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Balcón del Pissis

By 4x4 up the La Coipa gorge and past several high-altitude lagoons to a viewpoint at about 4,550 metres, facing Monte Pissis and the Negra, Verde and Blanca lagoons.

Departure
Fiambalá, morning
Duration
Full day (about 8 to 12 h)
Vehicle
4x4
Altitude
About 4,550 m at the viewpoint

Route

Lines join the stops in order; they don't follow the exact road.

Stops

  1. Control KM 0
  2. Quebrada de La Coipa
  3. Laguna de los Aparejos
  4. El Cajón
  5. Laguna Celeste
  6. Mirador del Balcón del Pissis
  7. Laguna Blancaseen from the viewpoint
  8. Laguna Negradepending on the weather or the option chosen
  9. Laguna Verde Esmeraldadepending on the weather or the option chosen
  10. Ojo del Pissisdepending on the weather or the option chosen
See the route on Google Maps

One of the most striking tours in the region. From Fiambalá it's about 90 km along National Route 60 to the Kilómetro 0 checkpoint, where the asphalt ends and the 4x4 climb up the La Coipa gorge begins.

Along the way come Laguna de los Aparejos, where flamingos are often seen in the warmer months, the colourful slopes of El Cajón and Laguna Celeste, which can be frozen in winter.

The viewpoint, at about 4,550 metres, has one of the widest views in the Andes: Monte Pissis and its glacier, other volcanoes over 6,000 metres, and the Negra, Verde Esmeralda and Blanca lagoons.

If the weather, the road and access allow, the tour can be extended about 30 km to skirt Laguna Negra and reach Laguna Verde Esmeralda and the Ojo del Pissis, a round pool of water. The return is along the same road.

Good to know

  • At the Kilómetro 0 checkpoint they decide whether you can go up, based on the weather and vehicle requirements. Before you go, check this tour's mountain forecast on this site.
  • Altitude matters: go up slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol the night before. If you have heart or breathing conditions, check with your doctor first.
  • It can be below freezing up there even in summer: warm layers, hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Bring food and water for the whole day: there are no services on the way.

Who offers it

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