Tent / Elevation - Min 5,750m / 18,864 ft - Max 6893 m / 22615 ft

Day 14 Refugio Tejos – Summit Ojos del Salado - Refugio Atacama A second reserve day to allow for poor weather conditions.
Tent / Elevation - Min 5,750m / 18,864 ft - Max 6893 m / 22615 ft

Day 16 Refugio Atacama – Copiapo Today we return to Copiapo, and the Ojos Del Salado through the Altiplanic Lagoons expedition comes to an end!
Transfer distance 300 km / 186 miles / Transfer time 5 hours / Hotel / Elevation Min 543m / 1,781 ft - Max 5,750m / 18,864 ft

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Tour Details

Duration	16 days
Difficulty	Excellent Physical Condition Required
Departures	KLE007-01 November 21, 2010 –December 06, 2010. KLE007-02 December 05, 2010 – December 20, 2010. KLE007-03 January 09, 2011 – January 24, 2011.
Expedition cost	US $ 3,500 per person minimum 6.
Hotel single supplement	US $ 300 per person
Reservation cost	US $ 700
Balance due	75 days prior departure
Space available	12 climbers

Service includes

Professional Bilingual Mountain Guide.
Ratio Guide to Clients 1-4.
Difrol permit process.
High quality expedition common gear: The North Face, Mountain Hardware and Marmot tents, isolate mattress, high camp stoves & Fuel.
First aid kit, hyperbaric chamber, oxygen bottles, oximeter, including O2 at our high camps.
Satellite phone at base camp on a per minute payment basis.
VHF 2 mt & BLU HF radio communication equipment.
Full base camp set up dining tent, chair, tables, etc..
All meals during the expedition and trekking.
Permanently available hot drinks and biscuits at base camp tent.
Two hotel nights, double occupancy with breakfast, in the city of Copiapo.
Flight Santiago – Copiapo - Santiago with 20 kg baggage.
Private transportation including airport pick up.
All local organization and supervision by KL Adventure & Aconcagua Express Staff.

Service does not include

All personal climbing equipment gear.
Ojos del Salado permit.
Porter for personal gear.
Any cost involved in an early or late departure.
Any meals and drinks (soda, beer or wine) in the cities.
Dinner on the first and final nights.
Cancellation, accident and rescue insurance.
Cash for extra expenses.
Any other services not mentioned on the list.

Important

All itineraries are subject to change due to changes in the weather, individual’s acclimatization rates, and the guide’s criteria.
Any departure date can be re-scheduled with a minimum of 6 persons.

Once you get registered, we will send you :

A detailed list of all the equipment you need.

Aconcagua short equipment list :

-Non detailed version (this is only for “packing your bags”)
-Items marked with ** are available for rent. Items marked with * are available for purchase.

Head:

**Ski Goggles
*Light weight Balaclava
*Warm fleece or wool hat
*Glacier glasses
*Extra pair of sunglasses (these don’t need to be glacier glasses)
Hat or cap with neck protection for sun on the approach days
High U.V. Buff (Optional)
Neoprene face mask

Hands:

Fleece liners
Gore-Tex ski gloves
**Mittens

Upper Body:

(2) Polypropylene top- one medium weight and one expedition weight.
(2) Fleece jackets or lightweight synthetic insulated jacket.
(1) If you opt to only use one of the above jackets then you need an insulated vest.
Ultralight wind jacket (Optional)
Gore-Tex parka
**(1)Expedition Down Parka with down hood.
Long sleeve lightweight cotton type shirt for the hike in.

Lower Body:

(2)-Polypropylene bottom one lightweight and one expedition weight.
(1)-One pair of schoeler or nylon pants.
**Insulated over pants or fleece pants with full side zips
Lightweight Gore-Tex pants with full side zips

Feet:

2 pair of socks for the approach.
3 pair of sock combinations (in additition to above)
Gaiters
**Down or synthetic booties (optional)
**Double plastic boots
Light weight hiking boots, trekking shoes or sneakers
Sandals or neoprene booties.

Sleeping:

**Down or synthetic rated –10 degrees F/ -26 degrees C
Compression sack for sleeping bag
Thermarest pad with repair kit

Backpacks and other bags:

**Internal frame Backpack
*Day pack
Some medium and large stuff sacks
3 heavy-duty plastic bags
**1 large and 1 extra large duffel bags
An assortment of Ziploc bags.

Miscellaneous:

**Trekking poles or ski poles (MANDATORY)
Bandanna (for sun protection and cleaning glasses etc.)
Hand warmers (purchased in most outdoor stores)
Ear plugs (for those windy nights or snoring tent mates)
Potable aqua (1 bottle)
(2) Mole foam made by 3M (for treating blisters) (MANDATORY)
1 roll of athletic tape (mandatory)
Knife with built in scissors for cutting mole foam/skin.
Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Consider bringing Zinc oxide if you burn easily.
Head lamp with extra batteries
Toiletry items (toothbrush/toothpaste, baby wipes (very usefull), tampons
2 Lip balms (chapstick with SPF)
2 water bottles (two liters capacity) and 1 one-liter thermos.
Many people like to have a separate wide mouth bottle only for peeing in. This bottle should be clearly labeled!
Cup, bowl and spoon.

