To learn how to visit the Campo de Piedra Pómez (Pumice Stone Field) in Catamarca, you must travel to El Peñón or Antofagasta de la Sierra and enter in a 4x4 vehicle. Due to its extreme geography, altitude, and ecological fragility, planning this visit to northern Argentina requires good logistical preparation to guarantee a safe and unforgettable experience. Find all the details here:
Information about your visit to Pumice Stone
- Location: Antofagasta de la Sierra Department, Catamarca Province, Argentina.
- Average Altitude: 3,000 to 3,050 meters above sea level (masl).
- Requirement: 4x4 vehicle and qualified guide.
- Main Base Point: El Peñón (63 km away from the protected area).
What is the Pumice Stone Field and where is it located?
The Campo de Piedra Pómez (Pumice Stone Field) is a unique geological labyrinth. It was formed by the massive eruption of the Cerro Blanco volcanic complex thousands of years ago. This event expelled ash and gases at high temperatures which, upon cooling rapidly, created gigantic masses of ignimbrite.
Over the years, the abrasive winds of the Catamarca Puna region have shaped these porous rocks, sculpting more than 5,000 ridges, caverns, and pumice blocks that range in color from white and ivory to pink.
Geographic Location and Altitude
It is located in the Antofagasta de la Sierra department, in the northwest of the Catamarca province, Argentina. The protected area sits atop a plateau at 3,000 meters above sea level, guarded by the dark silhouette of the Carachi Pampa Volcano and a striking sea of black and pink dunes.
The Campo de Piedra Pómez (Pumice Stone Field) can be reached from the towns of Fiambalá, Catamarca, Tinogasta, or El Peñol. The starting point will depend on your accommodation and itinerary.
How to get to the Pumice Stone Field
Can you enter by private car or without a 4x4?
It is neither possible nor legal to enter in private vehicles. Attempting to enter without four-wheel drive results in getting stuck on the loose sand. Furthermore, the environmental guard of the Natural Area restricts access to vehicles lacking adequate rescue equipment.
To ensure a safe trip, the best option is to hire a 4x4 tour to the Pumice Stone Field with experienced drivers in high-altitude terrain.
The Route from El Peñón and Antofagasta de la Sierra
The standard route begins in the small town of El Peñón (located at 3,400 meters above sea level). From here, the total distance is approximately 63 kilometers. The initial sections combine Provincial Route 43 with hard-packed gravel roads, before venturing into the volcanic landscape.
If you are staying in Antofagasta de la Sierra, the transfer time is about 2.5 hours each way.
💡Travel Tip: If you're traveling by car, you can drive on paved Provincial Route 43 to the base town. Then, book an authorized guide in El Peñón for safe entry to the camp.
Excursions and Guided Tours in Campo de Piedra Pómez
Why is it mandatory to hire a local guide and 4x4 driver
Entering the Campo de Piedra Pómez (Pumice Stone Field) with a 4x4 tour is a park requirement. It is also a regulation of the Protected Natural Area to prevent vandalism and damage to the ecosystem.
An experienced driver knows that to venture into volcanic sand, it's important to deflate the tires to 18-20 PSI to gain traction and buoyancy. This process must be reversed once back on paved roads. Likewise, local guides have satellite navigation equipment (GPS), VHF communication, and rescue knowledge—very, very important!
Prices, Duration and Visit to the Pumice Stone Field
The standard tour from El Peñón lasts between 4 and 6 hours and includes:
- Central Field and White Giants: A walking tour between rocky cliffs that are over 10 meters high.
- Carachi Pampa Lagoon and Volcano: Sighting of pink flamingos on a mirror of brackish water at the foot of a black basalt volcanic cone.
- Great Dunes: Extensive sand mountains ideal for otherworldly photos.
The tour price is typically charged per 4x4 vehicle (capacity for 4 to 6 passengers), allowing you to split the cost among travelers. For longer itineraries in the region, explore our tours of the Catamarca Puna , which connect this attraction with the Galán Volcano and Laguna Grande.
Best Time of Year to Visit the Pumice Stone Field
Climate, Winds and Temperatures according to the Season
- Spring and Autumn (October to November / March to May): This is the ideal time. The weather features mild temperatures during the day (15°C to 20°C) and moderate winds.
- Summer (December to February): Warm days, but the chances of torrential rains increase. Gravel roads leading into the mountain range may be temporarily closed.
- Winter (June to September): Sunny and clear days, but with nighttime temperatures plummeting to -15°C and severe frosts.
Best Times of Day for Photos in the Lunar Landscape
The early morning hours (from 8:00 to 11:30 am) are ideal for taking photos with good light and capturing the texture of the ignimbrite. Walks after 3:00 pm are not ideal, as the wind is strong and reduces visibility due to dust and sand being stirred up. Take advantage of the rock formations to capture the best images of your trip.
Practical Safety and Preparedness Tips
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness (Soroche or punamiento)
When spending the night at El Peñón (3,400 meters above sea level), your body begins to adapt to the altitude. Follow these recommendations to avoid altitude sickness symptoms:
- Stay hydrated: Drink at least 3 liters of water per person per day. Mountain air accelerates dehydration and headaches.
- Eat light: Avoid fatty or heavy meals in the 24 hours before the ascent; digestion is slower at altitude. Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during the hike.
- Local remedies: Coca leaf tea or altitude sickness tablets can help alleviate the effects of low oxygen. Consult your guide before taking these. Walk slowly and carefully in this natural environment.
What to Pack in Your Backpack for a Trip to Catamarca
- Layered clothing: thermal t-shirt, fleece coat and waterproof windproof jacket.
- Trekking shoes with grippy soles (avoid shoes with smooth soles).
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm and sunglasses with UV400 filter (the reflection of the white stone doubles the radiation).
- Hat or wide-brimmed cap secured under the chin (wind often blows loose caps off).
- Cash in Argentine pesos (in El Peñón and surrounding areas there are no ATMs or internet for card payments).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pumice Stone Field
How much does it cost to enter the Pumice Stone Field? Find out the entrance fee here. It's the conservation fee set by the Catamarca Ministry of the Environment. It may be included in tour packages or paid at the access control point upon entry with a licensed guide.
Is camping allowed inside the Pumice Stone Field? No. Camping, lighting fires, leaving trash, or leaving marked trails are prohibited to ensure the protection of this fragile geological ecosystem.
Where is the best place to stay for the excursion to Campo de Piedra Pómez (Pumice Stone Field)? El Peñón is the most convenient option due to its proximity (just 1 hour from the field). Antofagasta de la Sierra offers a slightly larger hotel infrastructure, although it adds more than an hour to the travel time each way.
Plan your adventure in the Catamarca Puna!
Secure your spot on a 4x4 excursion to the Pumice Stone Field with experienced drivers and local guides. Or, book the best tours in Catamarca here . Explore Argentina's white desert safely and have an unforgettable experience!
By: Hasbleidy Julieth Chacón | Web Content Creator for Catamarca.tours
Published by BestCatamarca.tours on 10/09/2026