From the PUNA to the Forest, we propose the crossing of a very extensive region of enormous mountains and deep valleys, with communities which are only possible to be acceded by foot.
The route begins in the very same Quebrada of Humahuaca; more over, this tour offers you histories, places, experiences and people you won’t forget.
ACCOMMODATIONS: 4 nights Hosteria double or single
4 nights Semi - Full camping
Itinerary
Salta Airport - City of Salta
We welcome you at the Airport and transfer you to your accommodation in Salta. We will have the rest of the day to enjoy the town.
Lodging at Hosteria double or single /
Meals we provide: none
San Antonio de los Cobres y Salinas Grandes
We depart early on our way to Campo Quijano, going thru the Quebrada Del Toro, and the finally arriving to the pre Hispanic city of Rosa de Tastil with its legendary ruins. Our trip continues to San Antonio de los Cobres, a typical town located at 4000 meters high. Later, thru el Paso de Jama we will be able to appreciate the “Salinas Grandes”; then descending over the path of the Lipan, we’ll make a stop at the town of Pumamarca and its famous Mount of the ‘Los Siete Colores’. Later we arrive to our lodge at the painteresque town of Tilcara.
Lodging at Hosteria double or single /
Meals we provide: Breakfast
Devil’s Throat - Tilcara
We’ll have the morning free to discover the town and its unique things such us: la plaza grande, la plaza chica, the town church - and the Pucará de Tilcara. In the afternoon we’ll do a small trek to the devil’s throat, walking along the old Kollas paths and watching the amazing view. After 3 or 4 hours we finally go back to Tilcara.
Lodging at Hosteria double or single /
Meals we provide: Breakfast
Tilcara – Veranada de Yutos Pampa
Early morning, we take a local transfer to “Alfacito” (2900 m OSL). There, we will begin our on foot crossing, with a slow and incessant ascent - we have to be careful about acclimatising- up to reach Campo Laguna (4200 m OSL). This is the highest point of the crossing. After lunch, we will descent to Yutos Pampa at 3200 metres OSL.
Lodging at Semi full Camping /
Meals we provide: Breakfast, box lunch Dinner
Veranada de Yutos Pampa - Molulo
We continuo our crossing, ascending till the top of the Mount Cumbre Grande. At the end of the valley, the crowded forest can be appreciated. In the afternoon we arrive to the community of Molulo at 2950 meters of high. Estimated walking time: 6 to 7hs.
Lodging at Semi full Camping /
Meals we provide: Breakfast, box lunch Dinner
Molulo – Abra del Potrero
We will have a peaceful morning, and plenty of time to meet the local inhabitants and going around the area. After lunch, we will continue with our crossing. Gradually, you would notice the increase of vegetation; we will arrive then, to a place known as Abra Potrero. Walking time: 4 to 5 hs.
Lodging at Semi full Camping /
Meals we provide: Breakfast, box lunch Dinner
Abra del Potrero – San Lucas
We continue our adventure from the Abra of the Potrero (lowest point between two mountains). The thick forest gives birth to plain landscape. From the red land come the first trees. After undertaking a section of forest in continuous ascension we get to see the caserío of San Lucas, located at 2500 meters of high. Later, we slowly start the descent back to the town. Walking time 7 to 8 hours.
Lodging at Semi full Camping /
Meals we provide: Breakfast, box lunch Dinner
San Lucas - Calilegua - Salta
Last stage of the crossing between San Lucas and San Francisco. The path continues by the southern bank of San Lucas River, the vegetation is dense and the valley is deep. After crossing Valle Grande Valley, we will ascent to Peña Alta, which is the end of our long walk. There, a local transfer is waiting for us, to lead us through the small town of San Francisco and the whole Calilegua National Park arriving to Liberator San Martín Village. From there, we will move to Salta city. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours.
Lodging at Hosteria double or single /
Meals we provide: Breakfast.
Salta - Airport
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport where our tours ends
Meals we provide: Breakfast
Service Details
Included:
Incoming services
Bilingual guide (Spanish - English) during
all the excursions.
4 nights in Hostería it bases double or single
with breakfast
4 nights in Semi - Full Camp (included: tents
and dinner tent or saloon. Not included: sleeping bag or insulating mattress)
Transfer Salta Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Salta.
All transportation as shown in the itinerary
combining private and regular buses.
Mules for the transportation of the tents,
general equipment y food for all the crossing.
We will carry the passengers’ luggage up to
a maximum of 8 kg, for the days 4 to 8)
8 breakfast 4 box lunch y 4 dinners as shown
below.
Not included:
Medical and life insurance.
Tips.
Drinks and beverages (all foods are without
alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks).
Flights or airport taxes.
Optional excursions.
Services not shown or detailed in the program.
Notes
Argentina Discovery holds the right of changing the itinerary or cancel any of the activities when any natural cause (or any other cause of any type) justifies it in order to look after the group safety
The tour can start in Salta (Argentina) and from there take the bus to San Pedro de Atacama. If this is the case, you will probable need an extra night in Salta.
TTC - CROSSING LA PUNA TO LA SELVA is offered with the following type of accommodations
NIGHTS
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
Lodging at Hosteria double
x
x
x
x
Semi Full Camp
x
x
x
x
The semi full camping is a pre mounted camping that is set up once the passengers arrive. It has igloo type tents that we used in double base. It also has a dinner tent or dinner saloon with tables, chairs and a complete set of dishes.
MEALS
The following meals are provided in this program.
DAYS
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Breakfast
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Box Lunch
x
x
x
x
Dinner
x
x
x
x
¿Is this tour for me?
We qualify this tour as "Intense". This means that you need to be fit to enjoy it. No previous technical knowledge is required. The group will walk an average of 6 to 7 hours a day, may be 9 in some specific days, at a moderate pace and with all the necessary stops for water, snacks or rest. The trek includes up hills and down hills, some of them quite steady.
List of suggested personal equipment:
Backpack, 50 lts or so
Sleeping bag down or synthetic for -10º C
Sleeping mattress
Trekking shoes or boots
Thermal underwear
Trekking pants
Fleece
Breathable parka and over pants
Gaiters
Gloves
Thermal socks
The necessary spare cloth
Wool hat
Sun hat
Sun glasses
Sun screen (UV is very strong during the southern spring, from September thru December)
Personal items
Lamp
Trekking poles (recommended, if you are use to them)