Global ExpeditionsPeak Performance Series Chile South America

Ojos del Salado Peak Performance Ascent

Optional Aconcagua Extension (12 Days)

9 days From $8,200 per person

At 6,893 m / 22,615 ft, Nevado Ojos del Salado is the highest active volcano on earth — the second highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, just 60 meters below Aconcagua, and one of the Volcanic Seven Summits. A mountain that fewer people have climbed than most peaks of comparable altitude. This is not a well-known mountain. That is part of what makes it extraordinary. More at difrol.gob.cl for permit information.

The Ojos del Salado Peak Performance Ascent is built for climbers who want to move efficiently and intelligently. Rather than spending extended time on the mountain for acclimatization, you arrive pre-acclimatized — using altitude training protocols in the weeks before departure — and then execute a focused, expert-guided ascent in 9 days. Accelerated. Smart. Real.

The Pre-Acclimatization Model

Every Peak Performance climber receives a Hypoxico altitude training system protocol before departure. You sleep at simulated altitude of 2,500–3,500 m progressively over 4 weeks before you fly. By the time you land in Copiapó, your body is already working. The 9-day format is not a shortcut — it is a different system that requires real preparation before arrival. The mountain gets the same respect. The preparation happens before you land.

The 4WD Overland Support

The approach to Ojos del Salado is a high-altitude overland expedition in its own right. From Copiapó, our fully equipped 4WD expedition vehicles carry the team through flamingo lagoons at 3,760 m, past volcanic hot springs at 4,340 m, up rough desert roads to Atacama Refuge at 5,300 m — guaranteed on every expedition. Above Atacama, the road toward Tejos Refuge at 5,825 m is one of the highest vehicular roads in the world; whether we drive it depends on conditions on the day. Both scenarios are built into the plan. The summit objective does not change.

  • Atacama Refuge 5,300 m: always reached by vehicle, camp set before the team arrives
  • Tejos Refuge 5,825 m: reached by vehicle when road conditions allow; carried on foot when not
  • All water, food, camping equipment, and emergency gear transported throughout
  • Hot drinks and a prepared camp waiting at every overnight location
  • All gear transported between camps — climbers carry personal daypacks only

The Aconcagua Extension

For climbers who want more, the Aconcagua Peak Performance Extension continues the season seamlessly — $16,000 USD additional, 12 days. From Santiago you fly to Mendoza, Argentina. Already pre-acclimatized from Ojos, you move directly to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp by helicopter, bypassing the Horcones Valley approach. Two legendary summits. One connected season. Combined Andean Peak Performance Season: $24,200 USD. See the Day-by-Day section for the full extension itinerary.

Why Four Climbers

We cap every Peak Performance departure at four climbers. At nearly 7,000 meters in a remote desert environment, four is the number that allows fully personal guiding, real-time individual monitoring, and summit decisions made with complete knowledge of each climber. Our guides are IFMGA-certified with decades of Andean expedition history built by Willie and Damian Benegas.

9 Days  ·  Copiapó → Atacama Desert → Ojos del Salado

The Peak Performance model moves efficiently because you arrive pre-acclimatized. Every day has a clear purpose. Summit day is the outcome.

Arrive at Santiago and continue north to Copiapó. Meet your guides. Gear check and expedition briefing. Overnight in hotel. Tomorrow the Atacama begins.

Sleeping altitude: ~300 m / 985 ft

The expedition vehicles load up and head east from Copiapó into the Atacama. Laguna Santa Rosa appears at 3,660 m — a flamingo lagoon that turns pink at dusk. The 4WD has camp set before we arrive. First night sleeping high. The pre-acclimatization protocol begins to work with the real altitude.

Sleeping altitude: 3,660 m / 12,000 ft

Vehicles loaded and moving by mid-morning. The natural hot springs at Laguna Verde are 39°C. This is one of the most extraordinary camps in South America. Rest. Hydrate. Get in the water.

Sleeping altitude: 4,300 m / 14,100 ft

The most demanding section of the overland approach — rocky, loose terrain climbing from 4,300 m to 5,300 m requiring full 4WD. Atacama Refuge is the guaranteed vehicle endpoint for every expedition — camp set, hot drinks waiting. Ojos del Salado fills the sky directly ahead. Gear sorted. Routes reviewed. Dinner early.

