The eastern region of Catamarca province offers stunning landscapes, ranging from lush subtropical Yungas jungles to dramatic mountain ranges and ancient archaeological sites. Here are the top places for hiking in eastern Catamarca:

La Merced

La MercedFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Located in the Paclín department in northeastern Catamarca, La MercedFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni is a premier destination for hikers looking to explore lush vegetation, crystal-clear streams, and historical landmarks.

• Features a popular 7 km round-trip trail leading past abandoned historical railway tunnels and rocky riverbeds.

• Offers rich biodiversity within a microclimate characterized by dense Yungas foliage and natural water pools like Pozo del Gaucho.

• Guided trekking excursions are regularly organized by local tourism authorities to help hikers safely navigate the terrain.

Tuneles de la Merced Catamarca hiking

Cuesta del Portezuelo

Cuesta del PortezueloFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Famous across Argentina and immortalized in folk music, Cuesta del PortezueloFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni sits along the eastern slopes overlooking the Central Valley, providing breathtaking panoramic trekking routes.

• Features a dramatic route with sweeping vistas across valley landscapes and surrounding mountain ridges.

• Popular high-altitude vantage points frequented by hikers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure sports practitioners.

• Protected as a provincial cultural and natural heritage site with scenic paths.

Cuesta del Portezuelo Catamarca landscape

Sierra de Ancasti

Valutazione a 4,4 stelle4,4

Pico de montaña

Sierra de AncastiFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Stretching across the eastern portion of the province, the Sierra de AncastiFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni range combines outdoor hiking with deep historical and archaeological exploration.

• Home to ancient pre-Columbian rock art sites and sacred caves like La Candelaria and La Tunita hidden within native cebil forests.

• Peaceful mountain trails providing low-to-moderate difficulty trekking experiences suitable for cultural and adventure tourism.

• Serene highland environments offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Sierra de Ancasti Catamarca nature

Exploring the extreme high-altitude terrain of western Catamarca—such as Balcón del PissisFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni and Los SeismilesFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni—requires careful planning due to elevations ranging from 3,000 to over 4,500 meters.

High-Altitude Acclimatization Strategy

Because air pressure and oxygen levels drop significantly at high elevations, protecting yourself against acute mountain sickness (Puna) is essential for an enjoyable trip.

Fiambalá

• Gradual Ascent: Spend your first 2 to 3 days based at lower elevations like FiambaláFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni (~1,500 meters) or TinogastaFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni to let your body adjust before pushing higher.

• The "Climb High, Sleep Low" Rule: Take day trips to higher viewpoints, but return to sleep at lower base towns or camps to help your body recover overnight.

• Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water (2 to 3 liters daily) and eat light, carbohydrate-rich meals. Avoid alcohol and heavy fats during your first few days at elevation.

• Monitor Symptoms: Mild headaches or fatigue can happen, but severe dizziness, persistent nausea, or shortness of breath mean you should immediately descend to a lower altitude.

Guided Excursions & Logistics

Navigating the remote Puna without local support is risky due to extreme isolation, lack of cell service, and rugged terrain.

• 4x4 Vehicles Are Non-Negotiable: Reaching trailheads and remote viewpoints like Balcón del Pissis requires high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles capable of handling loose gravel, steep inclines, and remote desert tracks.

• Expert Local Guides: Book excursions with certified local operators based in Fiambalá. Local drivers know the changing weather patterns, carry necessary safety equipment, and handle mechanical or navigational challenges.

• Check Mountain Corridors: If you are exploring along the Ruta Nacional 60 toward the international border at Paso San Francisco, check weather forecasts and opening schedules beforehand, as sudden high-altitude snowstorms or high winds can close routes temporarily.

Essential Packing List

• Layered Clothing: Pack a windproof jacket, a fleece mid-layer, and thermal base layers. Even in warmer months, high-altitude winds can cause temperatures to plummet quickly.

• Sun Protection: UV radiation is exceptionally harsh at 4,500 meters. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm with UV protection, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed sun hat.

Las Juntas

The best time of year to explore the trails across southern and central Catamarca—including Las JuntasFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni, La MercedFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni, El JumealFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni, and Cuesta del PortezueloFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni—is during the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November).

Why These Seasons Are Ideal:

• Pleasant Temperatures: Daytime temperatures during autumn and spring usually range from a comfortable 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This avoids the intense heat of mid-summer, when valley temperatures can regularly exceed 35°C (95°F) and make strenuous climbs exhausting.

• Lower Rainfall & Clear Skies: Summer (December to February) is Catamarca's primary rainy season. Sudden afternoon storms, heavy downpours, and swollen river crossings can make trails in lush areas like La MercedFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni or mountain streams in Las JuntasFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni risky or muddy. Autumn and spring offer much more stable, dry weather and clear views.

