Plizio Visual Lab

Nevado Tres Cruces

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Nevado Tres Cruces is a massive volcanic complex in the Andes, situated directly on the border between Argentina and Chile. It consists of three main peaks, with Tres Cruces Sur being the highest at an elevation of 6,748 meters, followed by Tres Cruces Central at 6,629 meters. The massif is part of the Ojos del Salado volcanic complex and is ranked among the highest volcanoes on Earth. Geologically, it is a stratovolcano whose last eruptive activities are dated to the Holocene epoch, although it is currently classified as dormant. The region is characterized by extreme aridity and the absence of permanent vegetation, making it a challenging destination for high-altitude mountaineers. The Argentine portion is located in the Catamarca Province, while the Chilean side belongs to the Atacama Region. The first ascent of the central peak was achieved in 1937 by a Polish expedition, which remains a significant event in the history of Andean mountaineering.

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	4	3	1	-2	-6	-8	-9	-7	-5	-3	0	2
Rain mm	42	39	31	18	8	5	4	3	5	11	21	35

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Accessing this towering volcanic massif typically starts from the high-altitude desert routes near the Chilean border. A robust 4x4 vehicle is usually necessary to navigate the rough, unpaved tracks leading to the base camps.

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Best season

The most favorable climbing window is generally during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from December to March. Winter brings extreme cold, deep snow, and impassable roads, making ascents exceedingly dangerous.

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Terrain & paths

The environment is a harsh, arid high-altitude desert characterized by volcanic scree, loose rocks, and potentially snowfields near the summits. The lack of distinct trails requires excellent route-finding and acclimatization abilities.

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What to bring

High-altitude mountaineering equipment, including crampons, ice axes, and layers for extreme cold, is mandatory. Sun protection must be intense due to the thin atmosphere, and you must carry all your water supplies.

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Parking

Vehicles are usually left at established, albeit basic, base camps in the valleys below the massif. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for extreme cold and high altitudes if left for several days.

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Safety

Altitude sickness is a severe and constant threat here, requiring a rigorous acclimatization schedule. Extreme wind chills and sudden storms can occur, and rescue operations in this remote border region are highly complex.

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Time needed

A proper expedition to summit the peaks usually demands one to two weeks, including necessary acclimatization days. The final summit push is typically a long, exhausting twelve to fifteen-hour day.