Sleeping altitude: 5,300 m / 17,388 ft

Pre-dawn start from Atacama Refuge. We move through the high desert on foot across volcanic terrain toward the upper mountain. The final 30 meters to the true summit involve 5th-class rock scrambling — fixed lines in place. From the summit of the world’s highest active volcano at 6,893 m, both Chile and Argentina are visible. The crater lake glows below. We descend to Atacama Refuge where the 4WDs are waiting — warm food and drinks ready.

Sleeping altitude: Atacama Refuge: 5,300 m / 17,388 ft ·  Max: 6,893 m / 22,615 ft

Weather windows on Ojos del Salado can close without warning. This day is the reserve. If summit has been achieved, it is a rest and recovery day at altitude — vehicles on standby. If weather closed the window on Day 5, this is the second attempt.

Sleeping altitude: 5,300 m / 17,388 ft

A second reserve day for the summit window. Guides monitor conditions continuously. This day is used for a summit attempt if conditions align, or the descent sequence begins if summit has been achieved.

Sleeping altitude: 5,300 m or lower / 17,388 ft

Vehicles loaded and rolling by early morning. The long overland drive back through the altiplano and down to Copiapó. Fly to Santiago. Overnight near the airport. A proper dinner. The mountain deserves it.

Sleeping altitude: ~500 m / 1,640 ft

Depart Santiago for home — or continue to Mendoza, Argentina, for the Aconcagua Peak Performance Extension. Climbers who have pre-arranged the extension are already acclimatized and move directly into the Aconcagua program.

For climbers completing Ojos del Salado, the Aconcagua Extension adds a 12-day rapid ascent of Aconcagua — 6,961 m / 22,837 ft, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. Already pre-acclimatized, you fly from Santiago to Mendoza, drive to Puente del Inca, then helicopter directly to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp at 4,370 m — bypassing the multi-day Horcones Valley approach. The program proceeds through Camp Canadá, Nido de Cóndores, and up the Northwest Ridge to the summit. Two reserve days are built in. Program ends in Mendoza on Day 20.

This Is a Step Up

Ojos del Salado is not the mountain to attempt before you’ve been to altitude. At 6,893 m, it is nearly 1,000 meters higher than Kilimanjaro and requires both prior high-altitude experience and basic mountaineering skills. The final summit section involves 30 meters of 5th-class rock scrambling at nearly 7,000 meters. The Peak Performance model makes the expedition efficient. It does not make it easy.

The Pre-Acclimatization Requirement — Non-Negotiable

You must follow a structured altitude training protocol in the weeks before departure:

  • Altitude tent training (Hypoxico or equivalent) at home for 4 weeks before departure
  • Sleeping at simulated altitude of 2,500–3,500 m progressively increasing
  • Complementary aerobic training throughout the preparation period

We provide the pre-acclimatization protocol to every confirmed climber. This step is non-negotiable — arriving without pre-acclimatization on a 9-day program at nearly 7,000 m creates serious physiological risk.

Experience Required

  • Prior high-altitude experience above 5,000 m — Kilimanjaro, Ecuador volcanoes, Everest Base Camp, Elbrus, or equivalent
  • Ice axe and crampon proficiency — you must be comfortable with these tools before arrival
  • Basic rope technique — fixed line use on the summit scramble
  • Experience in cold, exposed, remote alpine conditions

Fitness Required

The compressed 9-day format demands a high fitness baseline. You should arrive capable of:

  • Sustained uphill movement for 12–16 hours on summit day at extreme altitude
  • Performing at high output in cold and thin air
  • Managing accumulated fatigue across consecutive demanding days
  • Cold tolerance in conditions regularly reaching -20°C

The Aconcagua Extension — Double Commitment

If considering the Aconcagua Extension, your fitness and preparation requirements double. You will be executing two major high-altitude objectives back to back across 20 consecutive days. Contact us to discuss whether the combined season is the right plan for where you are right now.

