Location and surroundings
Cerro Retama is situated in Argentina, within the region of San Luis, inside the municipality of Municipio de Estancia Grande and the county of Coronel Pringles. Following the regional range hierarchy, it belongs to the San Luis Mountains, which are part of the broader Pampa Mountains and the South American Interior Ranges. At 2,213 metres, it holds the rank of being the highest of the 27 named peaks in the San Luis Mountains. The surrounding landscape features a complex terrain of elevated ridges and valleys characteristic of the interior ranges of the continent.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Cerro Retama features several other named summits and passes at various distances and directions. Because of its elevation of 2,213 metres, Cerro Retama rises above all of these nearby geographic features within the range.
- Cerro Agua Hedionda, peak, 1,978 m, 2.9 km N
- Cerro Alto, peak, 1,647 m, 5.2 km SE
- Cerro Valle de Piedra, peak, 1,962 m, 6.2 km S
- Cerro Virorco, peak, 1,498 m, 6.4 km E
- Cerro Tinaja, peak, 2,178 m, 9.7 km N
- Loma Peinada, peak, 1,549 m, 10.3 km NE
- El Gigantillo, peak, 1,813 m, 10.9 km N
- Alto Grande, peak, 1,118 m, 13.2 km SE
The view from the summit
From the summit of Cerro Retama, observers can look out across the surrounding topography to several prominent nearby elevations within a 25-kilometre radius. Among the highest peaks visible in the wider area are Cerro Barroso at 1,903 m situated 19.2 km to the N, Cerro Valle Hermoso at 1,731 m located 5.0 km N, and Cerro Quijadas reaching 1,680 m at 7.1 km S. Additional visible heights include El Peñón at 1,617 m located 22.7 km NE, Cerro San Ignacio standing at 1,480 m at 13.5 km S, and Monte San Martin at 1,190 m positioned 19.4 km to the S.
The range
Cerro Retama is part of the San Luis Mountains, which form a subdivision of the Pampa Mountains within the South American Interior Ranges. The range contains 27 named peaks in total, with Cerro Retama serving as the highest point of the range at an elevation of 2,213 metres. The broader system spans across Argentina, defining the interior topography of the region. As the highest summit in its specific range, Cerro Retama commands the surrounding elevations and represents the ultimate high point of the San Luis Mountains.
Climate and weather
Climate data for the summit and surrounding area are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate statistics covering the period from 2001 to 2020. Temperatures at the summit are adjusted to the 2,213-metre elevation, showing January as the warmest month with a mean temperature of about 15 °C, and July as the coldest month with a mean of about 3 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit throughout all twelve months of the year. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 700 mm annually, with January being the wettest month recording about 130 mm of precipitation, and June the driest with about 5 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include sudden shifts in wind and temperature common to exposed interior mountain ranges.
Best time to visit
The climate data indicates that mean temperatures at the summit remain above freezing throughout all twelve months of the year, spanning January through December. However, practical visiting windows are heavily influenced by local precipitation patterns in the surrounding area, which receives about 700 mm of annual rainfall. The drier months, particularly around the winter period such as June which records only about 5 mm of precipitation, offer more stable conditions compared to the peak wet season in January, which sees about 130 mm of rain. Climbers and visitors generally aim for periods with lower precipitation and milder temperatures to avoid adverse weather hazards.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Cerro Retama consists of typical interior mountain terrain featuring slopes and ridges characteristic of the San Luis Mountains. Vegetation adapts to a climate with about 700 mm of annual precipitation, transitioning from lower valley flora to hardier shrubs and grasses near the summit elevation of 2,213 metres. Animal life in the region includes species adapted to the temperate highland conditions of the Pampa Mountains. The local environment supports native fauna typical of the central Argentine interior ranges, navigating an ecosystem shaped by seasonal temperature variations between the warmest month of January and the colder conditions of July.
Guides and organised ascents
For ascents in Argentina, visitors frequently turn to established organizations and guiding companies. The national mountain guide association is the Argentine Mountain Guides Association (Asociación Argentina de Guías de Montaña (AAGM)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club and mountaineering federation is the Argentine Ski and Mountaineering Federation (Federación Argentina de Ski y Andinismo, FASA). Established guiding companies operating within Argentina include Inka Expediciones based in Mendoza and Grajales Expeditions also based in Mendoza. Visitors planning excursions should note that climbing Aconcagua requires a paid permit from Aconcagua Provincial Park in Mendoza along with mandatory medical and rescue insurance proof, though specific local permits for Cerro Retama depend on regional municipal regulations.
Safety and preparation
Ascending Cerro Retama to its elevation of 2,213 metres requires proper preparation for variable weather, exposed terrain, and physical exertion. Climbers should be equipped with appropriate clothing, navigation tools, and sufficient supplies to handle rapid changes in the mountain environment. In the event of an emergency, the national emergency number in Argentina is 911, and mobile phones will redirect 112 to 911 where coverage is available. Rescue operations can be coordinated through local authorities using these emergency channels, making it essential to carry a charged communication device despite potential signal limitations in remote valleys.
Interesting facts
Cerro Retama holds the distinction of being the highest of 27 named peaks in the San Luis Mountains, establishing it as the high point of the range at an elevation of 2,213 metres. Its geographic positioning places it within the municipality of Municipio de Estancia Grande and the district of Coronel Pringles in the San Luis region of Argentina. Among its immediate neighbours, peaks such as Cerro Tinaja reach 2,178 m just 9.7 km to the north, while other summits like Cerro Agua Hedionda stand within a few kilometres. The mountain's summit climate experiences mean temperatures remaining above freezing year-round, ranging from about 3 °C in July to about 15 °C in January.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Cerro Retama? Cerro Retama stands at an elevation of 2,213 metres.
FAQ
Where is Cerro Retama located? It is located in Argentina, within the San Luis region, the municipality of Municipio de Estancia Grande, and the county of Coronel Pringles.
FAQ
What mountain range does Cerro Retama belong to? It belongs to the San Luis Mountains, which are part of the Pampa Mountains and the South American Interior Ranges.
FAQ
What are some of the nearest peaks to Cerro Retama? The nearest peaks include Cerro Agua Hedionda at 2.9 km N, Cerro Alto at 5.2 km SE, Cerro Valle de Piedra at 6.2 km S, and Cerro Tinaja at 9.7 km N.
FAQ
How does Cerro Retama compare in height to nearby mountains? Reaching 2,213 metres, Cerro Retama is the highest of the 27 named peaks in the San Luis Mountains, surpassing all of its immediate neighbours such as Cerro Agua Hedionda (1,978 m) and Cerro Tinaja (2,178 m).
FAQ
Is there water on the way to Cerro Retama? Natural water sources along the way should be treated before drinking, and given the regional climate and terrain, hikers should carry between 1.5 to 3 litres of water to remain properly hydrated throughout the day.
FAQ
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Cerro Retama? Mobile coverage in the hills is patchy and depends heavily on the operator, local terrain, and proximity to ridges; however, the emergency number 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and digital maps should always be downloaded before setting out.