Ojos del Salado volcano crater. Volcano Ojos del Salado: “Salty Eyes.” Volcano Ojos del Salado in Chile
Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world. The height of this giant is 6893 meters. It is located in South America on the border of Argentina and Chile.
Translated from Spanish, the name of the volcano means “salt eyes” or “salty springs.” The volcano is considered extinct, so it does not cause much concern to the population living in the area. However, in 1993, a case of release of water vapor and sulfur was recorded. It is believed that the last eruption here occurred approximately 1,300 years ago.
The summit of Ojos del Salado is always covered with snow, while other nearby high mountains have no snow cover. Tropical forests extend up to a height of 3 kilometers, and snow begins at the 5-kilometer mark. West of Ojos del Salado is the Atacama Desert.
In 1937, climbers from Poland climbed the mountain for the first time; they were Jan Szczepanski and Justyn Wojznys. According to experts, climbing the highest volcano in the world is not difficult. This fact is evidenced by an interesting event that occurred on April 21, 2007, when Chileans Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales climbed to a height of 6688 meters in a modified Suzuki Samurai car. This event was included in the Guinness Book of Records.
Another interesting fact should be noted about the tallest volcano on the planet. At an altitude of 6390 meters there is the highest lake in the world.
Today, the highest active volcano is Llullaillaco, whose height is 6739 meters. It is located near Ojos del Salado.
EVENTS.
Ojos del Salado(6893 m.) - the highest volcano on Earth and the second highest peak in South America after Aconcagua. Every year about 600 climbers from different countries reach the summit. And this is not much for such an iconic mountain. Ojos del Salado is located in Chile, in the Atacama Desert, which is considered the driest on the planet.
However, climbing Ojos is a real adventure due to its remoteness from civilization and sparsely visited. We will travel by SUV. We will visit several salt lakes, see alpacas (llamas) and flamingos, and visit real high-mountain salt marshes.
We will set up our first camp at Laguna Rosa (pink lake), and then we will spend the night at Laguna Verde (green lake), where we will swim in the thermal springs. Laguna Verde is our main base camp, where we will meet climbers from around the world who also dream of climbing Ojos del Salado.
The Atacama Desert in the area of the Ojos del Salado volcano is home to hundreds of extinct volcanoes covered with snow. On the eastern slope, in the crater of the volcano, is the highest lake in the world (at an altitude of 6390 meters).
The volcano is considered extinct. The last major eruption was more than 200 years ago. The first ascent to the top of Ojos del Salado was made in 1937 by Justin Voizhnis. The Incas considered this mountain sacred, and on its slopes you can find the remains of sacrificial altars.
If you wish, you can continue your holiday on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, which is only 70 km from Copiapo.
Our route: Santiago – Copiapo – Laguna Rosa (3800 m.) – Laguna Verde (4340 m.) – San Francisco (6000 m.) – Atacama Shelter 5200 m. – Tejos Shelter 5800 m. – Peak of Ojos del Salado 6893 m. – Copiapo – Santiago.
Requirements for participants:
The ascent to Ojos del Salado is technically simple and starts from an altitude of 5200 meters (to this height, delivery is by jeep), but the altitude factor still plays a significant role. Therefore, it is advisable to make this ascent if you have experience in climbing peaks of 4500 - 5000 meters (for example, Elbrus, Kazbek, etc.).NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PRICE 4 2250 USD 3 2600 USD 2 3500 USD INCLUDED:
Guide work, one guide per group of up to 4 people;
- second guide if the group is more than 4 people
- all transfers according to the program;
- accommodation in 3* hotels in Santiago and Copiapo (2 nights);
- accommodation in tent camps Laguna Santa Rosa, Laguna Verde, Atacama and Tejos shelter according to the program;
- security (group first aid kit, GPS navigator);
- permit to climb;
- rental of public equipment (tents, kitchen, gas);
- shared tent, wardroom;
- furniture (tables, chairs, utensils for cooking);
- full meals on the active part of the route (day 2 - day 14), participants prepare themselves;
- jeep rental and gasoline to the camp 5800 m (13 days in total), one car for 3-4 people;NOT INCLUDED :
International flight to Santiago (from $1000);
- flight Santiago-Copiapo-Santiago (from $150);
- transfer to/from the airports of Santiago and Copiapo;
- additional nights at a hotel in Santiago and Copiapo;
- obtaining a Chilean visa (for citizens of the Russian Federation and Ukraine a visa is not required);
- personal climbing equipment (system, crampons, carabiners);
- personal insurance, coverage of at least 30,000 USD (mandatory);
- work of a cook;
- food in cities ($20-40/day);
- tips for the guide (optional);
- additional days of jeep rental + gasoline for more than 14 days ($150 per day);
- any additional costs arising in connection with the early termination or change of the tour program;
- additional excursions and overnight stays in cities;
- other expenses not specified in the program.Note: The group shares additional costs for the guide equally.
