Catamarca travel guide: Fiambalá, the Route of the Six-Thousanders and the Puna
Destination guide · Updated November 2026 · By Centinela Explora
In short
Within a few hundred kilometers, western Catamarca brings together some of Argentina's most extreme landscapes: the Tatón dunes, the Route of the Six-Thousanders with volcanoes over 6,000 meters, Campo de Piedra Pómez, the Antofalla salt flat and the caldera of Galán Volcano. It is a high-Andean Puna destination, with stretches above 4,000 meters, long distances and little cell signal. You can travel it on your own, but with a guide you understand and appreciate much more of what you see. We traveled it twice in 2026, in May and October, and this is what we learned.
Quick facts
| Where | Western Catamarca Province, between Fiambalá, Antofagasta de la Sierra and El Peñón |
|---|---|
| Gateway | San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca airport |
| Altitude | From about 1,500 m in Fiambalá to over 4,500 m at Balcón del Pissis; Antofagasta de la Sierra sits at about 3,300 m |
| How many days | A week lets you see the highlights without rushing |
| Best season | Autumn (May) and spring (October-November) |
| Entrance fees | Between ARS 5,000 and 20,000 each (November 2026) |
| Cell signal | In towns and lodgings; almost none on the road |
What are the must-see places?
Fiambalá: Tatón dunes, hot springs and the Adobe Route
Fiambalá is the base for exploring the west. Nearby are the Tatón and Medanitos dunes, a huge dune field that includes the Federico Kirbus Dune, considered one of the highest in the world. The Fiambalá Hot Springs, up in the mountains, and the Adobe Route, with historic chapels and houses, round out the visit.
The Route of the Six-Thousanders and Balcón del Pissis
National Route 60, on the way to the San Francisco Pass, crosses a range of volcanoes over 6,000 meters high. From the road, a gravel track climbs to Balcón del Pissis, a viewpoint above 4,500 meters with colorful lagoons and views of Monte Pissis, one of the highest volcanoes in the world.
Campo de Piedra Pómez
A provincial protected area with white pumice formations shaped by the wind over thousands of years. It is one of the most photographed landscapes in northwest Argentina. Entrance fees are paid at the El Peñón office, and access is with a guide and in a 4x4: you cannot leave the marked tracks, because vehicle tracks damage the formations.
Antofagasta de la Sierra, the Antofalla salt flat and Ojos de Campo
Antofagasta de la Sierra is the base town for the deep Puna. From there you can visit the Antofalla salt flat, one of the largest and least visited in Argentina, plus Ojos de Campo and Vegas Botijuela, colorful pools in the middle of the desert.
Galán Volcano and Laguna Grande
Galán has one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, with its floor at about 4,000 meters and its summit near 5,900. Nearby is Laguna Grande, a high-Andean lagoon where you can see flamingos.
The Shincal ruins
Near the town of Londres, on the way back to the provincial capital, El Shincal de Quimivil is one of the most important Inca sites in northwest Argentina.
Can you travel it on your own?
Yes, you can do it by car. Still, as with every destination, we recommend going with a guide: it helps you understand and appreciate much more of what you are seeing, from the geology of the volcanoes to the history of the villages. Also, entering Campo de Piedra Pómez requires a guide and a 4x4.
If you go on your own, keep in mind that there is no signal on the road, distances between towns are long, and you should always leave with a full tank.
How to avoid altitude sickness?
On our two trips no one got altitude sickness, but we took precautions: we went slowly, climbing gradually, and avoided strenuous efforts at altitude. Drink plenty of water, eat light and avoid alcohol on the highest days.
How much are the entrance fees?
In November 2026 entrance fees range from ARS 5,000 to 20,000. They may go up over time, but as a reference, they are not a major part of the trip's cost. We paid entrance at:
- Fiambalá Hot Springs
- Balcón del Pissis
- Campo de Piedra Pómez
- Shincal ruins
Is there cell signal?
Yes in towns and lodgings. On the road there is practically no signal, unless you travel in a vehicle with Starlink, like our guides' vehicles.
What wildlife can you see?
What we saw most were foxes and flamingos, especially at the high-altitude lagoons.
When is the best time to go?
We like May and November, because temperatures are moderate. Summer is also possible: it is hot, but the dry climate makes it easier to bear. In winter it gets colder and some high areas can be affected by snow, so it is not our preferred season.
Even so, snow can fall in the high mountains outside winter: in October 2026 access to Balcón del Pissis was closed due to snowfall. Before going up, check road conditions in Fiambalá.
Why is Catamarca said to be an expensive destination?
It is often called an "expensive" destination, but the cost is mainly due to the long distances traveled. Lodging is not expensive.
There is something else worth knowing before you go: tourism is new in this area. Many locals are turning to it, and that takes a learning process. Some still lack experience, and some places have the limitations typical of the Puna. Knowing this helps you go with the right expectations and enjoy the trip. If you like, we can recommend some lodgings we know; there are surely many other lovely ones we have not visited yet.
If you want to travel with everything organized
If you want to travel with everything organized, check out our group trips.
