Day Trip to the Corona del Inca Crater

Prepare to be captivated by the stunning blue depths of the Corona del Inca crater, a remarkable natural wonder located in the province of La Rioja during our day excursion from Villa Unión.

Description

Around the appointed hour, our team will pick you up from your accommodation in Villa Unión. As dawn breaks, we will set off on a picturesque road trip across the expansive terrains of Argentina's La Rioja area. Our journey will take place in a robust 4x4 vehicle as we navigate towards the northern border of the province, adjacent to Chile, famed for its breathtaking views.

Our first stop will be the Jagüe Mountain Range, where you may have a brief pause for breakfast if desired, before venturing onwards to the Quebrada del Peñón Gorge. From this magnificent gorge, our route will lead us into the heart of the Laguna Brava Provincial Reserve, an extensive area filled with saltwater lagoons and home to iconic Andean wildlife like vicuñas and guanacos.

Continuing forward, we will cross the Pampa del Veladero, a desert valley notable for an extraordinary natural phenomenon where gigantic ice formations appear. After enjoying a well-earned break with your packed picnic lunch, we will follow the path of the Veladero River bed towards the impressive Mount Pissis. This mountain reaches an astounding height of 6,882 meters (22,578 feet) above sea level, making it one of the tallest in South America.

At the foot of Mount Pissis, the magnificent Corona del Inca awaits your discovery. Situated at an altitude of 5,500 meters (18,044 feet), this vast crater features a breathtaking lake with an intense blue color, created by melting snow. Upon arrival at the crater, you will have the opportunity to explore this extraordinary habitat, immersing yourself in its exceptional natural charm.

After our exploration of the Corona del Inca crater, we will commence our journey back to your hotel in Villa Unión, aiming to arrive about 15 hours post departure.