- Climbing Ojos del Salado (6893 m), Chile. Description-report.
At the beginning of February 2017, we were in the area of the highest volcano on Earth - Ojos del Salado, 6893 m. We reached a height of 6650 m, 250 m in height before reaching the top. And since I often use other people’s descriptions and advice about a particular place, I consider it fair to share information that will be useful both to future independent experienced climbers and to me next time if I forget everything.
Day 1- Group gathering at the city airport Copiapo. This is a small mining town, the gateway to the Atacama region. Overnight at the hotel. General briefing and discussion of plans for the next 14 days.
Day 2– Today is the day of preparation and gathering. We rent an SUV. We buy groceries. Transfer to the picturesque lake Laguna Santa Rosa (3800 m) about 3-4 hours, 150 km.
Laluna Rossa means “pink lake” in Spanish. This is a huge salt lake, part of which is covered with water. There are many birds here, including Chilean pink flamingos. Also, if you're lucky, we'll see alpacas (a type of llama).
Setting up camp at a campsite on the lake. Dinner, rest. Overnight in a tent camp (if desired, you can spend the night in a house).
Day 3- Today is the first morning at this altitude, we try not to put heavy stress on the body for the first few days. Therefore, on this day, a short walk in the vicinity of the lake (for better acclimatization at altitudes up to 4500). Night in the camp.
Day 4- In the morning after breakfast, acclimatization ascent to the peak of “7 Brothers” (4800 m). The ascent takes about 4 hours. Descent to the cars, transfer to Laguna Verde (4340 m), 2.5 hours - 130 km. On this day we are for the first time we will see Ojos del Salado (6893 m), the highest and largest peak in this region. Night in tents.
Day 5– This morning we slowly climb to the neighboring peak – Mt. Muerto Mule (from Spanish “dead mule”) to the mark of 5200 m. Descent to Laguna Verde. Rest. Overnight in tents (4340 m).
Laguna Verde translated from Spanish means Green Lake. It is remarkable not only because it is one of the highest mountain salt lakes, but also because there are many thermal springs around it and several baths with moderate temperatures, where you would happily return after climbing or a long day at altitude, after snow and cold Ojosa del Salado.
Day 6– Early rise, access to Mount San Francisco (6018 m). The mountain is located 20 km from Laguna Verde on the Chile-Argentina border. Transfer to an altitude of 5100 m. Then walk along the trail. The journey to the top takes 5-6 hours. Descent to Laguna Verde. Rest. Overnight in tents (4340 m).
Day 7- Day of rest.
Day 8– Transfer to the Atacama shelter (5260m). 1 hour drive or about 40 km from Laguna Verde off-road. Walk to 5600 m, return to the Atacama shelter. Setting up camp at the shelter. The shelter is a large container for 4 people, so we don’t really expect to sleep in it overnight.
Day 9– moving to the Tejos shelter and, if possible, climbing to an elevation of 6200-6400 m. The road to the shelter is quite difficult and requires attention, often after heavy snowfalls it is impossible to get to the Tejos shelter, and the car remains at the Atacama shelter, and we go on foot. Overnight at the Tejos shelter.
Day 10– Descent to Laguna Verde. Rest.
Day 11- Day of rest.
Day 12-Preparing for the ascent. We will try to go to bed early so that no later than 0:00 o’clock we will leave in the direction of the Tejos shelter and begin our assault on the summit.
Day 13–Climbing Ojos del Salado 6893 m. Early exit. The journey to the top takes about 8-10 hours and back 3-5 hours. The classic climbing route is a slanting traverse, exit into the summit crater and 20 m along simple rocks to the top. And here we are at the top of the highest volcano - Ojos del Salado (6893 m). Descent to Laguna Verde.
Day 14– Reserve day in case of bad weather and other circumstances.
Day 15– Return to Copiapo. Overnight at the hotel. Farewell dinner, summing up and presentation of certificates.
Day 16- Farewell to the group. Morning departure to the airport.
Note*:
The program is not final and may be adjusted depending on the weather, the condition of the participants and other factors.
Absence of diseases incompatible with active tourism:
Basic clothing and equipment for climbing:
Visa:
Citizens of the Russian Federation do not require a visa to visit this country. Upon arrival at the airport, you only need to provide a passport valid for 6 months from the date of entry.
Medicine:
At the exits, the group first aid kit is kept by the guide. It is better to have your own set of medications for individual diseases and chronic diseases.
