The 10 Best Excursions in Catamarca

Catamarca is a very beautiful province, especially as far as natural landscapes are concerned. Deciding on one can be difficult when it comes to vacationing, that’s why we’ve made this list with the best ten excursions in Catamarca, where you surely will find attractions that suit you, based on your tastes and expectations as a traveler.

1. SEISMILES ROUTE

Great for mountain and nature lovers. The Seismiles Route is the path from Fiambalá to the San Francisco Pass, giving us fascinating landscapes from beginning to end. As you cross this path you’ll have the chance to see many volcanoes, peaks with more than 6,000 meters high above sea level, lagoons, rivers and a fauna that stands out for its llamas, vicunas and flamingos.

It’s a full day tour, including accommodation in Fiambalá; both for the night before and for the day of the tour. The main goal: to leave early and make the most of the tour.

In this sense, it is recommended to combine the Seismiles Route with Fiambalá Baths and the Adobe Route. Don’t worry! Our travel advisors take care of everything, whether it’s through itineraries that are already scheduled or with a personalized travel package.

This tour doesn’t operate all year round, so don’t forget to check its availability based on the date you’re considering for your trip. However, whatever day you choose, bring warm clothes. The height of the place keeps the weather cold even in summer.

This trip is perfect for those that love hiking mountains.

2. THE LAGUNA BLANCA BIOSPHERE RESERVE

There’s no doubt, the Laguna Blanca Biosphere Reserve is one of the must-haves of the province of Catamarca. Originally designed to preserve wildlife and local communities, it started being opened up for tourism. It is a perfect blend of nature, history and culture. There, you will find from flamingos, vicunas, llamas and a variety of bird species, to six communities of native people that inhabit this wonderful place.

But that’s not all. If you travel in October, you have the option to participate in the shearing of the vicunas and in the treatment of wool to make garments, typical activities of the place that only take place in that season.

The Reserve is located approximately two hours from the Rock and four hours from Antofagasta de la Sierra, so you should consider a full day for this tour. From there, it’s recommended to complement with a visit to Antofagasta de la Sierra or the incredible Laguna Blanca.

The idea, as always, is to make the most of your trip by being able to visit several attractions of the place. There are many excursions arranged for this destination, the key is to know how to combine them! Consult our travel advisors and they will help you create a travel schedule with stay and everything you require. You can combine any of the best ten excursions in Catamarca.

3. QUIMIVIL SHINCAL EXPERIENCE

Catamarca not only has incredible landscapes but also has one of the most important remains of civilization of the Inca Empire in America. A few kilometers from the city of Bethlehem, is the Shincal, an enclosure where you can see the archaeological remains of the community that lived there for many years.

There is a museum that is very useful to understand the place you’re visiting, allowing you to access the remains of areas of rituals, storage, religion and more. The tour takes place from Bethlehem at noon, unless you want to stay and explore the site a little more. In that case, you can take the full-day option.

Have you ever imagined visiting Incas ruins in Argentina? Definitely, the Shincal is the best opportunity to do it in the country. It’s also an excursion that can be adapted to many itineraries to tour the province. Just send us a message through Whatsapp and you’ll know the alternatives you have with these best ten excursions in Catamarca.

4. PÓMEZ STONE FIELD

There is no discussion, one of the most amazing landscapes of Catamarca is the Pómez Stone Field. It does look like other planet!

As its name says, it is a territory of about 23 km of pómez stone in different forms. Usually the floor is almost all covered with this material, but it can be also found different shapes that have been created by wind erosion, which make the landscape even more curious to the eye.

The visit to this place begins from Antofagasta de la Sierra through a midday excursion that you can combine with other attractions, such as Galán Volcano, the Salar de Antofalla, and Carachi Pampa.

|In that case, it is suggested that you take the walk to the Pómez Stone Field first, so you acclimatize to the height of the area. Contact our experts for a complete experience at Antofagasta de la Sierra, a tour where nature imposes above all.

5. EXPERIENCIA TERMAS DE FIAMBALÁ

Recognized for the extensive properties of its waters, the Fiambalá Baths is one of the most famous places in this Argentine province. In addition to its minerals and the benefits they give to our health, it is framed among mountains that give us an unprecedented tranquility and beautiful landscapes.

