The twin summit
Two rock towers.
sergejf — CC BY-SA 2.0 · sergejf — CC BY-SA 2.0 · sergejf — CC BY-SA 2.0 · sergejf — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Albert Backer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · sergejf — CC BY-SA 2.0
Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano on Earth, rising 6,891 metres on the border between Argentina and Chile, west of Fiambalá in Catamarca, and the second-highest summit in the southern and western hemispheres after Aconcagua. It is a huge volcanic complex with three summits, the main one ending in two neighbouring rock towers of almost equal height. Around it lies a world of high deserts, high lagoons and other volcanic peaks, many over six thousand metres, in the area known as the «Seismiles», the six-thousanders. On the Argentine side the views are of red desert, snow and deep blue sky. Climbing the summit is a serious expedition needing days of acclimatisation, guides and equipment, usually setting out from Fiambalá in summer. Ordinary visitors settle for 4x4 trips through the six-thousanders region to see the volcano from afar.
Two rock towers.
Volcanic peaks.
Red and blue.
Andes on the Chilean border, west of Fiambalá, Catamarca
Yes, but it is a serious expedition needing days of acclimatisation, guides and gear, usually from Fiambalá in summer.