Climbing:

Climbing seat harness (Polish Glacier only)
1 Locking Carabiner (Polish Glacier only)
**Ice axe and leash 60-70 cm
**Crampons

Food:

2-3 pounds total and include items you know will look tasty if feeling less than 100% and that you have experimented with in training. Popular choices may include a variety of certain energy bars, energy gels, candies, nuts, dried fruits, rice crispy treats, brownies etc...

Medical:

Ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil
Asperin
Blister kit (athletic tape, mole foam, and 5-6 bandaids)

Optional Items:

Camera, Paperback book, Pee funnel (for women only), Music

Physical conditioning for your trip with KL Adventure

Whether your trip involves trekking, mountaineering, or technical climbing, your training program should involve the following:

Alpine-specific training (via hiking with a pack and specific skills development pertaining to your trip)
Strength training (via free weights, a weighted backpack, bodyweight exercises, or gym machines)
Cardiovascular training (via spinal-loading aerobic training)

Alpine specific training - During your training, progressively ramp up your speed, duration (time or mileage), and pack weight of weekly training hikes to give you alpine-specific conditioning that cannot be matched by any other type of training. Hike steep outdoor trails, gradually increasing your pack weight with each outing until you are at your target trip pack weight. A reasonable target for multi-day trips would be to ascend 3,500 feet in a 2-2.5 hour period, or roughly 1,750 vertical feet in an hour, with your target trip pack weight. In early season, you might start out with a 15# pack on hikes that gain up to 1,500’ elevation over 6-8 miles round trip; each hike try increasing the total elevation gain, distance, and/or speed, then begin adding several pounds per trip until you are comfortable with your target trip pack weight. When you can gain 3,500 feet with your target pack weight, start to decrease rest breaks and increase speed. Include overnight trips in your training regimen to get accustomed to successive days of sustained work with little to no recovery time.

Strength training - Training with free weights, a weighted backpack, bodyweight exercises, or gym machines will help you build overall strength, particularly in the core (lower back and abdominals), upper back, and legs. Developing strength in your upper back and shoulders will help you with such tasks as carrying a pack and using ice axe, ice tools or trekking poles effectively. The calves, hips, quads, hamstrings and glutes are all involved in ascending and descending alpine routes, and strength endurance is required in all areas of the legs and hips. Technical climbing will require a solid foundation in upper body strength training as well. Training primarily with free weights will give you the functional, alpine-specific strength that will help you most in the mountains. In early phases of strength conditioning, focus on building a foundation for harder workouts, starting with 2-3 sets of each exercise for 8-10 repetitions. As you continue to train, you will shift focus to building strength through lower repetitions (5-8) to build maximum strength. Finally for the last 4-6 weeks before your trip start increasing the repetitions to build strength endurance and mental and physical stamina; each phase varies the weight used, repetitions completed, number of sets, and rest interval. Most important in strength training is to be sure you maintain proper form at all times in order to prevent injury or strain.

Cardiovascular training – Activities you can add several times per week to supplement your alpine-specific pack carrying training include spinal-loading exercises such as trail running, walking on an inclined treadmill, doing stair stepping or stepmill training, working on an elliptical machine, or walking up and down hills or stairs with a weighted pack. In early season, include at least 3-4 sessions of 30-45 minutes of sustained activity at a moderate intensity, and gradually build to 4-5 aerobic sessions of sustained effort for an hour or more as you approach your trip. If you will be at high altitude for portions of your trip, include interval training in your weekly program. To do this, find a steep hill or sets of stairs that will allow you to climb steadily for several minutes. Push as hard as you can while you go up, then recover coming down, and repeat for anywhere from 30-45 minutes. For hill walks, add weight to your pack on a regular basis until you can carry slightly more than your target pack weight (referred to as over-weight training) the whole time. Participate in as many hikes or climbs that take you above 8,000’ as you possibly can, in order to learn how your body responds to high altitude.

This training information brought to you by KL Adventure conditioning partner, Body Results. For more conditioning information, products and services and special pricing for KLA’s clients go to www.bodyresults.com/kla

Code	From	To	Status	Price
Ojos del Salado 16 Days
KLE007-01	Sunday, November 21, 2010	Monday, December 06, 2010	available	3,7503,500
KLE007-02	Sunday, December 05, 2010	Monday, December 20, 2010	available	3,7503,500
KLE007-03	Sunday, January 09, 2011	Monday, January 24, 2011	available	3,7503,500