The little-known landscapes of a province that is beginning to set a trend among travelers

At the end of last year, a consulting firm dedicated to research and market strategies made a ranking of the 23 most visited provinces in the country. Catamarca was not among the first on the list, and that is, perhaps, one of its great attractions.

The northwestern province of the country remains a unknown to the general publicbut less and less: that it has been one of the most chosen in the last winter holidays is one more piece of information that adds to a trend. Catamarca is being discovered -and enjoyed- by ​​more and more people.

A gem that offers great attractions, from a volcano circuit a spa. passing through bodegas y dunes perfect for sandboarding. Here is a list of six safety pins Catamarca, a province worth discovering.

Close to El Peñón and Antofagasta de la Sierra, the Piedra Pómez Field is an extraordinary result of thousands and thousands of years of emissions from nearby volcanoes.

The landscape is arid, with great thermal amplitude and typically Puno, as if the ground could be touched by stretching out your hand. Being there is walking through a sea made of white and pink rockwith spectacular formations.

“The Pumice Stone Field is 3,125 meters above sea level. It is a good alternative to start a tour through other parts of the province, to get used to the altitude,” says Pedro Ramos, a professional guide from Antofagasta de la Sierra, who makes the excursion frequently.

The way out, he says, goes far beyond that field. “We also passed through the Carachi Pampa lagoon, where you can see pink flamingos; by the salt flat and volcano of the same name and by waves of sand produced by the wind when eroding the Piedra Pómez Field. Once we arrive, there is time to stay taking photos.”

The field has about 70 thousand hectares, and it is usually windier in the afternoon.

As challenging as it is irresistible, this stretch of the National Route 60 that runs the route between Fiambalá and the San Francisco International Pass. one of the highest roads in the Andes Mountains, circulates between about twenty peaks that exceed six thousand meters high – hence its name – and it is one of the great paradises of mountaineers, who take the place as a preparation for Aconcagua.

There is, for example, the Nevado Ojos del Salado, which with 6,891 meters, is the highest volcano in the world and the second summit of the Southern and Western hemispheres, only surpassed by Aconcagua.

On the route by vehicle, one of the unmissable points is the Pissis Balconywhich offers one of the most amazing views of the Andes Mountains and lagoons of impossible colors. “From the Balcón del Pissis you can see the imposing Mount Pissis, 6,792 meters”, points out the specialized guide Elbio Omar Carrizo.

Some excursions also offer a visit to the San Francisco Border Crossing and the Verde Lagoon, in the Atacama region of Chile. Carrizo clarifies that on these excursions you travel “in a van 4×4 driven by an experienced baqueano guidewith adequate emergency systems (satellite spot, oxygen tube, oximeter and first aid kit).”

Located at 2,700 meters above sea level, next to the small town of Saujil, north of Fiambalá, these dunes rise about 90 meters with a slope of 45 degrees. The dunes emerge between the hills and provide an amazing landscape to contemplate or to adventure with a board: the sand, with a texture similar to that of talcum powder, is ideal for practicing sports.

And those of Saujil are not the only dunes that the province offers, because there are also those of Medanitos and those of Tatón – the latter being more complex and steep -, which are other options for lovers of vertigo. Don’t forget water and sunscreen to carry out the activity.

In the department of Antofagasta de la Sierra, in the Puna of Catamarca, an excursion that is as demanding as it is dazzling begins, which takes about eight hours.

On the way to the Galán volcano, the highest point is Los Ojos de Pirica, more than five thousand meters high. The sky there seems close, so close that you can almost touch it with your hand. Climbing to the Galán crater is the great journey; It measures 42 km from north to south and 24 from east to west.

Upon arrival, in the background you can see the snow-capped mountains of Cachi and the naked immensity of the puna. The Diamante and Grande lagoons – with their flamingos -, the vicuñas, the partridges and the condors are other wonders of the excursion.

Although Catamarca has only one percent of the vines planted in the country, its vineyards produce excellent quality wines thanks to its dry, hot days and cold nights.

In the Fiambalá Valley, the winery Andean Cabernetof organic production, was founded in 2000 by Pedro Vicien and Carlos Arizu. They are young vineyards, but with the help of families with a long tradition in wine production. Its emblem label is Plenilunio.

“The best wines in Catamarca are made here,” says a sign upon entering. Don Diego farm in Fiambalá, another of the wineries that organizes visits and tastings every day, as well as lunches from 12 to 3 p.m.

After adventurous plans, such as going to the height of the Puna and jumping off a sand dune, the Fiambalá Hot Springs offer relax at 1,550 meters above sea level and between multicolored hills.

The thermal complex has 14 piletones in which they are poured waters coming down from the mountain and are defined as “thermo-mining-medicinal”, recommended for diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis and rheumatism, among others. They are also used for relaxation treatments and anti-stress health therapies.

The thermal complex has accommodation and gastronomy services. The best time to visit is from April to September, when temperatures are most pleasant.

For more information about these and other excursions through Catamarca:

• Elbio Omar Carrizo, from Travesías Guiadas (+3837 43-5262; @fiambala4x4_travesiasguiadas).

• Pedro Ramos, from the Ai-Tue agency (+3834-25-2989).