Safety:
This program is potentially dangerous to the health and life of any of the participants.
The guides will provide you with the necessary safety, provided you follow the safety rules. The guide has a walkie-talkie, GPS (satellite navigation device), and other necessary group equipment.
The decision to stop climbing in conditions that threaten the safety of the participants is within the exclusive competence of the guide accompanying the group on the route and is not subject to discussion.
The guide is obliged to take measures to ensure the safety of the group on all types of mountainous terrain.
Duration: 15 days
1 Jeep and 5 people
Our team:
1) Ruslan Kolunin (Karpinsk) – guide, mountaineering instructor, mountain rescuer. SUV driver
2) Porodnov Sergey (Ekaterinburg) - participant
3) Anton Lomovskikh (Ekaterinburg) - participant
4) Andrey Kornilov (Moscow) - participant
5) Korolev Vladimir (Nizhny Novgorod) - participant
Tour program:
Day 2 - December 29 Arrival in Santiago and flight to Copiapo. Arrival in Copiapo. Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at a 3* hotel
Day 3 - December 30 Purchasing food for the ascent and completing the necessary documents. Transfer to Lake Laguna Santa Rosa (Pink Lake) (3780 m). Flamingos and guanacos live here. Accommodation in a lodge. Dinner. Night at the camp
Day 4 - January 31 Early in the morning, transfer by car to the meteorological tower (4850 m), acclimatization climb to the top of “7 Brothers” (4,971 m). - about 1 hour to the top. Descent to the car and departure to Laguna Negra (4200 m.) Gala dinner, New Year's Eve!
Day 5 - January 1 Rest and Transfer to Laguna Verde Green Lake (4,300 m, about 2 hours). Night in tents.
Day 6 - January 2 Acclimatization trip to the base camp Ojos Del Salado (5200m.) Return to Laguna Verde, swimming in thermal springs.
Day 7 - January 3 Early rise. After breakfast, exit to Mount San Francisco (6,018 m). Transfer to an altitude of 4900 m. Then walk along the trail. The journey to the top takes 7-8 hours. Descent to Laguna Verde, rest. Overnight in tents (4,300m).
Day 9 - January 5 Transfer to the Atacama camp (5260m). Setting up camp at the Atacama shelter. Dinner. Overnight at 5,260 m. Acclimatization day in the Atacama camp. Active walks in the surrounding area.
Day 10 - January 6 Packing equipment and trekking to Tejos camp 5800 m. Early dinner and overnight in a shelter or tents.
Day 11 - January 7 Early rise at 4 am, breakfast. Exit to the ascent. Usually the journey to the top takes about 10-11 hours. Peak of Ojos del Salado (6893m). Descent to the Atacama shelter at 5260 m. Dinner and rest in a comfortable shelter.
The price includes:
Accommodation at a hotel in Copiapo, in a double or triple room with breakfast - 2-3 nights
Accommodation in tents and shelter in Atacama, Tejos during the ascent
Accommodation in Laguna Rosa and Negra in shelters
Meeting and seeing off at the airport in Copiapo
All transfers according to the program by rented jeep
Climbing guide services
Permit to climb
Not included in price:
Personal equipment. For participants who have purchased a tour, it is valid 20% discount on the purchase of our branded clothing!
Flight from Moscow to Copiapo and back
Extra nights in Copiapo if returning early from the mountain
Food and gas during the ascent (we purchase centrally in Copiapo, taking into account the preferences of the participants)
Excursions and trips around Chile, if there is time left after the climb
Medical insurance for climbing
Personal equipment + tent, burner, saucepan (we set it up according to availability from private owners, we rent the rest)
Tour Features: To book a tour you need to pay prepayment of $500 and have air tickets in hand. During the ascent we live in tents and cook ourselves on centralized burners. The ascent schedule is approximate and may change depending on the well-being of the group and the weather. For the entire duration of the tour, we rent an SUV (pickup truck), so the number of seats is LIMITED!
Required equipment:
A 100-120 liter trunk for transporting things in the back of a pickup truck
Mug, bowl, spoon, knife;
Thermos for tea;
Sleeping bag comfort -10C;
Tourist mat;
Down jacket with a hood and a windproof jacket made of Gore-Tex;
- “polar” jacket and pants;
Down bib overalls;
Thermal underwear;
Boots are plastic or high-rise, “under the crotch”, two-layer;
Trekking sneakers or boots
Flip flops for showers and thermal springs
Sufficient number of socks;
Warm gloves, mittens, “top” mittens;
A cap, balaclava or mask - against wind and frost;
Ice ax;
Gazebo (bottom), 2 carabiners, jumar, descender, self-belay. No need to take a helmet!