It means arriving pre-acclimatized and executing a focused, expert-guided ascent in 9 days rather than spending 14–16 days on the mountain for gradual acclimatization. You use altitude tent training at home for 4 weeks before departure. Your body arrives partially adapted. The expedition moves efficiently because it can.

Yes. The pre-acclimatization protocol is a non-negotiable requirement. We provide specific guidance on altitude tent training (typically Hypoxico or equivalent) to every confirmed climber. Contact us if you don’t have access to one — we can advise on rental options. Arriving without pre-acclimatization on a 9-day program at nearly 7,000 m creates serious physiological risk.

Atacama Refuge at 5,300 m is guaranteed on every expedition. The road above toward Tejos Refuge at 5,825 m depends on conditions — erosion, rockfall, and sand drift can close sections without warning. When conditions allow, the vehicles save the team a 525 m carry on foot. When they do not, we carry on foot. Both scenarios are built into the plan. The summit objective does not change.

An optional 12-day addition continuing the season from Ojos to Aconcagua — 6,961 m / 22,837 ft, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. Cost: $16,000 USD additional. Combined season: $24,200 USD. Already pre-acclimatized from Ojos, you fly by helicopter from Puente del Inca to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, bypassing the approach. Must be booked in advance.

Mandatory. Your policy must cover helicopter evacuation from terrain up to 7,000 meters. We recommend Global Rescue (globalrescue.com). If doing the Aconcagua Extension, your policy must also cover Aconcagua operations. Send your certificate before departure.

Two spare days are built into the itinerary. Summit timing is adjusted by our guides based on real-time conditions. If weather prevents a summit attempt across all available days, the climber receives full credit toward a future expedition.

20% deposit to secure your spot; balance due 120 days before departure. 120+ days: partial refund less unrecoverable costs; 90–119 days: partial refund reviewed individually; less than 90 days: no refund. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

Pre-Acclimatization Protocol — First Priority

Begin altitude tent training at least 4 weeks before departure. Starting altitude: 2,500 m simulated, increasing to 3,500 m. Sleeping in the tent nightly. Complementary aerobic training throughout. We provide a detailed schedule and weekly check-in protocol to every confirmed climber — contact us immediately after booking.

Passport, Visa & Permits

U.S. passport holders: no visa required for Chile or Argentina under 90 days. Confirm your nationality’s requirements before departure. DIFROL climbing permit managed by BBE — passport details required at booking. Aconcagua National Park permit (extension only) also managed by BBE.

Rescue Insurance — Mandatory

Must cover: high-altitude mountaineering to 7,000 meters, emergency helicopter evacuation from remote Atacama terrain, minimum $300,000 USD combined coverage. If doing the Aconcagua Extension, must also cover Aconcagua operations. We recommend Global Rescue (globalrescue.com). Send your certificate before departure.

All climbers fly into Santiago (SCL), then connect north to Copiapó (CPO) by domestic flight — approximately 1.5 hours. Book early. Arrive Day 1 ready to move — the program is 9 days and every day matters.

For the Aconcagua Extension: on Day 9 you fly Santiago to Mendoza, Argentina. Book domestic flights in advance.

  • Day 1: Hotel, Copiapó
  • Day 2: Camp, Laguna Santa Rosa — 3,660 m
  • Day 3: Camp, Laguna Verde — 4,300 m
  • Days 4–7: Camp, Atacama Refuge — 5,300 m
  • Day 8: Hotel, Santiago

Aconcagua Extension: hotel in Mendoza (Days 9 & 19–20), mountain lodge at Puente del Inca (Day 10), expedition tents at Plaza de Mulas, Camp Canadá, and Nido de Cóndores.

