High-Altitude Mountaineering: Preparing for Major Expeditions
Learn how to plan and execute high mountain expeditions
Available months: All year round
Objective: Provide basic requirements for safe progression on high-altitude terrain where slopes do not exceed 45°
Objective: Provide basic requirements for safe progression on high-altitude terrain where slopes do not exceed 45°
Check out the day-to-day of this trip
Day 1 — Arrival in Santiago and transfer to Baños Morales (1,850 m)
Morning: Reception at the airport or meeting point in Santiago. Equipment review.
Afternoon: Transfer to Baños Morales, gateway to Cajón del Maipo (3 hours).
Evening: Course briefing, light acclimatization, and overnight stay at a shelter or campsite.
Day 2 — Approach trek to Lo Valdés Base Camp (2,800 m)
Morning: 6-7 hour hike to base camp. Basic walking techniques and effort management.
Afternoon: Camp setup, equipment organization, and introduction to acclimatization.
Evening: Class on altitude physiology and prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Day 3 — Mountaineering techniques and active acclimatization
Morning: Practice walking techniques with crampons and ice axes. Afternoon: Navigation exercise with map, compass, and GPS. Return to base camp.
Evening: Theoretical class on mountain meteorology and decision-making.
Day 4 — Ascent to Camp 1 (3,500 m)
Morning: 4-5 hour hike to Camp 1. Partial load carrying.
Afternoon: Camp setup and basic anchoring practice.
Evening: Rest and passive acclimatization.
Day 5 — Glacier rescue practice and return to Camp 1
Morning: Practical crevasse rescue class (Swiss knot, pulleys, self-rescue).
Afternoon: Rescue simulation and emergency management.
Evening: Technique review and planning for the next day.
Day 6 — Ascent to Camp 2 (4,200 m)
Morning: Technical hike to Camp 2, including progression techniques on hard and mixed snow. Afternoon: Camp setup and energy management.
Evening: Summit planning and equipment check.
Day 7 — Acclimatization and active rest day
Morning: Easy hike to gain altitude (4,600 m) and return to Camp 2.
Afternoon: Class on nutrition and hydration strategies at extreme altitude.
Evening: Physical and mental preparation for summit day.
Day 8 — Summit Assault of San José Volcano (5,856 m)
Early morning: Departure at 3:00 a.m. for the summit assault (10-12 hours of total activity).
Morning: Ascent over steep terrain, with stretches of snow and ice.
Midday: Summit of San José — celebration and photos.
Afternoon: Safe return to Camp 2.
Evening: Deep rest and intense hydration.
Day 9 — Descent to Base Camp and Course Conclusion
Morning: Long descent to Base Camp, with review of techniques during the march.
Afternoon: Conclusion of practical activities and presentation of certificates.
Evening: Celebration dinner in Baños Morales or Santiago.
Day 10 — Return to Santiago and Farewell
Morning: Transfer back to Santiago (3 hours).
Afternoon: Free time to explore the city or return to the airport.
Conclusion: Reflection on the learning experience and group farewell.
Morning: Reception at the airport or meeting point in Santiago. Equipment review.
Afternoon: Transfer to Baños Morales, gateway to Cajón del Maipo (3 hours).
Evening: Course briefing, light acclimatization, and overnight stay at a shelter or campsite.
Day 2 — Approach trek to Lo Valdés Base Camp (2,800 m)
Morning: 6-7 hour hike to base camp. Basic walking techniques and effort management.
Afternoon: Camp setup, equipment organization, and introduction to acclimatization.
Evening: Class on altitude physiology and prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Day 3 — Mountaineering techniques and active acclimatization
Morning: Practice walking techniques with crampons and ice axes. Afternoon: Navigation exercise with map, compass, and GPS. Return to base camp.
Evening: Theoretical class on mountain meteorology and decision-making.
Day 4 — Ascent to Camp 1 (3,500 m)
Morning: 4-5 hour hike to Camp 1. Partial load carrying.
Afternoon: Camp setup and basic anchoring practice.
Evening: Rest and passive acclimatization.
Day 5 — Glacier rescue practice and return to Camp 1
Morning: Practical crevasse rescue class (Swiss knot, pulleys, self-rescue).
Afternoon: Rescue simulation and emergency management.
Evening: Technique review and planning for the next day.
Day 6 — Ascent to Camp 2 (4,200 m)
Morning: Technical hike to Camp 2, including progression techniques on hard and mixed snow. Afternoon: Camp setup and energy management.
Evening: Summit planning and equipment check.
Day 7 — Acclimatization and active rest day
Morning: Easy hike to gain altitude (4,600 m) and return to Camp 2.
