Our destinacion: Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano, standing tall amidst the rugged terrains of the Andes.
Our mission? To push the limits of off-road adventure, aiming to ascend as high as possible with our trusty Toyotas. However, before tackling the ascent, our initial objective was to assess the conditions on-site thoroughly. We needed to identify potential risks and understand the modifications required to make our vehicles fit for the challenging terrain.
Our journey commenced from Santiago, where we flew to Calama and rented the vehicle essential for our expedition. Our trip took place in the beginning of January, amidst the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. While the days were generally warm, the nights at higher altitudes were chilly, emphasizing the need for adequate clothing and camping gear. The route from Calama led us along the coastal roads to Copiapo before veering eastward into the Andes.
The Atacama Desert greeted us with its mesmerizing emptiness, stretching for miles with nothing but rocks and wind. The landscape surrounding Ojos del Salado was awe-inspiring, with rugged mountains, vast desert expanses, and stunning vistas at every turn. The road conditions varied from rocky and challenging to relatively smooth stretches, requiring constant vigilance and skillful driving. There were narrow roads, flanked by cliffs on one side and steep drops on the other, posed a challenge, especially considering the heavy trucks transporting materials from nearby mines. Despite the daunting landscape, the road conditions proved surprisingly manageable as we ventured deeper into the wilderness.
As evening approached, we found ourselves at the Chilean border, spending the night by the shores of Salinas, a salt lake nestled nearly 4000 meters above sea level. This overnight stop served as a vital acclimatization step before our onward journey.
The next morning, we crossed the border, heading towards Ojos del Salado. Situated within Chilean territory but nestled between two border points, reaching Ojos del Salado required navigating nearly 100 kilometers before reaching the Argentine border.
Navigating our way to the base of Ojos del Salado presented some challenges, including locating the precise entry point to the trail. The rocky terrain demanded skillful maneuvering, especially considering the reduced engine performance at higher altitudes.
As we ascended, the thin mountain air tested the limits of our vehicles. Our Mazda BT-50, a sturdy 4WD vehicle equipped with a 2.2-liter engine producing 147 horsepower and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, admirably tackled the ascent. However, towing a track camper added considerable weight to our Mazda, demanding strategic RPM management and careful monitoring of temperature gauges.
The challenges of high altitude driving, combined with the weight of our camper, demanded precision and skill from our team of adventurers. Thin mountain air can significantly affect your car’s engine and diminish your acceleration and climbing power. The potential for overheating is greater at high altitudes. Cars lose power as altitude increases because of the falling oxygen levels, making acceleration and climbing arduous tasks.
Looking ahead, our aspirations extend beyond the Mazda BT-50. Our future plans include conquering Ojos del Salado with a Toyota Land Cruiser 80, renowned for its legendary off-road capabilities and robust build. With its unmatched performance and reliability, the Toyota Land Cruiser 80 promises to be the perfect companion for our next expedition to the summit of Ojos del Salado.
As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. From the rugged landscapes of the Andes to the towering heights of Ojos del Salado, our off-road adventure has left an indelible mark on our memories, fueling our passion for exploration and pushing the boundaries of off-road driving.
