Take on an exhilarating guided expedition to Mount Pissis, one of the most remarkable high-altitude adventures on the planet. Towering at 22,293 feet (6,795 meters), Mount Pissis is the second-highest volcano globally, located in the rugged and untamed landscapes of northern Argentina.
Our journey takes you deep into the heart of one of Earth’s most desolate and pristine regions. This magnificent, dormant stratovolcano is situated in the Puna Highlands of the Andes in Catamarca province. As we navigate the challenging terrain of the Atacama Andes, you'll be treated to stunning vistas and a profound sense of seclusion.Â
The ascent of Mount Pissis in northern Argentina offers a demanding yet fulfilling challenge for seasoned mountaineers in search of an unforgettable experience. From the stark allure of the Atacama Desert to the breathtaking heights of the Pissis summit, this expedition guarantees memories that will endure for a lifetime.
Federico is an outdoor lover with plenty of adventures in The Andes. Specialized in the tour logistics and organization of Expeditions and Treks in the Central Andes, Patagonia, Peru, Bolivia, and French Alps.
Experience the thrill of climbing Mount Pissis, standing at 22,293 feet (6,795 meters) as the second-highest volcano in the world
Breathtaking Landscapes
Journey through the rugged terrain of the Atacama Andes, where you'll encounter pristine and desolate regions
Challenging Experience for Adventurers
This guided expedition is designed for seasoned mountaineers seeking a demanding yet rewarding challenge, promising unforgettable memories
Route details
Day 1
Arrival in La Rioja – Fiambalá – Cortaderas (3,300 m / 10,824 ft)
Upon your arrival at La Rioja Airport, our team will be there to greet you and provide a private transfer to Fiambalá, where you can relax.Â
Next, we will head to Chaschuil Valley and check in at the Cortaderas hotel. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 2
Cortaderas – Las Losas (3,710 msnm / 12,169 ft)
Travel to Las Losas for an acclimatization hike to Mount Naranja (3,863 m / 12,670 ft).Â
You will spend the night in tents or a simple refuge, with all meals included.
Day 3
Las Losas – Falso Morocho Peak – La Gruta (4,088 m / 13,408 ft)
Acclimatization hike to Falso Morocho Peak.Â
Overnight stay at La Gruta refuge with full board provided.
Day 4
La Gruta Village – San Francisco Pass (4,727 m / 15,505 ft)
Hike to San Francisco Pass for additional acclimatization.Â
Return to camp for the night, staying in tents or a refuge. Full board is provided.
Day 5
San Francisco Pass – Los Aparejos Lagoon (4,190 m / 13,743 ft)
4x4 transfer to Los Aparejos Lagoon.Â
Set up camp with tent accommodations and full board provided.
Day 6
Los Aparejos Lagoon – Pissis Base Camp (4,600 m / 15,088 ft)
4Ă—4 transfer to Pissis Base Camp.
Settle into camp. Tent accommodation and full board.
Day 7
Base Camp – Camp 1 – Base Camp (5,360 m / 17,581 ft)
Portage day to Camp 1.Â
Return to base camp for rest, with tent accommodations and full board provided.
Day 8
Base Camp – Camp 1 (5,360 m / 17,581 ft)
Move to Camp 1 for an overnight stay.Â
Tent accommodation and full board.
Day 9
Camp 1 – Rest and Acclimatization Day
Rest day at Camp 1 for acclimatization.Â
Full board provided.
Day 10
Camp 1 – Camp 2 (5,900 m / 19,352 ft)
Ascend to Camp 2.Â
Tent accommodation and full board.
Day 11
Camp 2 – Summit Attempt (6,793 m / 22,281 ft)
Summit day!Â
Return to Camp 2 after reaching the peak.Â
Tent accommodation and full board.
Day 12
Camp 2 – Base Camp – Cortaderas (5,900 m / 19,352 ft)
Descend to Base Camp and transfer to Cortaderas.Â
Hotel accommodation and full board.
Day 13
Extra Day in Case of Bad Weather
This day has been included in the itinerary to allow for flexibility in the event of inclement weather.
Day 14
Cortaderas – Fiambalá – La Rioja Airport
Transfer to Fiambalá and then to La Rioja Airport. Departure back home.Â
Difficulty
Extreme
Only for experienced and physically fit hikers. Requires specific skills and equipment
Tour provider's comments
This trek is for seasoned mountaineers.Â
Accommodation
Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Hotel
2 nights
Tent
11 nights
Accomodation includes:
2 hotel nights in Cortaderas, including dinner and breakfast;
1 refuge night in La Gruta, with full board service;
10 nights in tents in camp areas.
2 nights
Hotel
You will spend 2 nights in a hotel in Cortaderas, including dinner and breakfast.
1 night
Refuge night in La Gruta
You will spend 1 refuge night in La Gruta, with full board service.
10 nights
Tents
You will spend 10 nights in tents in camp areas.
Tickets to group meeting place
Group meeting place
Gobernador Gordillo Airport
Calculate tour price with tickets from your city
Partnered with
Weather during the tour
Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips
Tour conditions
Included
Expert Bilingual Mountain Guides: Enjoy the guidance of experienced, bilingual mountain guides with a customer-to-guide ratio of 1:3 or 1:4, ensuring personalized attention and safety throughout your expedition;
Private Transfers: All transfers are private and included for your convenience:
La Rioja City to Fiambalá and Cortaderas.
