Aracar

Mountain Stratovolcano in Salta province popular with climbers

A high Puna volcano in Salta Province, Aracar presents a stark, wind-scoured summit and a large caldera. Mountaineers attempt high-altitude treks here for panoramic Andes views and the dry puna landscape.

Main image
Aracar
Cerro Aracar area, Salta Province, Argentina
-24.3000, -67.7833

How to Get to Aracar #

Access generally begins from the Salta region - San Antonio de los Cobres or the town of Tolar Grande can be used as jumping-off points. Road access is by highland tracks; organized expeditions or local guides are strongly recommended.

Tips for Visiting Aracar #

  • If attempting a climb, acclimatize properly - Aracar lies at high altitude and weather can change rapidly.
  • Local guides in Salta or San Antonio de los Cobres can organize transport and advise on the best approach routes and camping locations.
  • Carry permits and be aware of protected areas; respect local llamero and puna grazing rights when crossing highland pastures.

Best Time to Visit Aracar #

Late spring to early autumn (Southern Hemisphere) offers the safest climbing windows; always check local conditions before ascent.

Southern summer
Dec-Mar · -5-10°C (summit), 5-20°C (base)
Longer daylight and more stable weather windows for high-altitude approaches.
Shoulder seasons
Oct-Nov, Apr-May · -10-10°C
Cooler with shorter weather windows; fewer crowds at base camps.
Winter
Jun-Aug · -20-0°C
Severe cold and snow - technical conditions worsen significantly.

Weather & Climate near Aracar #

Climate

Aracar's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from -12°C to 11°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
11°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 11°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 10°

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 10°

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

June

June is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

July

July is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -11°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-11°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is freezing with highs of 8°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -8°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -5°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5° 10°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 11°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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