Due to its location in the Atacama Desert, the mountain has very dry conditions but features an extensive glacier, with crevasses, which is unique in the region.

[4] A 1994 Argentine expedition claimed —using GPS technology available at the time— that the elevation of Monte Pissis was 6,882 m (22,579 ft), higher than Ojos del Salado.

Like Cerro Bonete Chico it is one of the large volcanic complexes formed at that time over a deforming Nazca slab.

[8] Monte Pissis, Cerro Bonete Chico and Incapillo form a large volcanic complex that is among the highest in the world.

This has helped tourism to develop in the Atacama Desert, and now more people ascend the mountain, usually with a previous stop in Fiambalá to organise the climb.