High-Altitude Mountaineering Course in Chile
Acclimatization, expedition planning, altitude physiology and risk management for high mountain environments.
Learn how to plan, prepare and move safely in high-altitude mountain environments.
Available months: All year round
Objective: Develop the essential skills required to move safely on high-altitude terrain with slopes up to 45°.
Objective: Develop the essential skills required to move safely on high-altitude terrain with slopes up to 45°.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Santiago and transfer to Baños Morales (1,850 m)
Morning: Airport reception or meeting point in Santiago, followed by an equipment review.
Afternoon: Transfer to Baños Morales, gateway to Cajón del Maipo (3 hours).
Evening: Course briefing, light acclimatization activity and overnight stay in a mountain shelter or campsite.
Day 2 — Approach trek to Lo Valdés Base Camp (2,800 m)
Morning: 6–7 hour hike to base camp, with 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 axe.
Afternoon: Navigation exercise with map, compass and GPS, followed by 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 session, including friction knots, pulley systems and 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 attempt of San José Volcano (5,856 m)
Early morning: Departure at 3:00 a.m. for the summit attempt
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 certificate presentation.
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: Airport reception or meeting point in Santiago, followed by an equipment review.
Afternoon: Transfer to Baños Morales, gateway to Cajón del Maipo (3 hours).
Evening: Course briefing, light acclimatization activity and overnight stay in a mountain shelter or campsite.
Day 2 — Approach trek to Lo Valdés Base Camp (2,800 m)
Morning: 6–7 hour hike to base camp, with 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 axe.
Afternoon: Navigation exercise with map, compass and GPS, followed by 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 session, including friction knots, pulley systems and 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 attempt of San José Volcano (5,856 m)
Early morning: Departure at 3:00 a.m. for the summit attempt
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 certificate presentation.
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.
Prices, payment terms and cancellation policy
Our Prices:
1 person: CLP $2,150,000 per person
2 people: CLP $1,450,000 per person
3 people: CLP $1,350,000 per person
4 people: CLP $1,050,000 per person
5 or 6 people: CLP $950,000 per person
Payment Terms:
Credit card payments in installments through platforms such as Mercado Pago or PayPal.
PIX for Brazil-based payments, calculated according to the CLP-BRL exchange rate on the day of payment.
International transfer via Wise or bank account.
Installments:
40% down payment, with the remaining balance paid in installments at 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: CLP $2,150,000 per person
2 people: CLP $1,450,000 per person
3 people: CLP $1,350,000 per person
4 people: CLP $1,050,000 per person
5 or 6 people: CLP $950,000 per person
Payment Terms:
Credit card payments in installments through platforms such as Mercado Pago or PayPal.
PIX for Brazil-based payments, calculated according to the CLP-BRL exchange rate on the day of payment.
International transfer via Wise or bank account.
Installments:
40% down payment, with the remaining balance paid in installments at 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.
What is included
ACGM/UIMLA-certified mountain guide: Professional instruction throughout the course.
Complete course planning: prior briefing and adaptation of the itinerary according to weather, mountain conditions and group pace.
Meals: Breakfast, trail lunch, and dinner during the trek.
Shared group equipment: tents, stove, first aid kit, VHF radio and GPS/satellite communication for emergencies.
Logistics management: coordination of transportation between Santiago, Baños Morales and the mountain access points, when included in the final program.
Pre-course assistance: personal equipment list, preparation guidelines and fitness recommendations.
Complete course planning: prior briefing and adaptation of the itinerary according to weather, mountain conditions and group pace.
Meals: Breakfast, trail lunch, and dinner during the trek.
Shared group equipment: tents, stove, first aid kit, VHF radio and GPS/satellite communication for emergencies.
Logistics management: coordination of transportation between Santiago, Baños Morales and the mountain access points, when included in the final program.
Pre-course assistance: personal equipment list, preparation guidelines and fitness recommendations.
What is not included
International or domestic flights.
Personal mountain equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, personal tent, helmet, harness, technical clothing and personal accessories.
Accommodation before or after the course, if you wish to extend your stay.
Outdoor activity insurance or travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
Any item not expressly mentioned as included.
Personal mountain equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, personal tent, helmet, harness, technical clothing and personal accessories.
Accommodation before or after the course, if you wish to extend your stay.
Outdoor activity insurance or travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
Any item not expressly mentioned as included.
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 and an ACGM/UIMLA-certified guide, confirming that you completed the high-altitude mountaineering course.
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?
You can expect to develop an intermediate foundation for movement on high-altitude terrain with slopes up to approximately 45°.
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 and an ACGM/UIMLA-certified guide, confirming that you completed the high-altitude mountaineering course.
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?
You can expect to develop an intermediate foundation for movement on high-altitude terrain with slopes up to approximately 45°.
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.
Request course information
+56 9 5640 6085
marcelo@ensenadatours.cl
marcelo@ensenadatours.cl
Explore Chile through carefully curated experiences led by a certified mountain guide with extensive experience in Patagonia and Antarctica.
Each journey is designed around you — with personalized itineraries, seamless logistics, and the highest standards of safety and quality.