Full detailed gear list provided to every confirmed climber. Essential system for Ojos del Salado Peak Performance:

  • Full four-layer clothing system rated for -20°C / -4°F; no cotton at any layer
  • Waterproof mountaineering or heavy hiking boots that accept crampons
  • General mountaineering crampons compatible with your boots
  • Ice axe — standard mountaineering, 60–70 cm
  • Sleeping bag rated to -25°C / -13°F
  • Trekking poles, glacier glasses or goggles, headlamp with spare lithium batteries
  • Reusable water bottles — minimum 2 liters (single-use plastic prohibited in Chilean national parks)

The 9-day program moves with purpose. There are no extended rest days. In the altiplano: the Atacama is the driest desert on earth — dehydration happens faster here than at most high-altitude destinations. Four liters of water minimum per day is a requirement. Camp life follows the BBE standard: hot drinks on arrival, hot meals, professional camp setup. The environment is remote and extreme. The camp system is not.

Copiapó has ATMs and accepts credit cards. For the Aconcagua Extension, Mendoza has full banking access. Carry some local currency for small purchases.

  • Staff gratuities: $300–$500 USD total for the full expedition
  • Meals in Copiapó / Santiago: $80–$150 USD

  • 1:1 private Ojos expedition with BBE guide — starting at $15,000 USD
  • 1:1 private combined Ojos + Aconcagua season — contact us to scope
  • 1:1 with Willie or Damian Benegas — contact us for pricing

Contact: climbing@benegasbrothers.com

Ojos del Salado Peak Performance: $8,200 USD per person

Includes

  • IFMGA-certified guide team
  • All in-country transportation and logistics
  • Hotel accommodations per itinerary
  • DIFROL climbing permits — fully managed
  • All expedition meals (except city meals)
  • Group camping equipment and group gear
  • Emergency oxygen, satellite communications, rescue plan
  • Summit certificates

Does NOT Include

  • International flights to/from Santiago
  • Domestic Santiago → Copiapó flights
  • Altitude tent training (pre-acclimatization) — Hypoxico rental ~$200–$400/month
  • Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal technical gear
  • Tips for guides and crew
  • Meals and drinks in Santiago or Copiapó

Full Budget Estimate

  • Expedition fee — Ojos del Salado: $8,200
  • International flights to Santiago: $700–$1,400
  • Santiago → Copiapó domestic flight: $100–$250
  • Altitude tent rental (4 weeks pre-departure): $200–$400
  • Rescue insurance (mandatory): $300–$500 / yr
  • Travel insurance (recommended): $200–$400
  • Personal technical gear: $600–$2,000
  • Tips — local crew: $200–$300
  • Tips — Western lead guide: $200–$250
  • Emergency cash reserve: $300–$500

Ojos essentials total (fee + flights + insurance + tips): ~$10,500–$12,000

Aconcagua Extension (optional): $16,000 additional

Combined Andean Peak Performance Season: $24,200 USD total

Season: December through March. Maximum 4 climbers per team. Spots fill well in advance. Aconcagua Extension dates are linked to their corresponding Ojos departure.

2026–2027 Expedition Dates

Dec 26, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027  ·  Ojos only (9 days)  ·  Open

Jan 4 – Jan 15, 2027  ·  Aconcagua Extension — follows Dec 26 departure  ·  Open

Jan 17 – Jan 25, 2027  ·  Ojos only (9 days)  ·  Open

Jan 26 – Feb 6, 2027  ·  Aconcagua Extension — follows Jan 17 departure  ·  Open

Feb 14 – Feb 22, 2027  ·  Ojos only (9 days)  ·  Open

 

Pricing Summary

Ojos del Salado Peak Performance Ascent: $8,200 USD

Optional Aconcagua Peak Performance Extension: $16,000 USD

Combined Andean Peak Performance Season: $24,200 USD

Payment Policy

20% deposit to secure your spot. Balance due 120 days prior to departure. Payment via wire transfer, ACH, or credit card.

Cancellation Policy

  • 120+ days: partial refund less unrecoverable costs
  • 90–119 days: partial refund reviewed individually
  • Less than 90 days: no refund
Peak Performance

Climb Ojos del Salado (22,615ft / 6,893m) — the world’s highest active volcano — through our efficient Peak Performance Ascent model.

Book Trip
Location:
Chile
Duration:
9 days
Skill:
Intermediate
Pricing

Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.

Peak Performance

Climb Ojos del Salado (22,615ft / 6,893m) — the world’s highest active volcano — through our efficient Peak Performance Ascent model.

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