The Seismiles route, the highest in Argentina!

The Seismiles Route joins the city of Fiambalá with the San Francisco Pass on the border with Chile. But what makes this route so attractive? They are 200 kilometers full of volcanoes that exceed 6,000 mts above sea level… in which also you will be able to appreciate a fauna like no other!

A unique contrast that only Route 60 gives us after entering the deeps of the Andes; hostel of vicunas, guanacos and more than 20 peaks that fascinate with its sizes and variety of colors. They are owed the name of this tour.

It’s a real adventure! Although the walk takes place on a fully paved road, it is done by a winding path that arouses interest as minutes pass by. Not for nothing, it takes extra time to stop to contemplate the landscapes and capture spectacular photographs of the place.

It is three hours of a wonderful, fun and quiet tour at the same time. No complications. Each stop will also serve to rest and get used to it. We are talking about the highest route in Argentina, the main reason why it has been christened as “the way to the heavens of Catamarca”!

HOW CAN I TRAVEL THE SEISMILES ROUTE?

The tour can be done on its own (you do not need to have a 4×4 vehicle), or by hiring an excursion with the accompaniment of a guide that will tell you about each volcano. Example given: Ojos del Salado volcano is the highest in the world and the second summit in America after the Aconcagua.

The route of Route 60 between Fiámbrale and the San Francisco Pass is in excellent condition. However, there are several considerations when traveling alone. For starters, there is no option of accommodation or service stations in those 200 km, that’s why is recommended to charge the maximum fuel before leaving and, if possible, carry a drum with extra fuel.

Additionally, you should know that self-travelers are not allowed to climb any summit. Honestly speaking: you can hardly get off the road. This is due to the complexity of the land and the risks that –for physical integrity– involve performing activities at that level without the assistance of an expert.

In this sense, we suggest making the tour with a specialized and trained guide to help you make the tour complete and safely. It is impossible to go to this place and not know and enjoy its most outstanding attractions: peaks and lagoons!

In fact, those interested in reaching the top of some of the peaks: yes or yes they definitely should go with a guide from Fiambalá, who provides you with all the necessary elements for this activity. Contact us!

WHAT CAN YOU VISIT BETWEEN FIAMBALÁ AND THE SAN FRANCISCO PASS?

As mentioned above, it all depends on whether you go alone or accompanied by an expert. The route between Fiambalá and the San Francisco Pass is basically a path with beautiful panoramas: the Seismiles and other volcanoes that are accompanied by lagoons, a melting river and spectacular wildlife.

Among the highlights on the Route of the Seismiles is the Quebrada de las Angosturas. It is a stretch at the beginning of the trip, in the pre-mountain range, quite winding but in good condition, that gives us colorful hills bordered by a river.

Moving a little further on Route 60, we have the Chaschuil Valley where the Cangrejos River is located, name that has been given after the strange species of Andean crabs that inhabit its slope. Along the route through the valley, you will see how the route ceases to be winding and changes its vegetation: it is no longer as high and abundant due to the height that is reached.

The next highlight you visit or are sighted on the tour already corresponds to the famous Seismiles. The peaks begin to be observed at the height of the Big Hunter site. The first to delight our eyes is Mount Pissis, known for being the highest mountain in America and the highest dormant volcano in the world. At your feet, you can see lagoons with flamingos and other local animals.

Then comes the stretch of the San Francisco Pass that is known as the “Seismiles Summit”. There you can see all the peaks that exceed 6,000 meters above sea level (about 20), and others not so high, but equally attractive.

If you go with a guide at the Summit of the Seismiles you can visit the Laguna Verde. It is a basin south of the San Francisco Pass that rises to 4,100 meters above sea level and is about 40 kilometers long. Its green-turquoise color contrasts with the red-black mountains and volcanoes that surround it (seven of these volcanoes are among the 12 highest in the world), which make the landscape fascinating.

WHERE TO STAY TO MAKE THE SEISMILES ROUTE?

Without a doubt, Fiambalá is the best place to stay if you plan to do the Seismiles route. Not only is the city from which this tour starts, but it also has nice hotel offers and ideal services for every tourist.

A great option is to stay in the area of the Fiambalá Baths, so you can combine the adventure between volcanoes with relaxing baths and the peace typical of the landscapes of this area. You will have guaranteed rest without leaving aside the natural wonders of Catamarca.

Another alternative is the Hostelería Internacional de Cortaderas, which is already located within Route 60 about 4,000 meters above sea level. It’s the perfect accommodation for those who want to take a tour of more than two days. The important thing in this case is to book in advance, as places are limited especially in high season.

BEST TIME TO MAKE THE SEISMILES ROUTE

The best months to make the Seismiles Route are between March and May or the end of September and November, when the weather is not extreme: it is not very cold, nor too hot. Not the case when there’s winter: there are many winds, the temperatures are very low and the rains and altitude of the season make the trip not enjoyable… There are risks!

As for the summer, this season may also be an option to make the Seismiles Route; but the heat during this time can be too intense. In that case, it’s up to you and your fellow travelers.

In short, if your next travel destination is Catamarca, you can’t overlook one of the most famous and popular excursions in the province: the Seismiles Route, the highest in Argentina! You only have to contact our travel advisors to have the accompaniment of a guide and, finally, explore the place corner by corner.

Remember that we can also assemble a travel itinerary that includes accommodation. This tour lasts three hours, it’s advisable to take it in the morning, so that you can enjoy the landscape without worrying about the return and, if possible, you will have the afternoon free to combine with another excursion.

I traveled the Seismiles Route and met Catamarca from the top of its volcanoes!