El Peñón: Festival, Puna and Trails at Cerro La Cruz

When planning a trip to El Peñón, it is worth considering the occasion and the kind of landscape you want to experience separately. The Fiesta Virgen de La Peña takes place every year in January; Campo de Piedra Pómez and the walking trail at Cerro La Cruz offer different ways to explore the surrounding area.

Fiesta Virgen de La Peña in January

The Virgen de La Peña festival takes place every year in January in El Peñón. It is a social, cultural and religious event commemorating the appearance of the Virgen del Valle depicted on La Peña, which was found in 2001. January is therefore the recurring month to keep in mind; the specific festival dates and program may change from one edition to the next.

The program includes a procession, visits to tourist attractions, food, handicrafts and a folk festival. Check the dates and program for each edition before your trip, as individual activities may vary from one year to the next.

Campo de Piedra Pómez and the Puna landscape

Near El Peñón lies Campo de Piedra Pómez, a 25-kilometer-long field of white rock in the Puna Catamarqueña. It is located at an altitude of over 3,000 meters and was formed by volcanic activity. One access route from El Peñón covers 35 kilometers. The two distances refer to different things: 25 kilometers is the length of the field, while 35 kilometers is the length of this access route. If you plan to take it, check the route conditions before setting out.

On foot to Cerro La Cruz

Cerro La Cruz is located beside El Peñón. A walking trail leads to the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of El Peñón and its Puna surroundings. The hill and Campo de Piedra Pómez offer different landscape perspectives: one is a trail to a summit overlooking the town and its surroundings; the other is an extensive field of white rock.

Another nearby destination is the Laguna Grande Nature Reserve. It is one of the 20 wetlands that make up the Ramsar site Lagunas Altoandinas y Puneñas de Catamarca. If you plan to visit, check access conditions locally. The wetland and the volcanic rock field are different landscape attractions that can be considered separately when planning your trip.

Services and planning your stay

El Peñón has limited services, including a few rental houses. As service availability can change, check what is offered for your travel dates before your trip. Consider the extent of local services alongside the festival dates and planned landscape attractions when choosing where to stay.

More cultural attractions in Catamarca

Catamarca also offers archaeological and architectural attractions. El Shincal de Quimivil was built by the Incas between 1471 and 1536 at the foot of the Quimivil mountain range. The site has an interpretation center, signposted trails and a guided tour service; check local operating conditions before visiting. Another regional perspective is offered by the Ruta del Adobe: it is 50 kilometers long and passes through towns that preserve their original adobe architecture. These destinations complement El Peñón’s festival and Puna attractions with archaeology and architecture in Catamarca.

Discover more destinations: Antofagasta De La Sierra

For the broader travel overview: Antofagasta De La Sierra Department.