Cordillera de Ansilta
The Cordillera de Ansilta is a rugged high-mountain range in western Argentina, rising above the Calingasta Valley in San Juan Province. Part of the Frontal Cordillera of the Andes, Ansilta is distinguished by seven principal summits above 5,000 meters, extensive glacial and periglacial terrain, and a remote high-desert setting.
Its highest point is Pico Ansilta No. 2, commonly listed at 5,887 meters (19,314 feet). Despite being overshadowed by the much higher Cerro Mercedario to the south, the Ansilta high point has more than 2,200 meters of topographic prominence, making it an ultra-prominent mountain.
🏔️ Overview
Cordillera de Ansilta forms an impressive north–south chain on the western side of the Calingasta Valley in the Argentine Andes.
The range belongs to the Cordillera Frontal, one of the principal mountain belts of the central Andes in western Argentina. It lies west of the town of Barreal, which serves as the main gateway for mountaineering expeditions into the area.
Argentina’s National Glacier Inventory describes the Ansilta range as having seven peaks between approximately 5,116 and 5,886 meters. Other mountaineering references use slightly different elevations for individual summits, reflecting differences in maps, surveys, and elevation datasets.
The highest of the group is Pico Ansilta No. 2, often shortened simply to Ansilta.
For a broader look at the mountain system containing the range, see the Map of the Andes Mountain Range.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | South America |
| Country | Argentina |
| State/Province | San Juan Province |
| County/Region | Calingasta Department |
| Mountain Range | Andes — Cordillera Frontal |
| Parent Peak | Not applicable to the range as a whole |
| Highest Point | Pico Ansilta No. 2 |
| Elevation | 5,887 m / 19,314 ft |
| Prominence | Approximately 2,205 m / 7,234 ft |
| Isolation | Approximately 45 km / 28 mi |
| Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) | Cerro Mercedario |
| Coordinates | Approximately 31.626° S, 69.877° W |
| Principal Summits | 7 peaks above 5,000 m |
| Mountain Division | Cordillera Frontal |
| Nearest Major Gateway | Barreal |
| Highest Point First Ascent | 1956 |
📍 Location
Cordillera de Ansilta is located in Calingasta Department in southwestern San Juan Province, Argentina.
The mountains rise west of the Calingasta Valley and the town of Barreal. The range runs generally from north to south, forming part of the high Andean wall west of the settled valleys of San Juan.
Barreal has become the principal staging point for expeditions into both the Ansilta range and the neighboring high mountains surrounding Cerro Mercedario.
The Cordillera Frontal lies east of the main international watershed of the Andes. Regional geological mapping around Barreal shows that the Calingasta depression separates the Cordillera Frontal on the west from Argentina’s Precordillera farther east.
This places Ansilta within one of the most dramatic transitions in the central Argentine Andes: from inhabited high-desert valleys into extremely remote mountains exceeding 5,000 meters.
📏 Elevation & Prominence
The highest point of the Cordillera de Ansilta is Pico Ansilta No. 2.
Andeshandbook lists the summit at:
5,887 meters (19,314 feet)
Argentina’s National Glacier Inventory uses 5,886 meters as the upper end of the range’s seven principal peaks. A difference of one meter between datasets is insignificant for a mountain of this scale and reflects normal variations between elevation models and mapping sources.
Peakbagger lists the Cordillera de Ansilta high point at 5,887 meters with approximately 2,205 meters (7,234 feet) of topographic prominence.
That prominence is particularly significant. Any mountain with at least 1,500 meters of prominence qualifies as an ultra-prominent peak, placing Ansilta among South America’s ultras despite its relatively low profile compared with nearby 6,000-meter giants.
Its nearest higher mountain is Cerro Mercedario, roughly 45 kilometers to the south-southwest.
Is Cerro Mercedario the NHN?
Yes. Cerro Mercedario is the appropriate Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) for the Cordillera de Ansilta high point.
Mercedario rises to well over 6,700 meters and is the nearest summit exceeding Ansilta’s elevation.
🏔️ The Seven Peaks of Ansilta
One of the range’s defining characteristics is its line of seven principal summits above 5,000 meters.
They are conventionally numbered Pico Ansilta No. 1 through Pico Ansilta No. 7, although several also have individual names.
Interestingly, Pico No. 2—not Pico No. 1—is the highest summit.
Published elevations vary somewhat among maps and mountaineering sources. Andeshandbook, for example, lists Pico No. 1 at about 5,413 meters and Pico No. 7 at about 5,762 meters, while Pico No. 2 reaches 5,887 meters.
Pico No. 4, generally placed at roughly 5,116–5,150 meters, has become one of the more frequently attempted summits because it offers a major high-altitude expedition without requiring an ascent of the range’s highest peak.
🪨 Geology
Cordillera de Ansilta belongs to the Frontal Cordillera, a major geological and topographic division of the central Andes of Argentina.
