Socompa is situated on the border between Argentina and Chile, due east of Monturaqui. The Salta-Antofagasta railway crosses the border between the two countries just below Socompa, rendering the volcano easily accessible despite its remote location. The same pass was an important route between the two countries and reportedly between 1940 and 1970 the Carabineros de Chile had a post there. Rails and roads at Socompa go up to an elevation of ; from there the volcano can be climbed from its southern, eastern and northern flank. The mountain is considered to be an apu by the local population, and constructions have been reported either from its slopes or from its summit.