HME
About us
Ojos del Salado specialists and experts in the high Andes
Since 2008 we have guided expeditions in the Chilean Andes. On the highest volcano in the world, we also operate with our own base camp, vehicle fleet and communications.
Since 2008
On Ojos del Salado from the very beginning
HME was born in 2008 from the dream of its founder, Guillermo Palma, and since then, over almost 20 years, that dream has become reality, piece by piece. As a result, today we work with a level of professionalism, comfort and safety you can feel in every part of the operation.
No one does this alone. Instead, it takes our guides, assistants, camp staff, cooks, drivers, porters, muleteers and office team. Getting here hasn’t been easy; however, it has undoubtedly been worth it. Above all, welcoming climbers from all over the world to our base camp, sharing a beer with them after the summit and hearing their feedback and thanks is what drives us to keep improving.
Guillermo Palma
Founder & CEO
Mountain guide since 2005 and founder of HME since 2008.
Our brand, season after season
2008 – 2013
2014 – 2024
2025
2026 – today
Ojos del Salado has been in our catalog since day one, when almost no one operated there: you could spend three weeks on the mountain without crossing paths with another expedition. In fact, we were among the first to turn it into a commercial expedition, with scheduled, guaranteed departures every season, open to climbers from anywhere in the world.
Over the years, each season brought more climbers and more expeditions, so our Laguna Verde base camp eventually became permanent. In addition, brands such as Porsche, Yamaha, BMW, KTM, Ford and BecomingX, among others, have trusted us with the logistics of their record attempts on Ojos del Salado.
Today we operate from our office in Santiago, with a seasonal base in Copiapó from October until April. We welcome everyone from climbers completing the Seven Summits or the Volcanic Seven Summits to people taking on their first 6,000-meter peak.
On video
Get to know us in one minute
One minute with our expeditions, the Laguna Verde base camp, the team behind every summit and two of the Guinness World Records we supported in the 2025-26 season.
Why HME
We run it ourselves, no middlemen
We work with our own guides, equipment, vehicles and infrastructure. Therefore, we don’t resell other operators’ services or improvise logistics in the field. That’s the difference you notice at 6,000 meters, especially when the weather turns or someone isn’t acclimatizing.
Moreover, we operate under Chilean high-mountain regulations, registered with SERNATUR under No. 17.874. We are also members of ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association), and our guides are UIAGM, ANGM and WFR certified. In addition, in 2025 we received Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award.
Base camp at Laguna Verde
Permanent, with capacity for 36 people, a short walk from the natural hot springs. It also offers Starlink satellite internet, eco-friendly toilets, fresh food every day, 24/7 coffee and an exclusive dome for private groups of six or more.
Long-range communications
We use VHF radios, InReach devices and our own long-range antenna, with coverage of up to 120 km between base camp, high camps, vehicles and guides.
Mountain medicine
High-altitude medical equipment, emergency oxygen and continuous monitoring of every expedition member, as well as a pre-established evacuation protocol.
Certified local guides
A bilingual team with UIAGM, ANGM and WFR certifications, extensive experience on the mountain and a low guide-to-client ratio during the entire expedition.
4×4 fleet and full support
Our own vehicles and experienced drivers. We coordinate permits, transfers, accommodation and logistics before, during and after the expedition.
Official Global Rescue partner
We are an official Global Rescue partner, so you can purchase your travel insurance, medical assistance, evacuation and rescue coverage directly through us before the expedition.
New antenna at Camp Atacama: 120 km of coverage
Ahead of the 2026-27 season, we are adding a new communications antenna at Camp Atacama, which doubles our coverage radius from 60 to 120 km. We are the only operator in the area with this infrastructure, and it keeps base camp, high camps, vehicles and guides in contact throughout the expedition.
Sustainability
Operating at Laguna Verde without leaving a trace
Ojos del Salado lies in one of the most fragile and least disturbed environments in the Andes. That is why our operation is designed to leave nothing behind.
- Renewable energy. Solar power at base camp, as well as charging points in our 4×4 vehicles.
- Waste separation. Sorting at source and complete removal of everything we take into the mountains.
Leave No Trace
Composting dry toilets at base camp
Eco-friendly dry toilets that separate liquid and solid waste, with our own composting system at Laguna Verde. As a result, nothing is left on the ground or buried.
Waste at altitude
WAG bags on all our expeditions
Every participant carries WAG bags to the high camps, on all our expeditions without exception. Therefore, everything generated above base camp comes down with us for proper handling and final disposal.
Other expeditions
Beyond Ojos del Salado
These are some of our other expeditions in Chile, with the same guides, the same medical standards and the same logistics from our office in Santiago.
6,570 m
Tupungato
One of the giants of the central Andes, on the border with Argentina and just a few hours from Santiago. It is also a long expedition, with a demanding approach and few people on the mountain.
6,739 m
Llullaillaco
Deep in the Antofagasta altiplano, it is one of the most remote and arid volcanoes on the planet and also has Inca high-altitude sanctuaries near the summit.
6,108 m
Marmolejo
The southernmost 6,000-meter peak in the world, in the Cajón del Maipo. Since it is climbed from Santiago, it is an excellent gateway to high-altitude mountaineering.
5,424 m
El Plomo
The mountain you can see from Santiago. It is Chile’s classic acclimatization climb and also the best stepping stone to a 6,000-meter peak.
Have another summit in mind or want to plan your own trip? We also design tailor-made expeditions.
Get to know us
Records and brands
Ford, KTM, BMW, Porsche and BecomingX have operated with us on Ojos del Salado, including world altitude record attempts.
Planning your expedition?
Tell us which mountain you have in mind and your dates. Then we’ll reply with real availability and a concrete acclimatization plan.
