Campo de Piedra Pómez — Catamarca Pumice Stone Field Camping

Campo de Piedra Pómez is a huge volcanic pumice field in the Puna of Catamarca, Argentina. Ancient ash flows have been sculpted by wind into pale, wavy formations. The place feels more like the moon than South America. Camping here is informal. You find a sheltered spot among the rocks, away from the exposed flats. It sits at serious altitude, so nights are cold and the wind can scream, even in the shoulder months. Bring all your water, food, and fuel, because nothing is out here.

The access tracks are sandy and rough and need a proper 4×4, ideally with a spare and a recovery kit. Expect to see few other vehicles. Altitude hits fast if you’re coming up from the lowlands, so take it slow. Leave no trace, and stay off the fragile formations. Check current access conditions in Fiambalá or with local guides before heading out. Have a dirty day.

Moonscape pumice dunes in the Puna.