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Llullaillaco
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Llullaillaco is a monumental stratovolcano on the border between the Argentine province of Salta and Chile, standing at 6,739 meters. It is globally famous as the site of the world's highest archaeological find. In 1999, near its summit at over 6,700 meters, three remarkably well-preserved Inca mummies were discovered, now exhibited at the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) in Salta. These mummies remained frozen and intact for over 500 years due to the extreme cold and dry conditions. The mountain is part of the dry Andes chain and is noted for its reddish coloration and the absence of a permanent snow cap, a result of the region's extreme aridity. Climbing Llullaillaco is a physically demanding journey that has profound insights into the ancient Inca culture, which used the mountain as a sacred site for ritual offerings.
- Location: Argentina
- Top sights: Cerro Silla · paraviento
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 15 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Accessing this extremely remote Andean stratovolcano absolutely requires four-wheel-drive expedition vehicles, most frequently beginning the arduous journey in distant mining towns on either the Argentine or Chilean side.
Best season
Because of the incredibly extreme high altitude, serious expeditions are typically only possible during the warmest months from December to March, though sudden, violent snowstorms can threaten perilously all year round.
Terrain & paths
The unforgiving volcanic landscape is characterized by loose, slippery scree fields, massive ash slopes, extensive ice fields, and an extreme dryness that makes sustained climbing unimaginably exhausting.
What to bring
Absolutely professional high-altitude mountaineering equipment is vital for survival here, including heavy insulation clothing, sharp crampons, helmets, and in most cases, mandatory supplemental oxygen supplies.
Parking
Classic parking simply does not exist at this massive altitude. Support vehicles are left in specially organized base camps at the edge of primitive tracks, where they often wait for days during the long ascent.
Safety
This is emphatically not a place for amateurs. Severe altitude sickness, frostbite, and extreme physical exhaustion are constant, deadly dangers. Acclimatized expert guidance and comprehensive emergency plans are mandatory.
Time needed
Many days must be scheduled just for the rugged travel into the area and the strictly necessary altitude acclimatization. A complete, successful expedition to the summit generally takes several incredibly exhausting weeks.
Geography
Facts
- Elevation of 6,739 meters (22,110 feet) above sea level
- Site of the world's highest archaeological discovery
- Discovery of the Children of Llullaillaco mummies in 1999
- Highest dormant volcano in the world
- Fifth highest volcano on Earth and second highest in Argentina
- Mummies were preserved by natural freezing for over 500 years
- The name means Hot water that lies in the Quechua language
- First modern ascent achieved in 1950 by Bión González
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Llullaillaco (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Llullaillaco?
It is one of the highest archaeological sites in the world, known for Inca mummies.
Is the volcano still active?
It is classified as potentially active but is currently considered quiet.
Can one visit the summit?
An ascent is extremely demanding and requires official permits.
Is the area easily accessible?
No, it is located in a very remote and uninhabited high mountain desert.
What should I keep in mind during a tour?
Extreme altitude quickly leads to altitude sickness; acclimatization is vital.
Llullaillaco: where is it located?
Llullaillaco is located in Argentina.
Llullaillaco: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cerro Silla, paraviento.
Llullaillaco: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Llullaillaco: why is it worth visiting?
Llullaillaco is a monumental stratovolcano on the border between the Argentine province of Salta and Chile, standing at 6,739 meters.
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