Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.

Sierra Negra Volcano Hike Galápagos. Sierra Negra is a massive shield volcano on the southern end of Isabela Island, Ecuador, within the Galápagos National Park. As an Official Marked Trail, the 16km guided tour from Puerto Villamil transitions from humid highlands into one of the largest calderas on Earth. The floor of the 10km-wide Sierra Negra caldera is covered in black basaltic lava flows. Beyond the main rim, the trail continues to the Volcán Chico lava fields, where geothermal activity has created a landscape of colorful sulfur deposits and parasitic vents. Note: The information on this page is for general guidance. Trail conditions and safety regulations can change. Mandatory naturalist guides are required for all visitors. Compiled from publicly available sources — not a field report.