This Tour is no longer available
Unfortunately we no longer offer this Tour, but we haven't removed the information so you can have more ideas for your trip. If you want something similar contact us
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 Salta
We meet in Salta and travel to Cachi.
Days2 through 3: 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 4: Always in the mountain
Un paseo por la mañana por los alrededores de La Quesera nos dejará llenos de energía para luego bajar por el valle hacia La Poma, un pueblo de montaña tradicional que se centra en la cría de cabras y ovejas a 3.000 msnm.
A partir de ahí vamos a seguir nuestro camino hasta el cráter de uno de los Volcanes Gemelos para llegar al anochecer al pueblo más antiguo en el Valle Calchaquí, Cachi, que en lengua quechua, significa "sal".
La Finca Rancagua Ranch se encuentra a 8 km al sur de Cachi. Es una hacienda andina ubicada entre el río Calchaquí y sus amplias barrancos, que a diario nos presentan magníficas vistas del valle y las montañas circundantes. Nos quedaremos aquí por 3 noches, disfrutando de la maravillosa gastronomía argentina, siestas para recargar nuestra energía y, por supuesto, varias exploraciones a los alrededores.
Day 5: Crossing to Chile
In the morning we'll cross the border towards Chile.
Depending on the interest and ability of each traveler, on the afternoon we may hike towards the Laco Volcano (5,300 masl) or choose a quieter walk following the trail of some old trooping route.
Day 6: Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama
After a long ride we finally arrive to Hotel Explora in San Pedro de Atacama to enjoy some relaxation time in the afternoon.
Days7 through 8: 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 9: Transfer to the airport
Depending on the time of your flight, we will take you to the Calama airport to say our goodbyes.
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