\u201cWe started out with four-wheel drive vehicles and drove across the barren, open expanse of the high desert here. This is amazing terrain. It\u2019s really hard to remember how high you are because the temperatures are remarkably warm. We have slightly glaciated and snow covered peaks above us, but we walk around in shorts a lot.\u201d \u2013Wally Berg, 2007 Ojos Dispatch<\/p>\n

\n $\"Ojos$ <\/p>\n

Ojos del Salado from afar<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

It\u2019s been a few years since we\u2019ve climbed Ojos del Salado and we\u2019re itching to go back. Return with us to the remote reaches of the Atacama Desert for an adventure like no other. The landscape here is incredibly vast. Red sandy peaks and expansive saltas (salt flats) appear as though they belong on the surface of Mars not on Earth. If it weren\u2019t for the beautiful emerald-colored lakes and flocks of flamingos, the photographs of the region might pass as those taken by the Mars Rover.<\/p>\n

\n $\"Climbing$ <\/p>\n

Climbing on the lunar landscape<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

There are no paved roads to Ojos, so we explore by 4×4 vehicle to acclimatize and to reach many of our campsites. Rather than spending our time hiking from camp to camp, we get to drive to our camps giving us more time to explore the lakes, hot springs and peaks that surround us.<\/p>\n

\n $\"Camping$ <\/p>\n

Camping on the shores of a salty lake<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n $\"Hiking$ <\/p>\n

Hiking along Laguna Verde<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n $\"Relaxing$ <\/p>\n

Relaxing in the natural hot springs after a day of hiking<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The high plateau of the Atacama can be deceptively warm and sunny, but the thin air will remind you with each breath that you are indeed at altitude. As the second highest mountain outside of the Himalayas (and also the second highest mountain in South America), Ojos del Salado is a physical challenge that will test the body\u2019s ability to acclimatize. We increase our altitude slowly and follow the philosophy of \u201cClimb high, sleep low,\u201d which will give our bodies the best opportunities to adjust to the altitude. <\/p>\n

Knock off the two highest summits in South America by adding Aconcagua to your adventure itinerary. Since your body will be acclimatized following your Ojos expedition, you will be ready to climb Aconcagua at a much faster pace than our normal Aconcagua expedition team. For details on an Aconcagua extension, contact our office. <\/p>\n

Sign-up today for your high-altitude Chilean adventure \u2013 Ojos del Salado!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"