Cono de Arita: Surreal Pyramid of Argentina
The Salar de Arizaro is home to one of the most spectacular natural formations Cono de Arita. At first glance it looks like a pyramid, but it is all natural volcano, which sits on a bed of salt.
The cone stands over 400 ft above the sea of salt.
There are many questions regarding the cone’s origin, but some legends and archeological clues indicate, that the natural formation could have been used as a ceremonial center prior to the arrival of Incas.
The place is mysterious and surreal, but getting there is not easy. If you manage to ignore the bumpy road, you can enjoy observing alien landscapes and the High Andes Range on the horizon. After getting to the destination, visitors need to cross the Arizano Salt Flat, before reaching the cone.
The place is worth visit, if you are happen to be in Argentina. Local guides will provide an excellent tours. If you want to explore this country in detail and discover other pleasant surprises, you can decide to move to Argentina for a while.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Cono de Arita, Salar de Arizaro, Tolar Grande, Salta, Argentina
- Coordinates
- -25.01806, -67.72889
- Access
- Remote high-altitude salt-flat destination. Salta tourism describes access as a 4×4 excursion via the Salar de Arizaro; arrange a qualified local operator/driver, confirm current route conditions, and do not drive onto the salar without suitable experience and a capable vehicle.
- Time needed
- A Tolar Grande tourism brochure lists about 5 hours by 4×4 for the Cono de Arita excursion; treat this as an approximate tour duration, not time at the formation.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-27
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-27
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