Cazadero

Also known as: Walter Penck

Height: 6,670 m
Country:
Argentina flagArgentina

Cazadero (also known as Cerro Walther Penck), standing at 6,658 meters (21,844 feet), is a prominent peak in the Argentine Andes, located within the Catamarca Province. Part of the Puna de Atacama plateau, Cazadero offers a remote and demanding climb, suitable for high-altitude mountaineers seeking a quieter yet challenging Andean experience.

The mountain is often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Ojos del Salado, yet it presents a similar altitude and environment, including rugged, volcanic terrain. The approach to Cazadero typically begins from the small town of Fiambalá, with climbers traversing arid landscapes, salt flats, and expansive desert regions to reach base camp. The ascent itself is primarily a non-technical route, involving long slopes of volcanic scree and sand, which require significant stamina and determination.

Given Cazadero’s altitude and remote location, acclimatization is essential, as is preparation for extreme weather, including sudden winds and significant temperature fluctuations. For those who make it to the summit, the views are breathtaking—showcasing the vast, open landscape of the Atacama Desert and the surrounding high Andean peaks. Cazadero is an excellent choice for mountaineers looking to push their altitude limits while experiencing the serene solitude of Argentina’s high deserts.

Prepare for an adventure climbing Cazadero. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • F: Easy (alpine grade 1)

When to go

  • December to March

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Cazadero. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Cazadero. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
GuideInfoCost
Grupo Alpamayo Tours logoGrupo Alpamayo Toursview guides trip webpage from $2,250
View the summit location and surrounding terrain to get a sense of the mountain's environment. This map offers a valuable perspective on the peak's position within the region, aiding climbers in visualizing their route and nearby landmarks.
What you can see from the summit of Cazadero. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

Cazadero Links

useful websites, Groups and communities

Groups / links with more info on the Cazadero route.

These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Cazadero climb.

climm Bonete
Bonete
 F
Argentina
$2,550
 6,759 m
climm Pissis
Pissis
 F
Argentina
$1,950
 6,793 m
climm Llullaillaco
Llullaillaco
 F
ArgentinaChile
$750
 6,752 m
climm Ojos del Salado
Ojos del Salado
 F - PD
ArgentinaChile
$2,500
 6,893 m