Nearly 200 Tourists Stuck in Snowstorm Causing Massive Rescue in Argentina’s High Andes

Nearly 200 tourists became stuck high in Argentina’s Andes after a powerful snowstorm swept across the access road to Balcón del Pissis on Tuesday, July 28, triggering a massive overnight rescue involving emergency responders, heavy equipment, drones, and specialized snow vehicles. The tourists were traveling in dozens of vans along the remote mountain route when heavy snowfall, strong winds, and rapidly developing whiteout conditions buried sections of the road and reduced visibility to near zero. Approximately 20 vehicles became immobilized between kilometers 18 and 20 of the route, forcing hundreds of emergency personnel into one of the province’s largest mountain rescue operations in recent years.

Located near Monte Pissis, the world’s third-highest volcano at 22,287 feet (6,793 meters), Balcón del Pissis is one of Catamarca Province’s most popular high-altitude destinations. The scenic overlook sits among colorful alpine lagoons frequented by flamingos at elevations exceeding 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), attracting visitors seeking panoramic views of the surrounding Andes. According to local news, the storm intensified within minutes, leaving tourists unable to descend the mining road used to access the remote viewpoint. Emergency crews began responding Tuesday night and continued working through Wednesday as Civil Defense teams, police, volunteer firefighters, Provincial Roads crews, mountain rescuers, health personnel, and local baqueanos coordinated the evacuation.

• Related: Chile’s Most Powerful Winter Storm in Years Brings Record Snowfalls

Argentina’s National Gendarmerie joined the operation with drones, a helicopter, and specialized snow vehicles, while heavy machinery, including tractors and backhoes, worked to clear snow-covered sections of the road. The mining company Zijin-Liex also provided equipment and logistical support. Officials established an Emergency Operations Center at kilometer zero of the route, allowing rescuers to maintain communication with every stranded group before beginning the difficult descent.

By Wednesday afternoon, July 29, authorities reported that 163 tourists had been evacuated, including 131 people transported to the base camp and 32 others sheltered at Tres Quebradas before continuing down the mountain. Another 36 people remained on the mountain awaiting evacuation as crews continued clearing the route. Some evacuees were initially taken to facilities at the Zijin-Liex mining project, where they received shelter and assistance before continuing to lower elevations.

Beginning around 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, Fiambalá Hospital received a steady stream of rescued tourists. According to hospital officials, approximately 42 people were evaluated after suffering anxiety, low blood pressure, exhaustion, and other effects from spending hours stranded in severe winter conditions. Two tourists were transferred to larger medical centers after developing moderate hypothermia. Authorities said both were in stable condition, while the remaining patients were treated and released. Despite the scale of the incident, officials confirmed no fatalities were reported.

Once rescue operations conclude, provincial authorities plan to investigate whether tour operators ignored weather advisories issued before the storm. Catamarca’s Minister of Government, Security, and Justice, Alberto Natella, said emergency officials had warned of deteriorating conditions in the high mountains before the excursions departed. “Now is not the time to assign blame,” Natella said while coordinating rescue efforts. “Our priority is ensuring everyone returns safely.” He added that authorities will later determine whether excursion companies and transport providers disregarded Civil Defense warnings and municipal weather alerts. Operators found to have ignored official advisories could face consequences.

The rescue comes amid an active winter storm cycle affecting northwestern Argentina’s high Andes.