Catamarca Province Travel Guide – Attractions & Tours

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Silvio1973 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Provincia de Catamarca Essentials

Catamarca's landscape is defined by the high-altitude Puna and the southern Calchaquí Valleys. The province features the Campo de Piedra Pómez, a vast field of white volcanic ignimbrite, and Monte Pissis, one of the world's highest extinct volcanoes. Historical sites include the Pucará del Aconquija and the birthplace of Fray Mamerto Esquiú. Natural attractions range from the thermal waters of Fiambalá to the extensive salt flats of Antofalla and Salinas Grandes, showcasing the geological diversity of the Argentine Northwest.

10 places

sergejf / CC BY-SA 2.0

Volcanoes & Andean Peaks

Catamarca's high-altitude desert contains one of the world's highest concentrations of volcanic peaks. This collection includes Monte Pissis, the third-highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, and the massive Cerro Galán, which features one of the largest exposed calderas on Earth. These Andean summits, ranging from the dormant stratovolcano Incahuasi to the scoria cones of Antofagasta de la Sierra, define the rugged landscape of the Puna de Atacama along the Argentina-Chile border.

14 places

Santiago matamoro / CC BY-SA 3.0

Archaeological Treasures

Explore the pre-Columbian and Inca heritage of Catamarca through this collection of defensive fortresses, administrative centers, and sacred sites. The list features the UNESCO-listed Qhapaq Ñan road system and the expansive ruins of Shincal de Quimivil, a former provincial capital. These sites showcase advanced stone masonry, strategic mountain architecture, and the complex social organization of the Belén and Diaguita cultures during the Inca expansion.

9 places

Catamarca Province — Map

Climate & when to visit

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Good

21°–33° · varies by region
12° at night
12–16 rainy days · varies by region
22 sunny days
11 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 16 · extreme

Typical weather in February

Good

20°–31° · varies by region
12° at night
11–15 rainy days · varies by region
21 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 15 · extreme

Typical weather in March

Good

19°–30° · varies by region
10° at night
9–14 rainy days · varies by region
25 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 13 · extreme

Typical weather in April

Great

16°–27° · varies by region
7° at night
6–8 rainy days · varies by region
25 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 10 · very high

Typical weather in May

Good

12°–23° · varies by region
4° at night
3–4 rainy days · varies by region
25 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in June

Good

9°–21° · varies by region
2° at night
2–3 rainy days · varies by region
26 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in July

Good

9°–21° · varies by region
2° at night
1–2 rainy days · varies by region
27 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in August

Good

11°–24° · varies by region
3° at night
1 rainy day
28 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in September

Great

14°–27° · varies by region
4° at night
2–3 rainy days · varies by region
28 sunny days
11 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 10 · very high

Typical weather in October

Good

18°–30° · varies by region
6° at night
4–7 rainy days · varies by region
29 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 13 · extreme

Typical weather in November

Good

20°–32° · varies by region
9° at night
9–11 rainy days · varies by region
27 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 15 · extreme

Typical weather in December

Good

21°–32° · varies by region
11° at night
11–15 rainy days · varies by region
25 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 16 · extreme

This destination spans several climate zones, so these figures are a range across the region rather than exact values. Climate data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) · 1996–2025