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To deeply explore Salta, we created a tailor-made journey over The Andes called Travesía.We use a van to drive for 6 days between Chile and Argentina, sleeping in our remote camps and finca along the way, and spending 3 nights at our lodge explora Atacama.The drive allows us to access hiking routes along the way in some of the world’s most isolated landscapes.
During this Travesía we will experience the sublime silence and multi-colored valleys of the majestic Andes, natural border between Argentina and Chile.
Starting from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile or from Salta in Argentina this Travesía will take us through the majestic Andes, a mountain range that runs the length of South America and that, with its 7,240km long is deemed the longest mountain range in the world. Its mean altitude flirts around the 4,000m and its highest top is mount Aconcagua, which with its 6,960.8 masl masl (meters above sea level) is the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas.
Day 1: Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama
We will welcome you at the Calama Airport and take you to explora Atacama, located in the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, at 2,500 masl.
Days2 through 3: Explora Atacama
During two days, we will get to know the incredible wild life and abundant culture of the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world.
Through different types of explorations, we will be getting ready for our Travesía through the Bolivian Altiplano.
We will also enjoy and rest at the lodge, which has been thought as a point of return after days of exploration and adventure.
Day 4: Towards the mountain
We shall begin our journey through the high mountains early in the morning, traveling towards the South-East to the border with Argentina. After a few hours driving, our first highlands exploration will take place towards the salt-pan known as Salar de Aguas Calientes and the Tuyajto Lagoon.
Walking above the 4,000 meters, we will cross incredible landscapes of salt-pans, mountains and volcanoes, all of them boasting ever-changing colors that will introduce us into the unique and secret beauty of this Andean region.
By dusk, we will reach our first camp, El Laco, one of the highest and most isolated in our journey, located in one of the old commercial routes of the region. Its solitude amid such an ample setting will remind us of the pioneers who travelled these lands, sleeping under a star-spangled sky and waking up to a furiously red-pink-and-yellow sunrise.
Day 5: Crossing to Argentina
Depending on the interest and ability of each traveler, during the morning we may hike towards the Laco Volcano (5,300 masl) or choose a quieter walk following the trail of some old trooping route.
By noon we will set off for Argentina through the crossing at Sico, a unique place in which the mountains completely dominate the view. Taking a few steps away from the customs office and losing oneself in this seemingly-endless space is a gift we may seldom be presented with. Breathe in deeply, close your eyes, and get ready for the sinuous journey that has only just started. The Andes wait, as do the countless marvels we will encounter along the way.
We follow our travel through the Abra del Acay, a zone that has been declared a natural monument and considered one of the highest highways in the world, with its 5,061 masl at its highest point. It is here, as well, where the mythical Ruta Nacional 40 that crosses Argentina North to South runs, and where the Calchaquí River is born, running down from the cold and dry mountains to the valley rich in thawing-waters, green agricultural fields and reddish hills.
Late in the evening we shall reach our second encampment, La Quesera, a group of stone cabins lost amid the mountains that now let us plunge into the life and standpoint of the Andean shepherds: the tranquil silence in which they live their day to day and, as well as the joy and simplicity with which they welcome the few visitors that stop to greet them.
Also there to greet us, will be our explora team. They will be our guides and cooks for the remaining part of the journey. Remoteness is no excuse; we shall enjoy a delicious dinner paired with great Argentinean wine.
Day 6: Always in the mountain
A morning stroll through the surroundings of La Quesera will leave us full of stamina to then go down through the valley towards La Poma, a traditional mountain village that focuses on goat and sheep breeding at 3,000 masl.
From there we will work our way up to the crater of one of the Volcanes Gemelos [Twin Volcanoes] to reach at dusk the oldest village in the Calchaqui Valley, Cachi, which in the Quechua language, means “salt”.
The Finca Rancagua Ranch is located 8 km South of Cachi. It is an Andean hacienda located between the Calchaquí River and its ample ravines, which on a daily basis present us with magnificent views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. We shall stay here for 3 nights, enjoying the fabulous Argentinean cuisine, naps that will recharge our energy, and of course various explorations to the surroundings.
Days7 through 8: Calchaqui River Valleys
We will hike through the intricate Calchaquíes Valleys and through Finca Rancagua, which boasts 5,000 hectares. The landscape shall be mountainous and semi-dry, and we shall encounter countless rock formations sculpted by the wind, besides cool freshwater courses that run down from the mountains to mix themselves with the salty waters of the Calchaquí River.
Crossing through agricultural dwellings and various types of crops, we will visit ruins, archeological sites and rock-painting sites of the native Calchaquíes indians. We shall also approach the Nevado de Cachi, wich at 6,380 masl, is the highest summit in the region.
We will end each day by the fire, in a pleasant conversation that will accompany the silver-stricken dusks and a soft breezes that carry the scents of faraway lands, barbecued meats and wool.
Day 9: Journey to Salta
Another wonder will welcome us on our ninth day of journey: the Cuesta del Obispo [Bishop’s Slope], a sinuous route that meanders downhill along cliffs and precipices. All year round, from its top, it is possible to see different cloud formations suspended halfway through the road and condors flying over the area a few meters from our heads. We shall also catch a glimpse of the agricultural valley and its multi-colored hills.
From here, we shall take off towards Salta, located 1,200 masl. Salta, one of Argentina’s oldest colonial cities, has a pleasant climate. We shall reach the city a little after midday. Depending on the time of your flight, we may have lunch or take you to the airport. If you choose to visit Salta, we may drop you off at the hotel of your choice.
Recommendations
Services included
- Accommodation
- All meals and bar
- All explorations
- Pick up and drop off from and to airports
- Relaxing area
- Wi-Fi service in public areas
- National park entrance fees
Children
- This trip is recommended for travelers above the age of 18.
Equipment
Requirements
- To be healthy enough to face heights and fluctuating temperatures.
- Spirit of adventure and good humor, as well as flexibility when facing unexpected events.
- Some people are sleep deprived when in altitude, if this is your case, we advise you to bring some products that can help you sleep.
Suggested Equipment
- Trekking shoes
- Trekking pants
- First layer: thermal tee-shirts, long and thick underwear, thick sock
- Second layer: fleece jacket
- Third layer: windbreaker
- Fourth layer: feather parka
- Thin gloves and thick gloves
- Thin and thick socks
- A hat against the sun and one for the cold
- Polar fleece neck warmer
- Sunglasses with UV filter, if possible with side protections
- Sun Cream (at least SPF 30)
- A small backpack (20 to 30 liters)
- Resting shoes