Antofagasta Volcano

Information

It is an inactive cone-shaped volcano located in the middle of the Catamarca Puna. It is surrounded by a scoria area and at its base is the archaeological site of La Alumbrera, where the remains of Inca constructions made of volcanic stones can be seen. At its feet there are some lagunas (like lakes) where you can observe aquatic birds typical of the high Andean environment, such as the Puna flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), the Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus), the Andean coot (Fulica ardesiaca) and the Puna teal (Spatula puna).

It is located 8.5 km from Antofagasta de la Sierra. It can be seen perfectly from Provincial Route 43 when going from the south towards the town. A short distance from the road are the base and wall of the volcano. In one place there is a dirt road that allows you to get a little closer and better appreciate its cone and scoria.

Do not confuse it with the Alumbrera volcano, which is further away from the road. One way to differentiate them is that the Antofagasta volcano is the one that is closer to the village and you can see a white line on its wall.