Regional geological studies describe the Frontal Cordillera as containing a complex foundation of older metamorphic rocks together with extensive late Paleozoic and Triassic intrusive and volcanic rocks.
Particularly important in the broader Cordillera Frontal is the Choiyoi magmatic province, a huge assemblage of Permian to Triassic volcanic and plutonic rocks created during a major period of magmatism along the western margin of Gondwana.
The present mountains are much younger as landforms. Their great elevation reflects later Andean tectonic deformation and uplift related ultimately to the long-running convergence of oceanic lithosphere beneath western South America.
Erosion, frost action, glaciers, rock glaciers, streams, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles have subsequently carved and modified the modern high-mountain landscape.
🧊 Glaciers & Rock Glaciers
Ice is an important part of the Cordillera de Ansilta landscape despite the extreme aridity of this part of the Andes.
Argentina’s National Glacier Inventory identified 221 glacial and periglacial bodies in the Ansilta sub-basin, covering approximately 24.57 square kilometers at the time of the inventory.
The inventory included:
- 8.14 km² of exposed glaciers
- 1.10 km² of perennial snow patches or glacierets
- 0.51 km² of debris-covered glaciers
- 2.79 km² of debris-covered glacier/rock-glacier complexes
- 12.03 km² of rock glaciers
The study therefore found that rock glaciers and debris-covered ice make up a major component of Ansilta’s frozen-water reserves.
Most inventoried ice bodies were oriented toward the southeast, where reduced solar exposure allows snow and ice to persist longer.
Exposed glaciers were recorded at elevations as high as roughly 5,773 meters, while active and inactive rock glaciers extended down to approximately 3,520 meters.
These frozen features are important components of the hydrology of Argentina’s dry central Andes.
🌿 Flora & Fauna
Conditions become increasingly severe with elevation.
At the highest elevations of Cordillera de Ansilta, vegetation is extremely limited by cold temperatures, strong winds, lack of moisture, poor soils, and the short growing season.
Lower high-Andean environments in the Calingasta region support plant communities characteristic of the Puna and Altos Andes, including tough bunchgrasses known as coirones and low-growing cushion plants such as yareta.
Nearby protected landscapes such as El Leoncito National Park provide a useful picture of the regional wildlife adapted to these dry Andean environments.
Animals of the broader region include:
- Guanacos
- Pumas
- Culpeo or red foxes
- Lesser rheas
- Small Andean rodents
- Numerous high-altitude birds
The combination of extreme elevation and aridity means animal life becomes progressively scarcer toward the highest summits.
🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes
Cordillera de Ansilta is primarily a mountaineering destination rather than a conventional hiking area.
There is no single developed trail system connecting the seven summits. Expeditions generally require long approaches through remote valleys, wilderness camping, significant elevation gain, route-finding, and careful acclimatization.
Pico Ansilta No. 4
Pico No. 4 is one of the most frequently promoted expedition objectives in the range.
Its elevation is generally given as approximately 5,116–5,150 meters, depending on the source.
Expeditions commonly take several days and establish progressively higher camps before the summit attempt.
Pico Ansilta No. 2
The range high point at 5,887 meters is a considerably more serious objective.
The combination of remoteness, extreme altitude, changing snow and ice conditions, and limited infrastructure makes it an expedition climb rather than a straightforward trekking summit.
Andeshandbook records the first ascent of Pico Ansilta No. 2 in 1956, crediting Erico Groch, Elsa Groch, and Alfredo Zimmermann.
Pico Ansilta No. 7
The southern portion of the range has also attracted technical climbers.
Around Pico No. 7, mountaineers have explored granite towers and formations around the Agujas del Glaciar Fría, with new technical rock routes reported by the American Alpine Club.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Cordillera de Ansilta should be treated as a remote high-altitude expedition area. Even the more accessible summits exceed 5,000 meters. Proper acclimatization, wilderness navigation skills, suitable high-mountain equipment, and up-to-date local knowledge are essential. A qualified local mountain guide is strongly recommended for visitors unfamiliar with the range.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
The most practical period for mountaineering in Cordillera de Ansilta is generally during the austral warmer season, from late spring through early autumn.
November through March is the main expedition period, with December, January, and February offering the longest daylight hours and generally more manageable high-altitude conditions.
However, “summer” does not mean mild weather at 5,000–5,900 meters.
Climbers should be prepared for:
- Freezing temperatures
- Strong winds
- Sudden storms
- Snow
- Intense ultraviolet radiation
- Very dry air
- Large day-night temperature swings
High water, storms, snow, and road conditions can also affect access through the valleys.
🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions
Cerro Mercedario
The great Cerro Mercedario rises south of Ansilta and is the range’s nearest higher neighbor.
At more than 6,700 meters, Mercedario is one of Argentina’s highest mountains and dominates the skyline of western San Juan.
Barreal
Barreal is the main tourism and mountaineering gateway for the region.
