Ojos del Salado

Ojos del Salado reaches 6,893 metres on the Chile-Argentina border and is the highest volcano in the world, as well as the second highest peak in the Americas after Aconcagua. It is not technically hard by its normal route - most of it is a walk on scree with a short scramble at the top - but it is very high, very dry and very cold, and the altitude does the damage. Near the summit at about 6,390 metres is a small crater lake, generally cited as the highest lake of any kind on earth. The mountain has also been used repeatedly for vehicle altitude records on its slopes.

What you actually see

• The highest volcano on earth - 6,893 metres on the border.
• A walk rather than a climb - scree with a scramble near the top.
• A crater lake at about 6,390 metres - the highest lake anywhere.
• Vehicle altitude records - set on the slopes below.

When to go

December to March. A week or more, most of it acclimatising.

Honest expectations

A permit from the Chilean border authority is required and must be arranged in advance. Altitude sickness and cold are the real dangers, and people die here. Access needs four-wheel drive and support. This is an expedition, not a day out.

Nearby

Laguna Verde is on the approach; Copiapo is the base city.