In the very heart of the Catamarca Puna, Campo de Piedra Pómez is one of those places that makes you wonder whether you are still on Earth. It is a vast blanket of whitish and pinkish volcanic rock, the result of ancient eruptions that, over thousands of years, have been sculpted by the winds of the Altiplano.

The result: natural corridors, stone “castles”, solid dunes and labyrinths that change colour depending on the time of day. At sunrise and sunset, the low-angled light casts long shadows and golden hues, turning the landscape into a paradise for photography.

Beyond its visual impact, the site is a living lesson in volcanic geology: layers of compacted ash, porous textures and surfaces polished by wind erosion. Walking through it feels like exploring an “open-air museum”, where each formation tells a story of fire, wind and time.

It is usually visited as part of a 4x4 circuit from El Peñón or Antofagasta de la Sierra, often combined with salt flats, extinct volcanoes and high-Andean lagoons.

Very close to Campo de Piedra Pómez lies another little-known treasure: Laguna Carachi Pampa, at the foot of the volcano of the same name. This high-altitude body of water changes colour depending on the sky and the surrounding minerals, shifting from turquoise to greenish tones and metallic greys on cloudy days.

In favourable seasons, the lagoon attracts Andean flamingos and other high-altitude-adapted birds, bringing life to a landscape that feels minimalist and silent.

The now inactive Carachi Pampa volcano completes the postcard view with its dark slopes, contrasting with the pale tones of Campo de Piedra Pómez. Together, they create one of the most photogenic colour contrasts in Catamarca.

This is a place to contemplate, take a deep breath and feel the vastness. Constant winds, immense skies and a stillness that invites you to slow down. Ideal for those seeking experiences beyond the classic tourist circuit.

Geographical location: Antofagasta de la Sierra Department, Catamarca.

How to get there: Access from El Peñón via gravel roads.

Opening hours: No fixed hours, but it is recommended to start early in the morning.

Climate: High-mountain environment. Sunny days with cold nights all year round. Summer: mild days, possible rain; winter: intense cold, wind and frost.

Cost: Free entry. 4x4 excursions or hiring a guide: $$–$$$.

Time needed: 6 to 12 hours.

Type of activity: Nature, adventure, photography, geotourism, landscape contemplation.

Best time to visit: April to November.

Requirements: Good acclimatisation to altitude. Layered clothing, windproof jacket, warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Plenty of water, snacks, comfortable footwear for uneven terrain. Limited signal: bring GPS if travelling independently.

Tips:

• Respect the environment: do not remove stones or leave litter.

• Check road conditions on the day of departure.

• Set off early and plan your return with daylight.

• If it is your first time in the Puna, hire a local guide: it adds safety and cultural context.

• Protect yourself from the high-altitude sun: it burns more than it seems.

• Use of a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

• During the summer rainy season, some sections may become impassable.