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Ojos del
Salado Volcano (6893 m)
BETWEEN MOUNTAINEERING AND HEIGHTS ARCHEOLOGY
Few
places in the world are still in such a wild and impressive status
as the area of the volcano ‘Ojos del Salado.’ Being here is
like being transported to times before human beings and dinosaurs
appeared on earth. It is like coming back to the origin of
everything.
The Cordillera of the Andes is not already formed by mountainous ridges,
but by volcanic cones reaching more than 6,000 meters above sea level.
It is the Chilean area with the highest concentration of ‘seismiles’
(six thousand). Some of them are still active, such as the volcano
‘Ojos del Salado’, the highest active volcano of the world. Near its top (6,500 meters above sea level), there is a
belching fume.
The
Surroundings
We also find lagoons of an intense deep green, contrasting with the color
of the ground and the volcanoes.
In these lagoons, it is possible to find big flocks of flamingos, horny
coots, ducks and some guanacos approaching to drink water. The adaptation capabilities of nature to survive in
this environment is incredible, with night temperatures reaching –25º C and
winds of more than 130 k/h.
Among
the most remarkable lagoons, we find the beautiful Verde Lagoon, located at
4,200 meters above sea level, with delicious thermal baths on its banks; apart
from the charming Santa Rosa Lagoon (3,700 meters above sea level) and the
Lagoon del Negro Francisco (3,700 meters above sea level).
The National Park ‘Nevado Tres Cruces’ (three crosses) is located in
this area, and its name comes from the great volcano ‘Tres Cruces’ (6,750
meters above sea level).
Climbing
the Volcano
The biggest attraction of the place is the climbing of the volcano
‘Ojos del Salado’. The
trip takes about 10 – 13 days. This
climbing has no technical difficulties, but the height, so it is recommended to
become acclimatized to it. There
are several alternatives to do that, such as climbing some of the smaller
volcanoes (between 5,600 and 5,900 meters above sea level).
Once ready, it is necessary to approach the mountain through a road in
very bad conditions, which requires a 4x4 vehicle.
There are two refuges in the way to the top: Universidad de Atacama
(5,100 meters above sea level), and the refuge ‘César Tejos’ (5,750 meters
above sea level). The final
climbing is carried out from this point, and it takes approximately from 6 to 9
hours. All the efforts from
the previous days are widely rewarded.
The feeling of being on the top of the world, with incredible landscapes,
lagoons, colors and volcanoes around, where silence is felt everywhere, inviting
to be with oneself and to rejoice with the wonder of the creation.
To
Visit and Practice
Mountaineering is not the only attraction of the place.
Here, it is possible to drive along interesting 4x4 circuits, taking us
through completely unexplored salt deposits and lagoons.
These trips may take between 8 and 15 days.
Due to the fact that these places are hardly visited, nature still
maintains its original aspect, allowing us to behold animals in a natural way.
Another attraction is the Mountain Bike Circuits, because there are few
places in the world where it is possible to ride a bike at 5,000 meters above
sea level. It is possible to
carry out interesting and intrepid descents from 5,500 to 4,200 meters.
After so many days of stay, a kind of magnetism with the place develops.
When it is time to go, there is only one feeling: the desire to come back
to discover all and every corner protected by this desolate and wonderful land.
Want
more information?
Text & photos:
Kenneth Lein
http://www.scadventure.com
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