• Vibrant Scenery: Spring brings blooming native flora and green hillsides following winter, while autumn provides mild hiking weather with beautiful foliage shifts in the valleys.

What to Expect in Winter (June to August):

Winter is dry and sunny, making daytime hiking quite pleasant for lower-altitude circuits like El JumealFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni. However, higher elevation points and ridgelines (such as Cuesta del PortezueloFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni or higher mountain trails) experience very cold winds and temperatures that frequently drop below freezing at night, requiring proper cold-weather gear.

The central and southern regions of Catamarca—comprising the Valle Central and the surrounding sierras of Ambato, Ancasti, and Paclín—offer stunning hiking and trekking opportunities characterized by lush green microclimates, rushing river valleys, Yungas jungles, and panoramic mountain ridgelines.

Las Juntas

Las JuntasFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Nestled in the Ambato mountain range, Las JuntasFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni is a premier mountain village known for its refreshing streams, dense willow groves, and scenic trails that lead up into high-altitude plateaus like La Silleta. It is an ideal destination for combining river valley walks with more demanding mountain ascents.

• Famous for the trail leading up to "La Silleta," a saddle-shaped high mountain ridge at around 2,500 meters of elevation.

• Beautiful routes crossing crystal-clear mountain streams, rocky riverbeds, and fields of wild daisies.

• Excellent cooler microclimate during spring and summer months with lush vegetation.

La Merced

La MercedFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Located in the Paclín department north-east of the capital, La MercedFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni serves as the gateway to stunning Yungas jungle trails and historical engineering landmarks. The area is especially renowned for its historic abandoned railway tunnels carved into the green mountain slopes.

• Scenic medium-difficulty hikes through dense subtropical vegetation, tree ferns, and native laurel forests.

• Trails featuring historic mid-20th century railway tunnels and natural swimming pools like Pozo del Gaucho.

• Rich biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities amidst deep river ravines.

El Jumeal

El JumealFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Situated right on the edge of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca in the Valle Central, El JumealFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni is the ultimate local favorite for accessible trail running and introductory day hikes. The looped paths surrounding the reservoir offer stunning views overlooking both the urban valley and the base of the Ambato hills.

• Very accessible circuit with low technical difficulty, making it perfect for warm-up hikes or casual outdoor walks.

• Panoramic vistas of the city water reservoir framed by arid-to-green transitional hill slopes.

• Safe, popular route with well-defined dirt paths combined with the paved perilagoon road.

Cuesta del Portezuelo

Cuesta del PortezueloFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Famed in Argentine folk music and poetry, the Cuesta del PortezueloFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni in the Sierras de Ancasti features a legendary winding road accompanied by challenging ridgeline trails. Hiking along its heights rewards trekkers with breathtaking sweeping views over the entire Valle Central.

• Iconic zig-zag mountain paths rising through diverse botanical strata of native cacti and shrubs.

• Dramatic cliffside viewpoints offering incredible photography opportunities of the valley below, especially at sunset.

• Historic mule tracks and footpaths utilized for generations to cross between valleys.

Northern Catamarca offers some of the most striking, high-altitude trekking and hiking experiences in Argentina, characterized by dramatic volcanic landscapes, ancient Incan history, and surreal geological formations.

Campo De Piedra Pomez

Valutazione a 4,9 stelle4,9

Reserva natural

Campo De Piedra PomezFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Antofagasta de la Sierra

Located near Antofagasta de la SierraFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni on the high Andean plateau, Campo de Piedra Pómez provides an otherworldly hiking experience amidst vast, wind-sculpted white pumice stone fields framed by dark volcanic peaks. Walking through this vast labyrinth of porous rock feels like exploring another planet.

• Surreal landscape featuring towering white pumice formations sculpted over millennia.

• High-altitude hiking requiring careful acclimatization due to elevation.

• Stunning contrast between white rock formations and black basaltic lava fields.

El Shincal de Quimivil

Valutazione a 4,7 stelle4,7

Museo

Aperto · Chiusura alle ore 08:00

El Shincal de QuimivilFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Situated near the historic town of Londres, El Shincal de QuimivilFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni offers exceptional archaeological trekking along the remnants of the Inca Road network (Qhapaq Ñan). Hiking here combines historical exploration with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

• Well-preserved Incan ruins including administrative buildings, terraces, and ceremonial platforms.

• Guided trails winding through native scrublands and archaeological sectors.

• Excellent introduction to the pre-Columbian history of northwestern Argentina.

Los Castillos de Villa Vil

Valutazione a 4,8 stelle4,8

Atracción turística

Los Castillos de Villa VilFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Located near Villa Vil, Los Castillos de Villa VilFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni features majestic rock formations shaped by wind and water erosion that resemble medieval castles rising from the desert floor. It is a fantastic destination for scenic day hikes and geological exploration.

