Would you like to join us in wonderful Argentina ? Endowed with an immense territory, this South American country offers a great variety of climates, interesting customs, a valuable cultural heritage, an exquisite gastronomy, good infrastructures, a good quality of life and, of course, natural wonders that are worth knowing: the high peaks of the Andes, great rivers, extensive beaches, impressive cliffs, the Yungas rainforest, the Andean Patagonia …
Today we want to tell you about one of the most amazing natural corners of Argentina. We refer to the Campo de Piedra Pómez Protected Natural Area , which is located in the department of Antofagasta de la Sierra, in the province of Catamarca. As you may have imagined from the name, this landscape is characterized by the great accumulation of pumice stone, which has acquired its peculiar morphology after millennia of erosion processes. Do you want to discover more details about this corner? Well, we recommend that you do not miss anything that we tell you below! We assure you that you are going to love it!
At 3,000 meters high
The Campo de Piedra Pómez is located more than 3,000 meters above sea level, in a place with a harsh, cold and very dry climate. In fact, the area is framed by huge salt flats, such as the Salar del Hombre Muerto or the Salar de Antofalla. The place we are talking about today, where you can find strange geological formations, millenary sculptures, large lagoons with flamingos and volcanoes, has been formed precisely due to the volcanic activity in the area and, of course, erosion. However, it is striking that each of the rock formations seems to have been carefully placed to create a balanced landscape.
More than 5,000 rock formations
As you can see for yourself by taking a look at the images that we show you in our gallery, this amazing field of rocks is located between volcanoes and a sea of white dunes . It is made up of more than 5,000 rock formations, which are concentrated in an area 35 kilometers long. It is worth visiting this place at any time of the year and at any time of the day, although you should know that depending on the time, the landscape will look different, since the sunlight and the color of the sky play a very important role.
Circuits to visit the area
This Argentine region is not among the most touristic spots in the country, among other things because it is a relatively isolated and remote area. However, for years, some non-professional guides devised a circuit scheme, routes that today have been integrated into official planning. The circuits "Gigantes de Piedra Pómez", the "Balcones de Laguna Purulla" and "La Lagunita Escondida" stand out.
Protected area
It is important to bear in mind that this area has been declared a protected area by the administration to guarantee the use of its own natural resources and promote the effective control of unregulated tourism. In addition, this declaration also regulates the development of scientific studies and research of an academic nature. To get to this wonderful and surprising place, the best thing to do is to start from the small town of El Peñón to the Puna of Catamarca. Of course, we recommend you hire one of the excursions that leave the place, whether for half a day, a whole day or several days. Tours often include stops for picnics.
Then we leave you with our gallery , where you will find more images of the Campo de Piedra Pómez Protected Natural Area. Do not miss it!
