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CLIMATE
Weather conditions in this province favor most temperate zone activities.
The province forms part of Argentina's semi-arid region. Its climate is of a continental temperate type, with average annual rainfall between 400 and 500 mm in the east, this figure dropping drastically toward the west (Cordilleran puna with under 150 mm), this being partially compensated by snowfall. The average annual temperatures are 20° Celsius in the east and central area. However, in the western mountain areas, due to the altitude the winters are very cold (although the thermometer never shows less than -30º C).
The climate is harsh on the high peaks, with low temperatures due to the altitude, and little rainfall. Neither the humid Atlantic east winds, nor the Pacific west winds can penetrate the Andean cordillera ridge that forms a natural barrier. This causes each valley or hollow to adopt unique features and atmospheric pressure variants. Humidity is generally low and there is little cloudiness. Rainfall takes place in the summer.

WHAT TO PACK
You are recommended to take along light daytime wear and some coats for the usually cooler evenings. Remember a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Informal and comfortable clothes are best.

HEALTH
There are no endemic diseases in this area, so no special vaccines are required for entry.
Argentina is free of foot and mouth disease, so beef can be safely eaten.
Argentina has an important network of hospitals, clinics and sanitary posts throughout its territory, most with emergency services. The hospitals in the main cities can deal with high-complexity cases, while treatment is basic in nature in the remote villages.

WATER
In the provinces in the semi-arid region, the accumulations of snow in the Cordillera to the west produce major meltwater rivers, which on reaching the plains can be channeled to produce irrigated crop-growing oases. The presence of successive mountain and foothill chains prevents these waters reaching eastern parts of the country. Instead they are deflected towards the north, outside provincial territory, or towards dead-end basins, such as the Salt Flats. Thus, each of the Catamarca valleys is obliged to be self-sufficient with the water resources generated in its own basin. Catamarca is a striking example of humanity's relationship with water. There is a good availability of surface water, as well as important underground reserves that are totally suitable for productive use and human consumption.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY
In Catamarca tourists will find a large range of places they can sample exquisite local dishes with regional flavors. These are present in a great variety, uniquely prepared according to age-old inherited recipes. They are distinctly dated in nature, as though time had stood still. The products used are of high quality and great care is exercised in preparation. We recommend you sample the Catamarca empanadas, carbonada, mazamorra and locros, humita, tomatican, api de zapallo, chicha, and chanfaina. Among the sweets are turron, candied walnuts and alfajores.

IMPORTANT
We reserve the right to make changes to the order of the trip, without prior notice, due to changes in climate conditions, river water levels, flight or bus arrival and departure times or any other reason relevant to the best development of the trip.