Location and surroundings
Cerro Mojón is located in Argentina, specifically within the Chubut region and the Departamento Cushamen district. Following the regional hierarchy, it belongs to the Huancache Mountains, which are part of the Patagónides, the Patagonian Meseta, and ultimately the South American Interior Ranges. As a peak in this area, it holds the position of being the highest of 15 named peaks in the Huancache Mountains. The surrounding landscape consists of high interior range terrain typical of the Patagonian Meseta.
Neighbouring peaks
Several peaks and passes surround Cerro Mojón at varying distances and directions:
- Cerro Las Balas (peak), 1,518 m, 2.4 km E
- Cerro Mogote (peak), 1,577 m, 3.1 km N
- Cerro Alba del Mirador (peak), 1,117 m, 3.1 km SE
- Cerro Mirador Chico (peak), 1,503 m, 5.7 km NE
- Cerro Piedra Alta (peak), 1,106 m, 7.5 km SE
- Cerro Huancache (peak), 1,227 m, 7.9 km NW
- Cerro Mesa (peak), 1,458 m, 8.8 km NE
- Cerro Mirador (peak), 1,563 m, 9.5 km NE
Standing at 1,660 metres, Cerro Mojón surpasses all of these immediate neighbours in elevation, making it the highest point among them.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Cerro Mojón, observers can look out across the surrounding region. The highest peaks within a 25-kilometre radius include Cerro Barraca at 1,457 m situated 11.6 km W, Cerro Negro at 1,412 m located 20.2 km N, and Cerro Barda Negra at 1,308 m positioned 16.5 km W. Further distant points within this 25-kilometre range are Cerro Carimayo (1,209 m, 13.6 km SE), Cerro Zeballos (1,079 m, 20.0 km SW), and Cerro Pico Aspero (949 m, 21.4 km SE).
The range
Cerro Mojón belongs to the Huancache Mountains, which form part of the Patagónides within the Patagonian Meseta and the South American Interior Ranges. The Huancache Mountains contain 15 named peaks, and Cerro Mojón stands as the highest point of the range.
Climate and weather
The climate data are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering the years 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the mean temperature is warmest in January at about 10 °C and coldest in July at about -2 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 550 mm a year, with June being the wettest month at about 90 mm and December the driest at about 20 mm. Typical weather hazards in this elevated range include strong winds, rapid temperature drops, and seasonal winter snow accumulation.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December. When planning a visit, targeting the drier months such as December or the warmer summer period offers more stable conditions for travel in the area.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Cerro Mojón features typical Patagonian interior range terrain, characterized by arid or semi-arid scrub vegetation, low shrubs, and exposed rock formations adapted to cold, windy conditions. Wildlife in this elevated part of Chubut generally includes species resilient to mountain climates, such as guanacos, local bird species, and small mammals adapted to the meseta environment.
Guides and organised ascents
For mountain activities in Argentina, visitors often look to the Argentine Mountain Guides Association (Asociación Argentina de Guías de Montaña (AAGM)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member, as well as the national alpine club, the Argentine Ski and Mountaineering Federation (Federación Argentina de Ski y Andinismo, FASA). Established guiding companies working in the mountains of the country include Inka Expediciones based in Mendoza and Grajales Expeditions also based in Mendoza. When climbing Aconcagua in Mendoza, a paid permit from Aconcagua Provincial Park is required alongside mandatory medical and rescue insurance, though permit rules vary by location across the country.
Safety and preparation
Ascents in the Huancache Mountains demand proper preparation for remote terrain, variable weather, and lower summit temperatures. Climbers should carry adequate layers, navigation tools, and emergency supplies. In the event of an emergency, the national emergency number in Argentina is 911, and 112 redirects to 911 on mobile devices.
Interesting facts
Cerro Mojón holds the distinct title of being the highest of 15 named peaks in the Huancache Mountains. Located in Departamento Cushamen within the Chubut region, it serves as the culminating high point of its specific mountain range within the Patagónides.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Cerro Mojón? Cerro Mojón reaches an elevation of 1,660 metres.
Where is Cerro Mojón located? It is located in Argentina, within the Chubut region and the Departamento Cushamen district.
Which mountain range does Cerro Mojón belong to? It belongs to the Huancache Mountains, which are part of the Patagónides, Patagonian Meseta, and South American Interior Ranges.
What are the nearest peaks to Cerro Mojón? The nearest peaks include Cerro Las Balas (1,518 m, 2.4 km E), Cerro Mogote (1,577 m, 3.1 km N), and Cerro Alba del Mirador (1,117 m, 3.1 km SE).
Is there water on the way to Cerro Mojón? As there are no mapped streams or springs listed in the immediate area, hikers should carry sufficient water, typically 1.5 to 3 litres for a day trip depending on conditions.
Are there huts on Cerro Mojón? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so visitors usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How is the mobile phone coverage on Cerro Mojón? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. Always download maps before setting out, and remember that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.