Ascent to the 6795-meter Mount Pissis

Mount Pissis is an inactive stratovolcano, located located on a branch of the Andes, in a highlands region of the Argentinian Puna. This mount forms the border between the provinces of La Rioja and Catamarca. Mount Pissis is the third highest summit of the southern and western hemispheres.

Besides, it is the mountain with more amount of glaciers of all the Puna. Its huge western glacier is really stunning and it is 100 km far from the international crossing route of San Francisco. The viewpoint of the three lakes and Mount Pissis as background, is the most emblematic landscape of the NOA region.

Here I leave an itinerary of the trip. It is an estimate program that I will try to accomplish. Of course, it can be changed depending on weather conditions, mechanical breakdown or participant’s choices.

Meeting point: Airport/Bus Station in La Rioja

DAY 1: LA RIOJA- FIAMBALA – PASTOS LARGOS

Arrival to Fiambalá, stop for details and transfer to Pastos Largos 3300m, where we sleep in an adobe hut (a typical building of this region).

DAY 2: ASCENT TO PASTOS LARGOS Y COQUENA

We will trek around the area trying to gain as altitude as possible and be well acclimatized. Ascent to Pastos Largos Hill at 4.100 meters and then, Coquena at 4.000m.

DAY 3: TRANSFER TO LAS GRUTAS – FALSO MOROCHO

In the morning, transfer from Pastos Largos to Las Grutas at 4000 meters above the sea level. We will rest in a hut of Provincial Routes. Then, we will ascent to Falso Morocho Hill at 4.500 meters of height.

DAY 4: FREE DAY

During this day off, we can visit the hot springs, some archaeological places and watch the native birds and fauna. If it’s possible, we can also visit Laguna Verde, in Chilean side.

DAY 5: ASCENT TO BELTRAND

Ascent to Beltrand Hill at 5.350 meters (depending on the acclimatization level of each participant).

DAY 6: LAS GRUTAS- MOUNT PISSIS BASE CAMP

Transfer from Las Grutas Hut to Mount Pissis Base Camp at 4.300 meters.

DAY 7: PORTAGE

Trekking and portage to Camp 1 (5.400m)

DAY 8: RESTING DAY IN BASE CAMP

Rest in Mount Pissis Base camp.

DAY 9: ASCENT TO CAMP 1

Ascent to camp 1 at 5.4000 meters.

DAY 10: PORTAGE TO CAMP 2

Portage from 5.400-meter camp 1 to Camp 2 at 5.700m or resting time.

DAY 11: ASCENT TO CAMP 2

Ascent up to 5.700-meter camp 2

DAY 12: SUMMIT

Summit attempt and return to Camp 2

DAY 13: EXTRA DAY

In case of bad weather conditions.

DAY 14: RETURN TO FIAMBALA

Descent from Camp 2 to Mount Pissis base camp, where a transfer will be waiting. Once in Fiambala, ending of the expedition. Good bye dinner in Fiambalá Hot Springs. Optional: extra day to visit “The 6000 Museum” and Fiambalá Hot Springs.

DAY 15: Transfer from Fiambalá to airport or bus terminal in La Rioja. End of our services.

Fifteen days of pure adventure in the Puna of Argentina. Mount Pissis, a great option you will love. Contact me, I will be the perfect guide for this expedition!