High Andes Desert

Talampaya, Seismiles, and extreme Andean landscapes

Country: Argentina 🇦🇷

Overview

An advanced high-altitude journey through La Rioja and Catamarca, covering some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in Argentina.

This itinerary focuses on desert canyons, volcanic plateaus, and extreme Andean altitudes. It is logistically feasible, but physically demanding and requires careful planning.

Provinces: La Rioja, Catamarca
Overall time: 6–8 days
Main focus: desert landscapes, volcanoes, high Andes
Ranking: niche / extreme highlight
Best season: April–November (dry season only)

Altitude awareness is critical.

Arrival & La Rioja (Base) ▾


Arrive in La Rioja by flight or long-distance bus.

Altitude:
• ~500 m

Base:
• La Rioja – 2 nights

Purpose of this stop:
• Logistical base for Talampaya
• Acclimatization before moving north

What to do:
• Short city walks
• Rest and preparation for desert excursions

Talampaya National Park & Valle de la Luna ▾


Visit Talampaya National and the nearby Valle de la Luna (Ischigualasto).

Highlights:
• Massive red sandstone canyons
• Desert formations shaped by erosion
• One of Argentina’s key UNESCO sites

Altitude:
• ~1,300 m

How to visit:
• Organized tour (mandatory)
• Independent access is not allowed inside Talampaya

Duration:
• Full day

La Rioja → Fiambalá ▾


Travel from La Rioja to Fiambalá by long-distance bus.

Altitude:
• Fiambalá: ~1,500 m

Base:
• Fiambalá – 3 nights

Why Fiambalá:
• Gateway to Ruta de los Seismiles
• Last proper base before extreme altitudes

What to do:
• Rest
• Hot springs
• Prepare for high-altitude excursions

Ruta de los Seismiles & Balcón del Pissis ▾


Explore the Ruta de los Seismiles, one of the highest drivable roads in the world.

Highlights:
• Volcanic plateau at extreme altitude
• Views of Ojos del Salado and surrounding peaks
• Balcón del Pissis viewpoint (~5,000 m)

Altitude:
• 4,500–5,000 m

How to visit:
• Organized high-altitude tour only
• No public transport
• Self-driving not recommended

What to expect:
• Very thin air
• Cold, wind, and intense sun
• Limited time at highest points

Duration:
• Full day

Fiambalá → Catamarca ▾


Travel from Fiambalá to Catamarca by bus.

Altitude:
• Catamarca: ~500 m

Base:
• Catamarca – 1 night

What to do:
• Short city walk

Transportation

  • Best option: long-distance buses + organized tours
  • Rented car is not recommended due to altitude, remoteness, and safety
  • Tours are mandatory for Talampaya and Seismiles
  • Plan all transfers in advance

Connections

  • Catamarca → Córdoba (buses)
  • Catamarca → Salta (busses)

Notes

  • This is a high-altitude and remote itinerary
  • Altitude sickness is a real risk above 4,000 m
  • Hydration, rest, and conservative pacing are essential
  • This route offers some of Argentina’s most unique landscapes