Trekking poles;
Sunglasses for mountaineering (skiing);
Backpack for equipment 45-60 liters;
Headlamp, batteries;
Chapstick, sunscreen;
Hygiene package (toilet paper, toothbrush, etc.);
Individual first aid kit (only if you have any diseases);
Swimwear (ocean and hot spring)
Camera
Documents, money in a sealed bag
For a long time, the Argentine Llullaillaco (according to various sources - from 6723 to 6739 m), located in the Andes, appeared in reference books as a volcano - the world record holder for rising to the skies. It has erupted more than once in human memory - in 1854, 1868 and 1877. There are, of course, many mountains of volcanic origin that are much higher, but these are volcanoes considered as dormant or extinct. The Chilean volcano with a height of 6891 meters, also located in the Andes, near the Chilean-Argentine border, was also considered this way.
Volcano Ojos del Salado in Chile
The last eruption of this volcano, as is commonly believed, was about 1300 years ago and is not recorded in human memory.
Meanwhile, in 1993 produced a small ash release. Fumaroles were discovered in the crater - outlets of jets of volcanic gases and steam. This made it possible to review the “status” of the volcano and “reclassify” it as active. It is currently considered to be the tallest active volcano in the world. By the way, the first 20 are located in the Andes.
Records of Ojos del Salado
Ojos del Salado holds several other records. This is the highest point in Chile. This is the second peak of America and the entire Western Hemisphere after Aconcagua, located 600 kilometers to the south.
There is another record - here lies the highest lake on Earth. Generally speaking, there is little moisture here: Ojos del Salado stands on the edge of the Atacama Desert.
A permanent snow cap does not form on the top. But in the crater, at an altitude of 6390 m, there is a permanent lake with a diameter of about 100 m. This is the highest water lying on the earth’s surface.
The first ascent of the record-breaking volcano was made in 1937. This was done by Polish climbers Jan Szczepański and Justyn Woiznis. On the way to the top, the Poles discovered several sacrificial altars, the history of which dates back to the Inca civilization. Apparently, among the ancient Americans the volcano was revered as a sacred mountain and served as a place for making sacrifices. In 2007, Chileans climbed the volcano in a special car to a height of 6688 m (included in the Guinness Book of Records). This was done by Gonzalo Bravo, a Chilean racing driver. He used a Suzuki Samurai.
Although volcanoes pose a potential threat to human life, it is still impossible not to agree that they are one of the most fascinating sights in the world. Natural elements have not been fully studied to date; there are blank spots in this area of human knowledge. Be that as it may, everything unusual and to some extent dangerous attracts enthusiasts, so many climbers dream of conquering the highest volcano in the world with a height of 6891 m.
This wonder of the world is located on the border of Chile and Argentina and is called Ojos del Salado, which translated from Spanish means “salty eyes”. Although the mountain is located on the territory of two states, the highest point is still on the Chilean side. The tallest volcano in the world was considered inactive for a long time; at least, there was no recorded case of its eruption in the history of mankind. Scientists have suggested that the last time lava flowed out was around the 7th century AD, but there is no exact confirmation of this fact.
Researchers started thinking about reclassifying it from inactive to active after Ojos del Salado released sulfur into the air in 1993. No further incidents followed, but this fact showed that the tallest volcano in the world is not inactive and can wake up from its prolonged hibernation at any moment. The opinions of geologists on this matter are divided and there are still fierce debates on the question of what status to give to the Chilean giant. If it is recognized as active, then when asked which volcano is the highest among the active ones, it will be necessary to name this miracle of nature, although now this title belongs to Llullaillaco.
Several more records are associated with this South American peak. Besides the fact that Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world, it is also considered the highest volcano in Chile. It also takes an honorable second place after the peak of Aconcagua in the entire Western Hemisphere and the South American mainland in particular. The volcano itself is located on the hottest desert in the world - Atacama, and at its top there is the highest lake on the planet. The first time Ojos del Salado was conquered was in 1937 by Polish climbers, who also found out that in ancient times the peak was considered sacred. Another record in which the volcano is mentioned is associated with climbing the mountain in a special car. This event was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.
Another famous peak and dream of climbers is the highest volcano in Europe - Elbrus. Its height is 5642 m, it is located on the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. Elbrus is classified as a dormant volcano; its last eruptions were approximately 2.5 thousand years ago. Today, there is a lot of activity inside it. A smell can be heard through the cracks and the springs on it heat up to 60°C, and they are also saturated with mineral salts. It is this water that is used for medicinal purposes by the resorts of Kislovodsk and Pyatigorsk. Elbrus itself is a separate tourist and natural area, striking in the beauty of its landscapes and attracting numerous climbers and simply mountain lovers.