Afternoon: Class on nutrition and hydration strategies at extreme altitude.
Evening: Physical and mental preparation for summit day.
Day 8 — Summit Assault of San José Volcano (5,856 m)
Early morning: Departure at 3:00 a.m. for the summit assault (10-12 hours of total activity).
Morning: Ascent over steep terrain, with stretches of snow and ice.
Midday: Summit of San José — celebration and photos.
Afternoon: Safe return to Camp 2.
Evening: Deep rest and intense hydration.
Day 9 — Descent to Base Camp and Course Conclusion
Morning: Long descent to Base Camp, with review of techniques during the march.
Afternoon: Conclusion of practical activities and presentation of certificates.
Evening: Celebration dinner in Baños Morales or Santiago.
Day 10 — Return to Santiago and Farewell
Morning: Transfer back to Santiago (3 hours).
Afternoon: Free time to explore the city or return to the airport.
Conclusion: Reflection on the learning experience and group farewell.
Below are the values, payment and cancellation conditions
Our Prices:
1 person: $2.150.000 CLP p/p
2 people: $1.150.000 CLP p/p
3 people: $950.000 CLP p/p
4 people: $850.000 CLP p/p
5 or 6 people: $700.000 p/p
Payment Terms:
Credit Card with Installments: Platforms like Mercado Pago or PayPal facilitate this.
Pix: Calculation of the CLP-BRL conversion rate on the day of purchase. For cash payments, the tour price is considered without fees.
International Transfer (Wise, Remessa Online)
Installments:
Down Payment + Balance in Installments: 40% down payment + 30 and 60 days
Cancellation Policy
30+ days: 100% refund or credit for rescheduling within 12 months.
15–29 days: 50% refund or 70% credit.
<15 days: no refund, 50% credit for rescheduling within 6 months.
Company cancellations due to safety or weather allow rescheduling at no extra cost.
1 person: $2.150.000 CLP p/p
2 people: $1.150.000 CLP p/p
3 people: $950.000 CLP p/p
4 people: $850.000 CLP p/p
5 or 6 people: $700.000 p/p
Payment Terms:
Credit Card with Installments: Platforms like Mercado Pago or PayPal facilitate this.
Pix: Calculation of the CLP-BRL conversion rate on the day of purchase. For cash payments, the tour price is considered without fees.
International Transfer (Wise, Remessa Online)
Installments:
Down Payment + Balance in Installments: 40% down payment + 30 and 60 days
Cancellation Policy
30+ days: 100% refund or credit for rescheduling within 12 months.
15–29 days: 50% refund or 70% credit.
<15 days: no refund, 50% credit for rescheduling within 6 months.
Company cancellations due to safety or weather allow rescheduling at no extra cost.
Veja o que está incluído
ACGM and UIMLA certified mountain guide: Professional guidance throughout the trek.
Complete itinerary planning: Prior briefing, adaptation of the itinerary to weather conditions and group pace.
Meals: Breakfast, trail lunch, and dinner during the trek.
Shared equipment: Tent, stove, first aid kit, VHF radio, and GPS/satellite for emergencies.
Logistics management: Coordination of transportation from Puerto Williams to the trailhead (if necessary).
Pre-expedition assistance: Personal equipment list, training and fitness tips.
Complete itinerary planning: Prior briefing, adaptation of the itinerary to weather conditions and group pace.
Meals: Breakfast, trail lunch, and dinner during the trek.
Shared equipment: Tent, stove, first aid kit, VHF radio, and GPS/satellite for emergencies.
Logistics management: Coordination of transportation from Puerto Williams to the trailhead (if necessary).
Pre-expedition assistance: Personal equipment list, training and fitness tips.
O que não está incluído
Flights (may be offered as an extra or recommended to the client).
Personal equipment: Backpack, sleeping bag, individual tent (can be rented separately).
Accommodation before/after the trek: If the client wishes to extend their stay.
Outdoor activity insurance: Covers any accidents during the trek.
Personal equipment: Backpack, sleeping bag, individual tent (can be rented separately).
Accommodation before/after the trek: If the client wishes to extend their stay.
Outdoor activity insurance: Covers any accidents during the trek.
FAQ High-Altitude Mountaineering
Why take this course?
Learn to plan and execute high-altitude expeditions safely, with a focus on terrain where slopes do not exceed 45°. This course is designed for those seeking to progress in mountaineering and prepare for larger expeditions.
Where does the course take place?
The course is conducted in the Andes Mountains, Chile, with a typical itinerary that includes Baños Morales (1,850 m), Lo Valdés Base Camp (2,800 m), Campo 1 (3,500 m), Campo 2 (4,200 m), and the summit of San José Volcano (5,856 m).
How many days does the course last?