All you need to visit this magical place is a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen and all the arrangements to relax. The time will depend on the needs and tastes of each traveler. You can choose between half a day and a full day, since this complex is just 20 minutes from the city that bears the same name.

Alone or as a family? This place is suitable for everyone and ideal to combine with the Route of the Seismiles. In that case, you only have to consult our travel advisors. Ask us and we’ll organize the itinerary!

6. VOLCÁN GALÁN

Near Antofagasta de la Sierra is also the famous Galán Volcano, the largest volcanic caldera in the world. The view from the top is breathtaking and you can walk the 43 KM surface with the sole company of some vicunas.

However, the protagonist of the Galán Volcano caldera is the beautiful Diamante Lagoon with an impressive turquoise color that stands out between the dark and reddish landscape. Are you going to miss the experience of visiting the world’s largest volcanic caldera? Contact our travel advisors for your visit to this stunning place and confirm why it’s one of the best ten excursions in Catamarca.

7. DUNES OF TATON

Near Fiambalá are the Dunes of Tatón, although it can also be accessed from Tinogasta. The site is a desert area that is characterized by having a lot of very white sand dunes. There you will find the highest dune in the world: Federico Kirbus, at 1230 meters high.

The visit to the Dunes of Taton is an adventure excursion. It’s made on 4×4 vehicles with a specialized driver guide. The walk combines the majesty of the landscapes with the adrenaline of these places. Also, the sunset is unique!

It lasts half a day, as long as you can combine it with another activity. A good option is to perform Fiambalá Baths in the morning and Dunes of Tatón in the afternoon. The Seismiles Route is another good alternative to complement. Don’t hesitate to check with our travel advisors

8. THE ADOBE PATH

The famous Adobe Route is the route between the cities of Tinogasta and Fiambalá, both very important in Catamarca. It consists of a tour of National Route 60, known for the houses and adobe constructions that are located along it. Not for nothing is it among the 10 minor excursions.

It’s a fantastic sight! Many of the marked buildings on the Adobe Path can be visited inside. We are talking about the iconic: Tinogasta Cultural Center, the Church of Our Lady of Andacollo and others full of history.

The Adobe Route is ideal combined with Fiambalá’s Baths or the Seismiles Route. Plan your travel itinerary with our advisors, they will help you combine the best ten excursions in Catamarca.

9. CARACHI PAMPA EXPERIENCE

Another of the most visited places in Catamarca is Carachi Pampa. A set of lagoons in a valley; surrounded by reddish mountains, dunes and volcanoes. The Lagoons are usually inhabited by flamingos and at some times of the day: the mountains are reflected in the water as if it were a mirror. A spectacle for anyone’s eyesight!

It’s a half-day tour and you can take it from Antofagasta de la Sierra. The important thing if you are going to take this walk is to dress in the “onion style”, which is to wear several layers of clothing. The idea is wither you warm up or not, depending on the weather of the moment, since this area is very windy and there is great thermal amplitude even on summer days.

This tour does not operate all year round, so it’s important that you check availability with our travel advisors. They will help you combine with other excursions if you wish. There are several options to complete your Carachi Pampa adventure, you can choose between Pómez Stone Field, Antofalla Salt Flats and Galán Volcano.

Unforgettable experience in a lagoon valley.

10. SALAR DE ANTOFALLA

We’re talking about the longest salt desert in the world. A fascinating place, its beauty adds charm to the mountains and volcanoes that surround them, giving us the spectacular contrast of tones: white and reddish. Without a doubt, an imposing landscape.

Located in the sector of Puna de Atacama, the Sallar de Antofalla is one of the main attractions of Antofagasta de la Sierra. So, if you are planning a trip to this area of Catamarca, you cannot miss this one in your itinerary!

Don’t let them tell you! Not every day you can walk through one of the most inhospitable and inaccessible places in Catamarca. An oasis that you can combine with the Salar del Hombre, a natural museum that you will find discovered. Go on a tour by the longest desert of salt in the world.

As you can see, this top of the best ten excursions in Catamarca has a lot to give! Each place is fantastic and guarantees you the best of the holidays, without having to leave the province. The key is to know how to combine the walks.

Don’t worry, for that you only have to contact our travel advisors. They will help you assemble the best of travel itineraries (of course, based on your needs as a traveler and the days you have available!). In fact, you can count on travel packages that include everything from air ticket to accommodation, food and tours.

I discovered Catamarca corner by corner!