Ernesto Olivares is one of Chile’s most accomplished mountaineers, mountain guides, and outdoor educators, with more than three decades of experience climbing, teaching, and leading expeditions throughout the world’s great mountain ranges. Widely respected within the Chilean and international mountaineering community, he has dedicated his life to exploration, leadership, and the development of future generations of climbers.

As part of Leadership Expeditions and Vertical’s experiential learning programs, Ernesto brings extensive experience in leadership, teamwork, risk management, and decision-making in demanding environments. His ability to combine technical expertise with mentorship has made him a valued guide, instructor, and role model for participants seeking to develop resilience, confidence, and leadership through outdoor experiences.

Throughout his mountaineering career, Ernesto has climbed more than sixty major peaks across Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and other mountain regions around the world. His experience includes numerous ascents of Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, as well as several successful expeditions to mountains above 8,000 meters.

In 2001, Ernesto participated in the Chilean expedition to Mount Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world, successfully reaching the summit without supplemental oxygen. That same year, he received two of Chile’s highest mountaineering distinctions: the “Best Sportsman” Award from the Chilean Mountaineering Federation and recognition from the Circle of Sports Journalists of Chile.

In 2002, Ernesto joined the historic Chilean Antarctic Expedition to the Ellsworth Mountains, one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth. He later summited Mount Everest in both 2004 and 2012 and continued to build an impressive high-altitude climbing record through expeditions to several of the world’s highest mountains.

Ernesto is also among the select group of mountaineers who have completed the Seven Summits challenge, successfully reaching the highest peak on each continent. His achievements, combined with decades of guiding and instructional experience, have established him as one of Chile’s most respected figures in the world of mountaineering.

Beyond his personal accomplishments, Ernesto is known for his dedication to teaching and mentoring others. As a professor of mountaineering and expedition leadership, he has helped countless climbers develop not only technical competence but also the values of teamwork, humility, perseverance, and respect for the mountains.

Through Leadership Expeditions, Ernesto continues to share the lessons learned from a lifetime of exploration, inspiring participants to pursue ambitious goals while recognizing the importance of preparation, collaboration, and personal growth.