Pocho volcanic field

Pocho volcanic field is a collection of extinct volcanic structures in Córdoba Province in central Argentina. The landscape displays dark basalt rocks, cinder cones, and lava flows scattered across an arid highland terrain.

The volcanic field formed roughly 7 to 5 million years ago during the Miocene epoch through intense volcanic activity in this region. This magmatic activity permanently shaped the geology of the central Argentine plateau.

Local communities in the Córdoba region have adapted their agricultural practices and settlement patterns according to the volcanic terrain properties.

The field is accessible from Córdoba city via marked trails, and several viewpoints offer views of the volcanic structures. The highland terrain requires basic footwear and sun protection, as it offers little shade.

This volcanic field sits unusually far inland, more than 600 kilometers from the ocean, while most volcanic belts form in subduction zones closer to coasts. This isolated location makes it a rare example of intraplate magmatism in South America.