INCA TRAILS EXPEDITION - ARGENTINA

 

Day 1 – Arrive Buenos Aires:
Pick up at Buenos Aires International airport. Transfer to hotel. We will take some time to visit the city and learn about its icons in a very special way: tango, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada’s balcony, Eva Peron, etc. In the evening you might want to attend a tango show (optional) w/dinner and a tango lesson. 

Day 2 – Arrive Salta:

Transfer to Domestic Airport. Flight to Salta. We will visit the MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology) (closed Mondays). Recently opened to show the items found at an Inca human sacrifice site on top of the Llullaillaco volcano (6730 mts - 18000 ft. high). It holds the best preserved mummies worldwide. Check in at boutique hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 3 – Horseback ride:

After breakfast, we will drive to meet our horses. The drive takes us along the Cuesta del Obispo and its breathtaking views and the Cardones National Park where you can usually spot guanacos (Andean camelidae). This is a program in its own. When we reach Piedra del Molino (3348 meters high) we meet the horses and gauchos. Lunch at the corral. We start our ride going south at this high altitude spot. We will reach Papachacra (2900 meters high) before sunset to spend the night in camp after crossing a small range of hills to our left. On the way there are herds of wild donkeys set free by the Spanish Conquistadors. We will have an Argentine barbecue on the open fire for dinner.

Day 4 – Horseback ride:
After breakfast we wrap up camp and get ready to ride. This day we ride the lifeline this valley has had for centuries. On our way we can see, here and there, the small houses made with mud and archeological remains of ancient settlements. Our course is South for the most part but looking for the right pass as the area is full of creeks. We will stop for lunch at a dry river. Its sandy river bed is great for cantering and we will take advantage of that. On the way we will stop to see the ancient pictographs painted by local Indians centuries ago. Our stop for the night is at Isonza (2760 meters high). Isonza is a working ranch with its ancient way of life still intact. This night we will put away the tents as there are rooms with beds to sleep on and a bath with hot water.

Day 5 – Horseback ride:

During this morning we will join in with the everyday activities of the ranch and its way of life. The way they milk the goats, make cheese, grow their crops like in Inca times. The ride takes us West at the beginning until we reach the very steep Chilo slopes which divide two valleys. The view is magnificent and makes us feel the power of nature. We move South to Yaslaguala (2540 meters high), an abandoned oasis and former home of a family. The giant cactii are all over and set the stage. Night in camp.

Day 6 – Horseback ride:

We head towards the town of Amblayo (2400 meters high) where we will spend the night. It has only 150 dwellers, no electricity and its main means of transportation is on horseback. It is renowned for its goat cheese. Sense the feeling of arriving on horseback to this tiny town with no cars! An unforgettable experience. To get there we will ride first through archaeological areas where you can see pieces of painted pottery scattered around. We have a look with agreement not to remove any of the findings.  We then go to the foothills of the Sierra Pelada. These multicoloured hills are unique. We will also ride the Río Salado which is a great place for cantering! Night at Amblayo. Rooms with beds, bathroom with hot water. Traditional lamb barbecue at dinner.
Day 7 – Horseback ride:

After breakfast enjoy this picturesque town. Visit its ancient chapel, have a chat with its neighbours. The riding will provide a day full of contrasts. Riding East we will be crossing the Dead Lion range. The desert gradually gives way to high altitude grasslands. This is the land of the condor. Once we reach aprox. 3000 mts. we will have the chance to see some. We start our descent into the dense forest of the Lerma Valley.  At sunset, arrive at El Churqui mountain camp (1960 meters high) where we will be awaited with an energizing homemade meal.

Day 8 - Horseback ride:
Riding West we will cross again the Dead Lion range but now through narrow trails of the Enchanted valley until we reach Ayuso (2500 meters high). This is the home of a local family in a place that overviews the Calchaquí Valley. These ancient mud bricks that make the small house will make you feel in a world so different from your own. 

Day 9 - Horseback ride:
As the past two days have been spent crossing high mountains, we will relax a bit today. This day we will go round the Cerro Bola (Ball mountain). It is a perfect day to canter along the dry river beds of the Salado river and have lunch down the shade of the huge and ancient algarrobo trees. The red hills in the area are remarkable. We will spend the night again at Ayuso so we will just carry with us the essentials for the day.

Day 10 - Horseback ride:
We leave Ayuso riding through narrow creeks well South into the Calchaquí Valleys towards our next stop at Rastrojitos (1900 meters high). We have now moved into the Cafayate Creek which has rock formations that resemble the Grand Canyon, only smaller and are the icon of the region. At Rastrojitos mountain shelter we will be awaited with a typical goat cooked in the mud oven.

Day 11 - Horseback ride:

We ride downhill towards the Las Conchas River. Some parts of our trail will be done very slowly as it is very steep and fun. Today, we will have the chance to see one of the best views in Salta. Las Conchas river is our ending point. Say farewell to the horses at Puente Morales (1300 meters high). Transfer back to Salta city.  End of ride. Check in at boutique hotel. Farewell dinner.

Day 12 - Depart Argentina:
Transfer to Salta Airport. Flight to Buenos Aires on time to connect flight home. End of program.

Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

	What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.

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Unicorn Trails

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Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
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Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com
http://www.unicorntrails.com