• Impressive clay and sandstone castle-like formations carved by natural erosion.

• Peaceful, less-frequented trails offering solitude and striking photography opportunities.

• Scenic river valley crossings and unique desert flora.

Fiambala

FiambalaFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni

Famous as the gateway to the Ruta de los Seismiles, FiambalaFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni serves as the base for high-mountain trekking and desert dune hiking. Beyond the famous thermal springs, the surrounding sierras and alluvial fans offer diverse trails ranging from moderate desert walks to challenging high-altitude mountaineering.

• Gateway to towering 6,000-meter Andean peaks and challenging mountaineering routes.

• Unique desert trekking across massive sand dunes and river canyons.

• Relaxation options at natural hot springs after a demanding day of hiking.

Pissis is the third highest mountain in the Andes. It is located in the province of Catamarca and despite its beauty and importance it is still a mountain that is not very visited, although nowadays there are some services that facilitate the access and the climbing.

This tracklog includes all the way from the international road to Mar del Plata, which is the base camp of this mountain.

The track also has all the way to the summit, which is the same as the one done on the descent.

Since it is one of the highest mountains in the Andes, it requires a good acclimatisation.

Climbing Nevado Pissis (6,793m) in Catamarca, Argentina, is an expedition to the third-highest peak in the Americas and the second-highest volcano in the world. Located in the hyper-arid High Andes of the Atacama Desert, it is a highly remote, physically demanding high-altitude endeavor.

While it lacks steep technical vertical walls, its primary challenges are extreme altitude, bitter cold, crushing winds, and complete geographical isolation

️ Expedition Logistics & Route Overview

Climbing itineraries typically span 12 to 15 days to ensure safe, methodical acclimatization.

• The Hub: Expeditions typically group and launch from Fiambalá, a desert oasis town in Catamarca.
• Approach Route: Vehicles travel via Ruta Nacional 60 (the famous Ruta de los Seismiles), branching off onto rugged 4x4 tracks. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is mandatory.
• The Normal Route (North Face / Nevero Norte): This is the classic line. It is an open glacier/snowfield slope that leads directly to the primary summit ridge.
• Key Campsites:
  • Acclimatization Base: Laguna Verde or Las Cortaderas (~3,400m to 4,300m).
  • Base Camp: Mar del Plata (~4,700m).
  • High Camp 1: Fiambalá (~5,300m) or Glacier Camp (~5,900m depending on strategy).

Difficulty & Requirements

• Technical Difficulty: Basic to Intermediate. The standard route consists of a long, sustained walk over volcanic scree, loose rocks, and hard glacier ice/snow.
• Physical Demands: Extreme. You will carry heavy loads, set up camps in severe mountain weather, and make a massive summit-day push at nearly 6,800m.
• Climate Danger: Sub-zero temperatures drop well below -20°C (-4°F). Powerful wind storms (Zonda winds) frequently alter routes and freeze exposed skin instantly.
• Optimal Climbing Season: From December to March, which provides marginally warmer conditions and stable daylight.

Required Equipment

Because Nevado Pissis is a true high-altitude mountaineering environment, you must pack specialized gear:

• Footwear & Traction: Heavy double or triple mountaineering boots, crampons, and a straight mountaineering ice axe.
• Shelter: A rugged, 4-season geodesic mountain tent designed to survive high-velocity winds.
• Layering: -20°C rated down parkas, heavy fleece layers, windproof hardshell jackets, and heavy-duty mittens.
• Water & Fuel: Multi-fuel expedition stoves (gas canisters struggle to vaporize in extreme cold and high altitudes).

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The Summit Stage (Day 2) of the Cerro El Pabellón (3,181m) expedition, starting from the Río El Tala basin in Catamarca, is a highly demanding trekking route due to its steep slopes and elevation gain.

️ Route and Key Locations

The step-by-step itinerary for the summit push includes the following key milestones:

• Starting Point: "El Durazno" Camp (located at approximately 2,020 meters above sea level).
• West Bypass: The trail begins along the ridge base and veers slightly left (West) to gain altitude gradually, avoiding the steepest part of the main ridge.
• Main Ridge Line: The path returns to the main ridge crest. The final stretch of this section features an extremely steep and challenging incline.
• High Plateau: Once past the ridge, you reach a high flat area where the final summit crest begins.
• Final Destination: Cerro El Pabellón Summit (3,181m). The descent follows the same route back to camp to pack up and return to the trailhead.

Distances and Metrics (Day 2)

• Total Daily Distance: 10.76 kilometers (full round trip from the camp to the summit and back).
• Elevation Gain (+): 1,194 meters of pure ascent from the campsite.
• Maximum Altitude: 3,181 meters above sea level.

