Experience an unforgettable adventure at Mount Pissis, a stunning dormant volcano that towers majestically within the Andes Mountains.
Encircled by a vast glacier featuring remarkable ice formations, Mount Pissis provides some of the most breathtaking vistas in the region. From its viewpoint, known as the Balcón del Pissis, you'll have the chance to admire lagoons in vibrant hues that stand out against the rugged landscape, while flocks of pink flamingos bring life and color to this magnificent setting.
This excursion is crafted to engage all your senses, allowing you to soak in the grandeur and natural beauty of the area. If you're in search of an adventure that lets you connect profoundly with nature and discover awe-inspiring panoramic views, Mount Pissis welcomes you with a promise of wonder and splendor at every turn.
Tour Description
We will kick off this excursion early in the morning, around 7 am, departing from Tinogasta. Our adventure will take us along the captivating National Route 60, which transforms into the renowned "Route of the Six Thousanders" as it passes through Fiambalá.
This segment leads us through a landscape of impressive heights, flanked by some of the tallest volcanoes globally, many of which surpass 6,000 meters above sea level. During our journey, we’ll encounter the local wildlife, such as vicuñas, guanacos, condors, and suris, often seen along the route, along with native flora adapted to the harsh altitude, like tola and yareta, plants utilized by local communities for generations. This tour provides not only breathtaking views but also insights into the region's history and culture, from ancient civilizations to contemporary traditions. While the Ruta de los Seismiles stretches to Paso San Francisco, our adventure veers off on a 55-kilometer gravel road detour to reach the Balcón del Pissis, arriving around 11:00 a.m. Our first stop will be the Aparejos Lagoon, where flamingos can be seen during their summer migration. Next, we’ll visit the Laguna Celeste, renowned for its striking blue hue.
Our journey culminates at the Balcón del Monte Pissis, a natural lookout at 4,550 meters above sea level, offering a view of the Pissis Volcano, the fourth highest peak in the Americas and the tallest inactive volcano worldwide, standing at 6,792 meters.
The return trip follows the same route as our initial journey, though the changing position of the Sun casts the landscape in new shades and colors. We expect to arrive at the hotels around 2:00 PM.
For a more comprehensive experience, consider extending your journey to explore the entire Route of the Six Thousanders.
On our return, rather than backtracking through Fiambalá, we will continue along Route 60 to Paso San Francisco, skirting the majestic hills of San Francisco, Tres Cruces, Los Patos, and Incahuasi. These hills, not only towering over 6,000 meters, host unique flora and fauna, offer stunning landscapes, and attract interest from tourists, geologists, and local communities alike.
This portion of the journey will guide us through the Quebrada de las Angosturas, a foothill area noted for its multicolored hills.
We’ll conclude by returning to your accommodation in Tinogasta.
What’s included?
What’s included:
Includes 4x4 Transportation, Specialized Guide, Emergency Assistance, Oxygen, Refreshments and Snacks
What’s NOT included:
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
The excursion to the Balcony of Pissis includes transportation in a 4x4 vehicle from Fiambalá or Tinogasta, a guide specializing in adventure tourism, light snacks throughout the day, and basic insurance. The tour includes visits to panoramic viewpoints in the Andes Mountains and strategic stops for taking photographs. It is important to check if lunch or additional drinks are included, as well as the terms of the travel insurance. The experience guarantees comfort, safety, and the best view of the Pissis volcano, one of the highest in the world.
The excursion to the Balcony of Pissis takes place at high altitudes (over 4,000 meters above sea level), so tourists are advised to be in good physical condition and consult a doctor if they have heart or respiratory conditions. It is essential to be well-hydrated and avoid consuming alcohol before the activity. No technical mountaineering skills are required, as the trip is done in 4x4 vehicles, but it is important to inform the tour operator of any medical conditions or special needs before booking.
The best time to visit the Balcón del Pissis is during spring and summer, specifically between October and April, when weather conditions are more favorable and the roads are passable. In winter, snow and very low temperatures can make access and the safety of adventure tourism more difficult. We recommend checking the weather forecast before booking your tour to ensure the best possible experience during your excursion in Catamarca, Argentina.
For the excursion to the Balcón del Pissis, it's recommended to wear comfortable, warm clothing in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day. We suggest bringing a windbreaker, hat, gloves, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen, hiking boots, and a reusable water bottle. A camera and energy snacks are also useful. Being well-prepared is essential to fully enjoy this nature tour in the Andes Mountains.
The typical itinerary for the excursion to the Balcony of Pissis begins early in the morning and lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours. The tour includes transportation by 4x4 from Fiambalá or Tinogasta, scenic stops to admire Laguna Verde and Laguna Azul, and ample time to photograph the Pissis volcano. This full-day excursion concludes with a return to the starting point at sunset. It is ideal for those seeking adventure tourism and unique experiences in Catamarca.
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Pissis Balcony
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