At 6,893 metres, Ojos del Salado is the world's highest active volcano and one of the great prizes of Andean mountaineering. It straddles the Chile-Argentina border, accessible from the Chilean side via Copiapó. The ascent is non-technical — no glacier travel is required — but the extreme altitude and remote location make it a serious undertaking. Most climbers use Copiapó as a base for acclimatisation before driving up to base camp.
For non-climbers, the volcano is visible from the high roads approaching Parque Nacional Nevado Tres Cruces, a massive white pyramid dominating the horizon above the salt flats. The views alone are worth the approach drive. The mountain is typically climbed between November and March, when conditions are most stable.