The town sits in the Calingasta Valley east of the high Andes and provides accommodation, guiding services, supplies, and access to several major mountain areas.
El Leoncito National Park
Southeast of the range lies El Leoncito National Park, protecting more than 89,000 hectares of Monte, Puna, and Altos Andes environments.
The park is also internationally known for exceptionally clear skies and its astronomical observatories.
Pampa del Leoncito
The broad, pale surface of the Pampa del Leoncito near Barreal provides dramatic views toward the surrounding Andes and is famous for land sailing.
💡 Fun Facts
- Cordillera de Ansilta contains seven principal summits above 5,000 meters.
- The highest summit is Pico Ansilta No. 2, not Pico No. 1.
- Pico Ansilta No. 2 reaches approximately 5,887 meters.
- The range high point has about 2,205 meters of prominence, qualifying it as an ultra-prominent summit.
- Cerro Mercedario is its nearest higher neighbor.
- Argentina’s National Glacier Inventory catalogued 221 glacial and periglacial bodies within the Ansilta sub-basin.
- Those frozen features covered approximately 24.57 km² at the time of the inventory.
- Rock glaciers account for a particularly large part of the area’s frozen terrain.
- Most inventoried ice bodies face generally southeast.
- Pico Ansilta No. 2 was first climbed in 1956.
- Barreal is the principal gateway for expeditions into the range.
- The Cordillera de Ansilta is part of Argentina’s Cordillera Frontal.
- Technical rock climbing has also developed around high granite formations near Pico No. 7.
❓ FAQ
Where is the Cordillera de Ansilta?
Cordillera de Ansilta is located in Calingasta Department, San Juan Province, western Argentina. It rises west of the Calingasta Valley and Barreal.
How high is Cordillera de Ansilta?
Its highest point, Pico Ansilta No. 2, reaches approximately 5,887 meters (19,314 feet).
How many peaks are in the Cordillera de Ansilta?
The range is traditionally described as having seven principal peaks, all exceeding approximately 5,000 meters.
What is the prominence of Cordillera de Ansilta?
Peakbagger lists approximately 2,205 meters (7,234 feet) of topographic prominence for the high point, making it an ultra-prominent mountain.
What is Cordillera de Ansilta’s nearest higher neighbor?
The nearest higher neighbor is Cerro Mercedario, approximately 45 kilometers to the south-southwest.
Is Cordillera de Ansilta part of the Andes?
Yes. It belongs to the Cordillera Frontal, which is part of the central Andes of Argentina.
Does Cordillera de Ansilta have glaciers?
Yes. The Ansilta sub-basin contains exposed glaciers, debris-covered glaciers, perennial snowfields, and numerous rock glaciers.
Argentina’s National Glacier Inventory identified 221 glacial and periglacial bodies covering about 24.57 km² at the time of the inventory.
Can you hike Cordillera de Ansilta?
Lower valleys can be explored on trekking expeditions, but reaching the major summits involves true high-altitude mountaineering. All seven principal peaks exceed 5,000 meters, and approaches are remote.
What is the best-known climbing peak in Ansilta?
Pico No. 4 is one of the more commonly attempted summits and is frequently used as an expedition objective for climbers looking to gain experience above 5,000 meters.
What is the best time to climb in the Cordillera de Ansilta?
Most expeditions take place between November and March, during the warmer austral season, although severe mountain weather remains possible throughout the year.
🔗 Related Articles
- Cerro Mercedario
- Map of the Andes Mountain Range: Countries, Peaks and Geography
- 13 Most Beautiful Mountain Ranges in South America
- The World’s Top 100 Mountain Ranges
📚 Sources
- Argentina National Glacier Inventory — Cordillera de Ansilta Sub-basin — Official inventory covering the range’s seven peaks, glaciers, rock glaciers, elevations, orientations, and glaciated area.
- Peakbagger — Ultras of the Central Chile-Argentina Andes — Elevation and topographic prominence data for Cordillera de Ansilta.
- Peaklist — Argentina and Chile North Ultra-Prominences — Independent cross-check of the 5,887-meter elevation and approximately 2,205-meter prominence.
- Andeshandbook — Pico Ansilta No. 2 — Elevation, location, first-ascent year, and first-ascent team for the range high point.
- American Alpine Club — Cordillera de Ansilta, San Juan Province — Historical climbing record for peaks within the range.
- American Alpine Club — Ansilta 7, Agujas del Glaciar Fría, New Routes — Modern technical climbing and approach information from the southern part of the range.
- SEGEMAR — Hoja Geológica Barreal, San Juan — Geological setting of the Barreal and Calingasta region and relationship between the Cordillera Frontal and Precordillera.
- San Juan Tourism — High Mountain — Official provincial tourism information identifying Cordillera de Ansilta as one of the high-mountain areas accessed from Barreal and Calingasta.
- Argentina National Parks — El Leoncito Biodiversity — Regional Altos Andes and Puna climate, flora, and fauna information for the Calingasta area.
