The present invention relates to a process for obtaining 1-octanol which comprises a contact step between ethanol, n-hexanol and a catalyst, wherein said catalyst comprises: i) a metal oxide that comprises the following metals: M1 is at least one bivalent metal selected from Mg, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Fe, Ni and Ca; M2 is at least one trivalent metal selected from Al, La, Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, and Ga; ii) a noble metal selected from Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh and Re; and iii) optionally, comprises V; with the proviso that the catalyst comprises at least V, Ga or any of their combinations.