️ Scenic Viewpoints

• Main Ridge and Crest: As you gain altitude and leave the tree line behind, the trail offers open views of the mountain range.
• Condor Sightings: The high ridges are frequent updraft areas for Andean condors soaring close to the peaks.
• Quebrada Panorama: The pre-summit plateau and the peak itself offer panoramic views of the entire Río El Tala upper basin and the valleys toward El Rodeo.

EXPEDITION: Co. Pabellon, 3190m, 2 Days, 1 Camp
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OBJECTIVE Day 2: Ascend Co. Pabellon, return to camp, break camp, and return to the vehicles.
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STARTING POINT: Campsite at 'EL DURAZNO' Camp
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ROUTE:

-Start at 6:00 am, taking the path that skirts the hill and then climbs the small hill to the left (West) to gain altitude.
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-Return to the main hill, thus avoiding the initial slope of the Main Hill.
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-Then proceed along the ridge of the hill,
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-Trail
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-Crested Ridge
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-Ridge Trail
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-Hill
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-Rocky Slopes
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-Rocky Slopes
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-Small Balcony

-Ridge
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-Crested Ridge
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-Ridge
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-Summit
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-Return

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Hiking to Summits of La Brea (1,240 m) in Catamarca, Argentina, is a moderate trail perfect for physical training.

Key Trail Facts

• Location: La Chacarita de los Padres, Capital Department, Catamarca.
• Common Trailhead: Provincial Route 4 (RP4), kilometer 7, at El Calvario (near the old quarry entrance).
• Distance: Around 8.7 km to 9 km (5.4 to 5.6 miles) round trip or loop variants.
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 460 to 550 meters (1,500 to 1,800 feet).
• Technical Difficulty: Moderate (features large steps and gate crossings).
• Route Type: Out-and-back or integrated loops.

Route Highlights

• The trail starts near the El Calvario campground along a dirt path.
• The path passes the Eucalyptus House, gates, irrigation ditches, water streams, and a pond.
• It follows mountain ridges and slopes up to the stone cairn (apacheta) at the first summit.
• You can check map details and download the guided route on Wikiloc - Cumbres de La Brea.

##OBJECTIVE: Training Trek to the SUMMITS OF LA BREA
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##OVERVIEW:
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##TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: MODERATE (Large Steps, Crossing Gates)
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##ROUTE TYPE: OUT AND BACK
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##WATER ON THE ROUTE:
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##STARTING POINT: RP4 Km7, El Calvario, old entrance to La Ripiera
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##VEHICLE PARKING: YES, on the shoulder of Provincial Route No. 4
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##DETAILS:

-Enter via the dirt road starting at the gate 100 meters from El Calvario Campsite
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-Dirt Road
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-Right Fork
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-Eucalyptus House
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-Sign Gate
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-Gate
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-Ditch Trail
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-Pond
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-Corral

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-Hollow
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-Creek Crossing
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-Pool
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-Ridge Trail
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-Slope Trail
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-Cairn 1st Summit
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-Ridge
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-Descent
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-Trail

-Fencing
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-Cairns
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-Morro Slope
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-Summit
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-Cairn 2
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-Return

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Hiking to the Los Pinares Waterfall (approximately 2,324 meters above sea level) in Las Juntas (Ambato Department, Catamarca) is an adventurous mountain trek that takes you deep into the beautiful landscapes of the Catamarca yungas (cloud forests).

Trail Details

• Distance: Around 3.5 km each way (approximately 7 km round trip).
• Duration: Between 2 to 3.5 hours depending on your pace.
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to steep sections and river crossings.
• Scenery: Native mountain pine forests, lush vegetation, and rocky stream beds.

Practical Tips

• Local access: Parts of the trail may cross private property; always check with the local tourism office in Las Juntas before heading out.
• Footwear: Wear sturdy trekking shoes that you do not mind getting wet, as you will need to wade through the river.
• Essentials: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and trekking poles for stability.
• You can check detailed altimetry maps and community trail logs directly on Wikiloc.

##OBJECTIVE: Exploration Trek to the GREAT WATERFALL of Los Pinares
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##OBJECTIVE OVERVIEW:
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##TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: MODERATE/MEDIUM (River Crossings, Slopes, Forest Navigation, Summit Navigation, River Hiking)
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##STARTING POINT: RP4 Km, turn left onto the local road at the entrance to Las Juntas
DEVELOPMENT:

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-Zig-Zag cultivated hill
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-River crossing
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-Stream trail
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-Corral gate
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-River crossing
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-Erosion ridges
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-Pine forest
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-Hillside
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-Hillside slope

-Carcas Sector
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-Hill summits
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-Pine forest
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-Trail along the hill summit
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-Hill summits
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-Pine forest
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-Trail descends to the bottom of the ravine
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-River
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-Hike along the river
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-Small ravine to the Right = Great Waterfall

-Return.

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