Cortaderas to Las Losas.
Las Losas to La Gruta Village.
La Gruta Village to San Francisco Pass.
San Francisco Pass to Los Aparejos Lagoon.
Los Aparejos Lagoon to Pissis Base Camp.
Pissis Base Camp to Cortaderas.
Cortaderas to Fiambalá and La Rioja City;
Full board included: All meals provided during the expedition, ensuring you stay fueled and energized;
Accomodation:
2 hotel nights in Cortaderas, including dinner and breakfast.
1 refuge night in La Gruta, with full board service.
10 nights in tents in camp areas;
High-Altitude Camping Gear:Â High-altitude tents designed for extreme conditions;
High-altitude cooking equipment for freshly prepared meals during the climb;
Comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guides;
Communications: VHF Radio communication for constant contact with the support team and satellite communications device for emergency communications;
GPS navigation equipment for precise tracking and route planning.
Extras
Personal Climbing Equipment: Please bring your own gear or arrange for a rental ahead of time;
Unspecified Transfers: Any transportation not mentioned in the itinerary is excluded;
Accident and Rescue Insurance: Participants must have personal accident and rescue insurance;
Rescue and Evacuation Costs: Any rescue or emergency evacuation expenses are not covered;
Altitude Porter for Personal Loads: Porter services for personal items are available at an additional cost;
Drinks During Cortaderas Dinners: Beverages at dinner are not included;
Gratuities: Tips for guides and staff are appreciated but not included;
Additional Services: Any other services not specified in the “Included Services” section are at your own expense.
Group size
From 2 to 8 tourists
Duration
14 days
13 nights
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
UPPER BODY
Synthetic T-Shirt:Â Breathable material, to keep you fresh and dry.
2 Long-sleeved Base Layer:Â Lightweight and breathable shirts that keep your body dry and comfortable during the trek, and protected from the sun.
Fleece Jacket or Sweater:Â Provides additional warmth during cold mornings and evenings.
Waterproof or Windproof Jacket:Â Essential for protection against rain and wind. It should be lightweight, breathable, and durable. Preferably with a hood.
Insulated Jacket (Synthetic or Down):Â Offers an extra insulation layer, ideal for low temperatures at high altitudes. Preferably hooded.
1 Pair of Lightweight Gloves and 1 pair of warm/fleece gloves: For Keeping hands warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
LOWER BODY
Trekking Pants:Â Comfortable and durable pants that allow freedom of movement. Quick-drying with multiple pockets.
Long Underwear or Tights:Â Additional layers that provide warmth under trekking pants.
FOOTWEAR
Trekking Boots:Â Sturdy and durable footwear with good ankle support, ideal for long walks on uneven terrain.
Thick Socks (2 pairs):Â Warm and cushioned socks to keep your feet warm and prevent blisters.
HEAD
Sun Hat: Vital for protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Choose one with a wide brim and UPF protection.
Wool or Fleece Hat:Â To keep your head warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection:Â Protect your eyes from UV rays and glare, essential at high altitudes. Preferably, with a wraparound design to minimize light entering from the sides.
Neck gaiter or buff:Â Multifunctional, protects your neck and face from cold, wind, and sun.
OTHER
2 Liter Water Bottle:Â Essential for staying hydrated. Choose a durable bottle with a wide mouth for easy filling.
35 – 45 Liter Backpack: This spacious and comfortable backpack is ideal for carrying all the necessary gear for a day of trekking.
45 – 70 Liter Duffle bag: This is a super-tough expedition duffel to protect the gear and clothes the mules will haul to the camps.
Headlamp with extra batteries:Â Hands-free light source for use at camp or in low-light situations.
Comfortable Sleeping Bag (Comfort -5°C): A sleeping bag provides comfort and warmth during cold nights in the mountains.
Sleeping Pad:Â Adds insulation and comfort for sleeping on hard and cold ground.
Comfortable Camp Clothes (sneakers, socks, cotton shirt, etc.):Â Comfortable clothes to wear after the trekking.
Sunscreen (recommended SPF 50+):Â Essential protection against UV rays at high altitudes.
Personal Hygiene Items (towel, soap, etc.): Basic personal hygiene items to stay clean and fresh during the trip.
Personal first-aid kit:Â bring any prescribed personal medications. Include eye drops in case you are sensitive or allergic to dust.
Swimming suit.
Personal ID or passport
USB power bank suggested
US$ 30 in Chilean pesos (for any small expense arising as drinks or snacks).
What kind of gear should I bring?
For a comprehensive list of equipment, please refer to the Equipment section. If you need to rent any piece of equipment, we’re here to assist you. Don’t hesitate to ask us!
What is the meeting point?
La Rioja Airport. From there our team will meet you for a private transfer to Fiambalá, where you can rest.
Can children participate in the hiking trip?
The hiking trip is recommended for adults and mature teenagers due to the challenging nature of the terrain and duration of the hike.
Cancellation of booking
In case of early cancellation of the reservation, we will be forced to withhold from you a percentage of the price paid:
regardless of when the cancellation was made - 30
less than 48 hours - 100
Additional terms:
You will be charged 30% of the cost of the expedition, regardless of when the cancellation was made. Refunds will be transferred to the traveler within 30 days after the cancellation date.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice before the activity will not be refunded.
Reviews
5.0
Based on 8 reviews
Dates and Prices
The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, send a request for clarification
