While Jujuy and Salta draw most international travelers to northwestern Argentina, Catamarca offers something those destinations can no longer provide: the same extreme Andean landscapes — volcanoes, salt flats, puna desert, archaeological sites — with almost no tourist infrastructure and none of the crowds. The Route of the Six-Thousanders passes volcanoes among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Campo de Piedra Pómez is a white pumice stone field that looks unlike anything else on Earth. The Antofalla Salt Flat is one of the largest in Argentina. Galán Volcano contains one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world. All of this in a single 7-day expedition, with a maximum of 9 travelers. An ideal trip for nature photographers, landscape travelers and birdwatchers who want to experience the Andes beyond the standard tourist circuit — with all logistics resolved and a specialist guide throughout. Arrival at Catamarca Airport and transfer to Fiambalá along a scenic route with stops at natural viewpoints. First contact with the high-altitude Andean landscapes and arrival at the accommodation. The Tatón and Medanitos dune fields are among the most photogenic desert landscapes in the Argentine Andes — a vast, constantly shifting sand landscape at altitude, home to the Federico Kirbus Dune. Afternoon at the Fiambalá Hot Springs, natural thermal pools at the foot of the Andes, and the Adobe Route, a historic circuit reflecting the traditional architecture and cultural identity of western Catamarca. The Route of the Six-Thousanders passes through a landscape of volcanoes exceeding 6,000 meters — among the highest peaks in the Western Hemisphere. The main viewpoint is the Pissis Balcony, with panoramic views of high-altitude lagoons and Mount Pissis, the second-highest volcano in the world. Optional hike to Cañón del Indio depending on group preference. Entering the Catamarca puna through the Las Papas community and La Lagunilla, in landscapes that grow increasingly arid and volcanic. Visit to the surroundings of Volcán Blanco and Campo de Piedra Pómez — a protected natural area with extraordinary white pumice formations unlike anything found elsewhere in South America. Arrival in Antofagasta de la Sierra. Excursion to the Antofalla Salt Flat, one of the largest salt flats in Argentina, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes in absolute silence. Along the route we visit the Botijuela wetlands and Ojos de Campo — intensely colored spring pools in the middle of an arid landscape, where Andean flamingos, vicuñas and high-altitude birds can be observed. Visit to pre-Columbian petroglyph sites and onward to the Galán Volcano region — one of the world's largest volcanic calderas — where Laguna Grande sits as a habitat for Andean flamingos, puna ducks and high-altitude raptors. Transfer and overnight in El Peñón. Departure from El Peñón and visit to the Shincal Ruins — one of the most important Inca archaeological sites in northwestern Argentina — before the final transfer to Catamarca Airport. Throughout the expedition we stay in local lodges and mountain accommodations in Fiambalá, Antofagasta de la Sierra and El Peñón — adapted to the remote puna environment. Included: Not included: ARS 2,150,000 per person Interest-free payment plan by cash or bank transfer from the time of booking. 9 or 12 fixed monthly installments with credit cards. This trip is designed for travelers who enjoy wide-open landscapes, remote scenic roads, nature photography and destinations far from mass tourism. No trekking experience is required, but participants should be comfortable with long journeys on high-altitude unpaved roads — some sections exceed 4,500 meters above sea level. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer the best conditions: moderate daytime temperatures, manageable cold at night and stable road conditions for high-altitude circuits and salt flats. October, the date of this departure, combines good weather with long daylight hours ideal for photography. No. The expedition is designed for travelers in average physical condition. Most of the route is covered in 4x4 pick-up vehicles with short walks at each stop. Only the optional Cañón del Indio hike requires more effort. Being aware of altitude is important — some points reach 4,500+ meters above sea level — and temperature changes can be sudden. The Catamarca puna supports vicuñas, guanacos, three species of Andean flamingo (Chilean, Andean and Puna flamingo), puna ducks, suri (Andean rhea), Andean condors and a variety of high-altitude raptors and shorebirds. The Ojos de Campo springs and Laguna Grande at Galán Volcano are the best wildlife-viewing points. For birdwatchers, the Argentine puna is one of the most rewarding destinations in the country. Yes. All transfers operate in 4x4 pick-up vehicles with experienced local drivers and a specialist guide who knows every route in the region. The small group of 9 allows real-time decisions based on conditions. There is little to no mobile signal throughout most of the route — part of what makes this destination genuinely remote. The expedition includes Starlink WiFi connectivity during transfers so you can stay reachable when needed. The highlights included in this expedition are: Tatón Dunes, Fiambalá Hot Springs, Route of the Six-Thousanders and Pissis Balcony, Campo de Piedra Pómez, Antofalla Salt Flat, Ojos de Campo, Galán Volcano and Laguna Grande, pre-Columbian petroglyphs, and the Shincal Ruins. Jujuy has the Quebrada de Humahuaca and Salta the Calchaquí Valley — both consolidated tourist destinations with significant visitor numbers in high season. Catamarca offers the same extreme Andean geography — volcanoes, salt flats, archaeological sites, puna wildlife — with almost no mass tourism infrastructure and none of the crowds. The Route of the Six-Thousanders and Campo de Piedra Pómez have no equivalent in any other Argentine province, and the Galán Volcano caldera is one of the largest on Earth. It is the less-known choice that rewards those who seek it out. Group size is strictly limited to 9 travelers to comfortably cover these remote routes and give each stop the time it deserves. Contact us via WhatsApp or through our website to receive the booking link and secure your place on this Catamarca expedition.Catamarca Argentina Expedition — Puna, Volcanoes and Route of the Six-Thousanders
Argentina's high-altitude wilderness — without the crowds
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 – Road to Fiambalá and Andean viewpoints View details
Day 2 – Tatón Dunes, Hot Springs and Adobe Route View details
Day 3 – Route of the Six-Thousanders and Pissis Balcony View details
Day 4 – Into the puna and Campo de Piedra Pómez View details
Day 5 – Antofalla Salt Flat, Wetlands and Ojos de Campo View details
Day 6 – Petroglyphs, Galán Volcano and Laguna Grande View details
Day 7 – Shincal Ruins and return View details
Expedition highlights
Accommodation and inclusions
Price and payment
Is this expedition for you?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Catamarca and the puna? View answer
Do I need trekking experience or special physical preparation? View answer
What wildlife can be seen in Catamarca? View answer
Is it safe to travel on mountain and puna roads? View answer
Is there phone signal or internet during the expedition? View answer
What are the main attractions in Catamarca? View answer
How does Catamarca compare to Jujuy or Salta for high-altitude travel? View answer
Reserve your spot
Group departure October 14–20 7 days / 6 nights Maximum 9 travelers Low to moderate difficulty From ARS 2,150,000 per person Interest-free installments