The course spans 10 days, combining theoretical lessons with practical field exercises.
What will I learn?
Planning and logistics for high-altitude expeditions
Acclimatization strategies and altitude sickness prevention
Use of ice axe, crampons, and glacier travel techniques
Navigation with map, compass, and GPS
Glacier rescue techniques and emergency response
Meteorology for mountaineering and decision-making
Camp setup and management in high-altitude environments
Do I need previous experience?
Yes, participants should have prior experience in basic mountaineering or trekking and be in good physical condition.
What is the difficulty level and pace?
The course is designed for intermediate to advanced participants, requiring physical endurance, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to high-altitude conditions.
What is the group size?
Groups are small, typically ranging from 2 to 6 participants, to ensure safety and personalized instruction.
What is the safety policy and what happens in bad weather?
The activity depends on snow and weather conditions; if conditions are unsafe, the course may be rescheduled or the itinerary adapted.
How can I prepare before the course?
Recommended preparation includes aerobic conditioning (cycling, running, rowing, trekking with a backpack), familiarization with mountaineering boots, and experience in snow or trails if possible. Stay well hydrated, get enough sleep in the days prior, and check all your equipment.
What certification or credential will I receive?
A certificate of participation issued by Ensenada Tours / ACGM/UIMLA certified guide, confirming that you completed the high-altitude mountaineering course. It can serve as a foundation for more advanced courses or expeditions.
What happens if I don’t complete the course or leave early?
If a participant leaves voluntarily or due to health reasons, there is no refund. However, it may be possible to discuss and arrange participation in a future course.
What level can I reach upon completion?
Intermediate level for movement on high-altitude terrain up to ~45° slope. This serves as a base to continue with advanced courses or expeditions.
How do I enroll?
Contact us via WhatsApp at +56 9 5640 6085 or by email at marcelo@ensenadatours.cl
. After confirmation, you will receive the full equipment list and detailed course schedule.
Learn to plan and execute high-altitude expeditions safely, with a focus on terrain where slopes do not exceed 45°. This course is designed for those seeking to progress in mountaineering and prepare for larger expeditions.
Where does the course take place?
The course is conducted in the Andes Mountains, Chile, with a typical itinerary that includes Baños Morales (1,850 m), Lo Valdés Base Camp (2,800 m), Campo 1 (3,500 m), Campo 2 (4,200 m), and the summit of San José Volcano (5,856 m).
How many days does the course last?
The course spans 10 days, combining theoretical lessons with practical field exercises.
What will I learn?
Planning and logistics for high-altitude expeditions
Acclimatization strategies and altitude sickness prevention
Use of ice axe, crampons, and glacier travel techniques
Navigation with map, compass, and GPS
Glacier rescue techniques and emergency response
Meteorology for mountaineering and decision-making
Camp setup and management in high-altitude environments
Do I need previous experience?
Yes, participants should have prior experience in basic mountaineering or trekking and be in good physical condition.
What is the difficulty level and pace?
The course is designed for intermediate to advanced participants, requiring physical endurance, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to high-altitude conditions.
What is the group size?
Groups are small, typically ranging from 2 to 6 participants, to ensure safety and personalized instruction.
What is the safety policy and what happens in bad weather?
The activity depends on snow and weather conditions; if conditions are unsafe, the course may be rescheduled or the itinerary adapted.
How can I prepare before the course?
Recommended preparation includes aerobic conditioning (cycling, running, rowing, trekking with a backpack), familiarization with mountaineering boots, and experience in snow or trails if possible. Stay well hydrated, get enough sleep in the days prior, and check all your equipment.
What certification or credential will I receive?
A certificate of participation issued by Ensenada Tours / ACGM/UIMLA certified guide, confirming that you completed the high-altitude mountaineering course. It can serve as a foundation for more advanced courses or expeditions.
What happens if I don’t complete the course or leave early?
If a participant leaves voluntarily or due to health reasons, there is no refund. However, it may be possible to discuss and arrange participation in a future course.
What level can I reach upon completion?
Intermediate level for movement on high-altitude terrain up to ~45° slope. This serves as a base to continue with advanced courses or expeditions.
How do I enroll?
Contact us via WhatsApp at +56 9 5640 6085 or by email at marcelo@ensenadatours.cl
. After confirmation, you will receive the full equipment list and detailed course schedule.
GET IN TOUCH
+56 9 5640 6085
marcelo@ensenadatours.cl
marcelo@ensenadatours.cl
Travel through Chile with a brazilian Mountain and Tourism Guide, certified by ACGM and UIMLA
Choose one of our trips or contact us for a tailor-made itinerary. Enjoy Chile with locals and with strict safety and quality standards.
