Aconcagua and Ojos del Salado FAQ

Here is where you will find answers to some of your questions about this expedition. If you do not find what you need here, please contact us at info@bergadventures.com.

Choose the specific question to link to your answer

1. Why do I need to go to Ojos first, I only want to climb Aconcagua?
2. Why can you climb Ojos so quickly?
3. What is Ojos summit day like?
4. What kind of physical condition do I need to be in?
5. Do I have to carry heavy packs during the climb? I hear horror stories about spending most of the time on Aconcagua just carrying loads up and down?
6. How heavy will my pack be?
7. What kind of prior climbing experience do I need to have?
8. Will I be sharing a tent or a room with anyone?
9. What kind of food do you have on the mountain?
10. Should I book the flights myself or do you have a recommendation?
11. What types of communication are available on the climb?
12. Do I need a permit to climb Ojos and Aconcagua?
13. What kind of camera should I bring?
14. Can I arrive earlier or leave later?
15. What kind of hotels do you use in the cities?

1. Why do I need to go to Ojos first, I only want to climb Aconcagua?

Ask around and you will find plenty of accounts to confirm that the success rate on Aconcagua is quite low.  We decided some years ago that the best way to climb Aconcagua is to climb the two highest peaks of South America on one trip, using the ascent of Ojos for acclimatization.  We have had outstanding results with this approach; by beginning on Ojosyou will greatly improve your chances of performing well on Aconcagua and you will experience travelling and climbing intwo unique and contrasting areas of the Andes.

2. Why can you climb Ojos so quickly?

Ojos is a very different mountain than Aconcagua.  Ojos is located in the desert of Atacama, in a very remote place and the camp sites are located far apart from one another.  We use 4-wheel drive vehicles to transport our gear and ourselves to our first camps.  In our initial days we hike from our beautiful and remote base camps which are stocked by 4-wheel drive.  The altitudes are significant: we camp above 12,800 ft and later above 14,500 ft.  The landscape is beautiful, and during our hikes we will ascend up to 18,000 ft. All this leads to excellent and enjoyable acclimatization opportunities; it takes less time to climb over 22,000 ft than if you go directly to Aconcagua.

3. What is Ojos summit day like?

The summit day for Ojos is long, but it is a beautiful and wild ascent, much more lonely and remote than an Aconcagua summit day.  We will spend our night before our summit at high camp (5800 meters / 19,000 feet) and move slowly on some easy rock and scree until we reach the glacier.  Some years we climb above the glacier and ascend all the way without crampons.  Sometimes we cross the glacier.  In either case the climbing is moderate and takes determination, not a great deal of climbing skill.  The final section that leads right to the summit is an easy rock climb.   We will belay each member up the enjoyable low fifth-class climbing to the very top.

4. What kind of physical condition do I need to be in?

Aconcagua and Ojos require endurance and good physical condition.  The sooner you begin to train the better.  We have climbed these mountains with people aged 19 to 79, but anyone who expects a reasonable chance to reach the top of these mountains must be prepared to be tough mentally and to have a reasonable base level of aerobic fitness.  For example, can you walk at a brisk pace with 20 lbs on your back for 2 - 3 hours? Can you go out hiking for a long day, moving slowly and taking breaks, but continuing to move for 8 to 12 hours?

5. Do I have to carry heavy packs during the climb? I hear horror stories about spending most of the time on Aconcagua just carrying loads up and down?

You won’t need to carry heavy loads up and down Aconcagua.  We arrive at the mountain well acclimatized, so we spend less time at each camp.  On Ojos you will have vehicle support to assist in stocking all the camps except high camp.  Our staff will carry tents, food, fuel, and all climbing gear on both mountains.  On Aconcagua local porters are available to assist with your personal loads for extra fees if you choose to use them.

6. How heavy will my pack be?

It should be less than 40 pounds (18 kg) at the most.  Most days it will be less, probably 25 pounds (11 kg).

7. What kind of prior climbing experience do I need to have?

We recommend that you have been to high altitude on a previous trip such as Everest base camp or Kilimanjaro.  You will wear crampons and use an ice axe on Aconcagua summit day and possibly on the ascent of Ojos as well.  Prior experience with basic alpine snow and glacier travel is helpful, but not required.  We approach both these expeditions as learning experiences and your guides will be offering instruction and will monitor your condition constantly

8. Will I be sharing a tent or a room with anyone?

We do offer the option of single room supplement in hotels that we use during the trip.

9. What kind of food do you have on the mountain?

Our menus are varied, and we use fresh wholesome ingredients.  There are always fresh soups for dinner, plenty of vegetables as well as good meats served separately so that vegetarians have a choice.  In addition to full breakfasts (eggs, toast, fresh fruit, hot and cold cereal) our lunches are complete and we offer an array of snack food purchased locally as well as brought from Canada.  Tea time with herbal teas, fruit drinks, coffee and hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies are a regular afternoon tradition that is always appreciated.

10. Should I book the flights myself or do you have a recommendation?

We can recommend travel agents who are familiar with our itineraries and know the best connections to make your trip go smoothly.  If you use your own travel agent or book directly with the airlines or online, our office will work with you to assure that your itinerary will work.

11. What types of communication are available on the climb?

Our primary means of emergency communication is satellite phone, which is always with us.  In addition we use radios on the mountain and while we are hiking to communicate between guides and with our base camp.

Our primary means of emergency communication is satellite phone, which is always with us.  In addition we use radios on the mountain and while we are hiking to communicate between guides and with our base camp.

12. Do I need a permit to climb Ojos and Aconcagua?

Yes you do, and Berg Adventures includes these fees in the price of your trip.

13. What kind of camera should I bring?

Digital cameras offer the flexibility and economy of working without film.  Look for one that is simple, rugged and well sealed. Many models of “point and shoot’ digital cameras tend to be quite fragile in the dust and cold of climbing on Aconcagua and Ojos.  Look for a camera that is portable enough to be transported easily, yet not so small that controls will be difficult to work with gloves on or with cold fingers.

Rugged SLR film cameras and higher quality Digital SLR’s offer the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and normally perform better in extreme conditions.  Even though they are heavier, they are worth bringing if you have experience using them.

Video camcorders are great because they allow for recording sounds and still shots as well as video. Do not leave your video camera or SLR camera at home just because you think they will be too heavy to carry to the summit.  We will have safe storage for our equipment at all our hotels and camps through our trip.

Regardless of what kind of cameras you bring, be sure to bring the charger for your batteries.  You will be able to charge them at all our hotels and perhaps at Base Camp on Aconcagua.  Also bring plenty of film and / or memory cards.  Many people underestimate how many pictures they will take!

14. Can I arrive earlier or leave later?

Absolutely, we will be happy to book extended accommodations for you.

15. What kind of hotels do you use in the cities?

Berg Adventures only uses first class hotels around the world on all our expeditions. In Santiago we stay close to the action in downtown Santiago. In both Copiapo and Mendoza we use excellent hotels with prime locations for wondering around these beautiful cities.