Seismiles Route

Catamarca

To the west of Catamarca, you will find one of the highest areas of the Andes Mountain Range. National Route 60 unfolds among almost twenty 6000-metre high peaks that are a paradise for every mountain climber in the world, as well as for trekking and 3WD adventure lovers.

You can visit this area all year round, but the recommended months are October and April (between December and March, the rains may flood the route; check before starting your trip).

What to see

National Route 60

You can reach the Seismiles following National Route 60 (paved), a road that connects Fiambalá with the San Francisco border crossing (201 km away). Some of the volcanos that can be spotted from the route are the Ojos del Salado, 6893 MSL (the highest volcano in the world and the second highest mountain in the Americas after the Aconcagua), Pissis, San Francisco and Icahuasi Volcanoes; in the latter one, Inca ruins were found.

The whole road trip can be completed in the day, making several stops to enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the mountain range. Because it is a high-elevation area, it is recommended to hire a guide, and especially to travel on a 4WD vehicle to access secondary roads that will lead you to magical places such as the Balcón de Pissis, the Verde Lake or the Azul Lake.

Along National Route 60, there are refuges (simple ones with no services) to get shelter in case of storm or to request assistance in case of an emergency. It is important to stick to the main route.

Trekking and mountain climbing

You can take a trekking excursion to one of the 4000-metres-high mountains. If you have experience, you can go on an excursion to the summit of one of the Seismiles mountains (a 3-to-5-day trek camping out for one night).

Adobe Route

Between Tinogasta and Fiambalá, along National Route 60, you will find the famous "Adobe Route", a 55-kilometre circuit passing by small towns with old mansions, farms, chapels and churches built completely with adobe, a mixture of mud and straw used in old buildings.

Wine, hot springs and pumice stones

In the area you can do wine tourism as there are several wineries that produce good quality high-elevation wine, and that are part of the Wine Route.

About 17 km away from Fiambalá, in an amazing gorge, there is a hot spring complex with thermal water springing up at 1750 MSL into 14 rock pools.

From Fiambalá, you can access the impressive Campo de Piedra Pómez in the Puna, following vehicle tracks that pass by the Las Papas community (only with local tour operators and with 4WD vehicles).

How to get there and move around

The doorway to this circuit are the towns of Tinogasta and Fiambalá. The closest airports are located in La Rioja Capital City (275 km away from Fiambalá) and in San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca (324 km away).

In both cities, you can rent cars, use public transport services and/or hire tours.

Where to stay

Fiambalá is the entrance door to the Seismiles Route. Together with Tinogasta, this town has accommodation options, camping sites, cuisine and petrol stations. Near Tinogasta, there is a hot spring resort.