Argentina - Inca Trails Expedition

Overview

horse riding holiday Argentina Inca Trails

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Argentina is a land of horses and many of the natives spend their whole life on horseback. Explore the vast beauty of varied and impressive landscapes and spend time with the local Calchaqui indians. Cross the Andes Mountains of Northwest Argentina the way it was done in Colonial times, whilst keeping a few comforts from the 21st Century!

These are ancient Inca trails and the ideal setting for an unforgettable trip. This holiday will get you to places that you can only reach on horseback: from tropical forests with crystal clear streams in the Lerma Valley, through the Calchaquí desert with its multicoloured mountains and to the Cafayate Creek and its water and wind eroded hills. These trail rides have been designed to show the breath-taking contrast in the landscapes divided by the Dead Lion (Puma) Mountain Range.

We ride up to 3,000 mts. (9,000 feet) where the forest changes to high altitude grassland. This is the homeland of the Andean condor. As the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere will cover the sky. Relax at the camp with its peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the campfire as it lightens up the darkness of the night and you share a cup of coffee, tea or mate (12 day itinerary). All this creates the ideal ambience to feel the timeless spirit of nature and make new friends. All along the trail, you have a chance to absorb from the locals, heirs of the ancient Incas, some of the culture still alive high up in the mountains.

The horses are the core of this riding program. It is suitable for riders who are fit and capable at walk, trot and canter. Novices and less confident riders can be accommodated with prior arrangement. A great option to enjoy riding while leaving behind the stressful city life…

This is either a nine day/eight night adventure which includes six full riding days and a bed each night or a twelve day/eleven night adventure including nine full riding days.

ESCORTED RIDE - 9 day programme with a 2 day cattle drive, contact us for the full itinerary.

Read David LO Smith's personal account of this trip.

Reviews

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from EB of Golders Green on 18/11/2019

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Ride Summary

Fantastic!

What was your overall impression of the holiday

Overall impression

Unicorn Trails sales staff

Riding tour leader

Additional Comments

Eduardo is brilliant and I actually think the ride info was undersold - we saw tons of flora and fauna that weren't on the list. Birds in particular to add!

Horses and Tack

Additional Comments

Meals

Accommodation

Miscellaneous

Was this trip accurately described to you beforehand?

YES

Please give more details to explain your response:

Was there anything you should have known and were not told? YES

Please give more details to explain your response:

It would have been helpful to know how frequently internal flights in Argentina are cancelled ... we had a bit of a repeat nightmare with ours.

What could we do to improve this ride?

How would you rate the difficulty of this ride out of 10 where 1 is very easy and 10 is very advanced?

Please explain why you scored it as you did:

The riding itself is very easy but a confident, relaxed approach to riding mad-steep hills is a must!

Would you recommend Unicorn Trails to your friends?

YES

Please give more details to explain your response:

May we use you as a reference for other people wishing to go on this ride?

YES

Any other comments:

Many thanks Sarah!

Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a great time! I'll add a note about the internal flights :)

Next Review

Sample Itinerary

9 day itinerary

Day 1
Arrive to Salta any time before 4 PM for transfers. You will visit the MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology), 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 and enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide.

Day 2
After breakfast, you will drive to meet the horses. The drive takes you along the Cuesta del Obispo with breath-taking views and the Cardones National Park where you can usually spot guanacos (Andean camelidae). This is an adventure on its own. When you reach Piedra del Molino (3348 meters high) you will meet the horses and gauchos. Lunch is taken by the corral. You start the ride going south at this high altitude spot. You will reach Peñas Blancas (2760 meters high) before sunset to spend the night in cabins with beds after crossing a small range of hills to your left. On the way there are herds of wild donkeys set free by the Spanish Conquistadors.

Day 3
After breakfast you get ready to ride. Today you ride along the lifeline this valley has had for centuries. On the way you can see, here and there, the small houses made with mud and archaeological remains of ancient settlements. The ride takes you west to start with until you reach the very steep Chilo slopes which divide two valleys. The view is magnificent and makes you feel the power of nature. Stop for lunch at a dry river bed which is also a great spot for cantering. On the way you will stop to see the ancient pictographs painted by local Indians centuries ago. You will visit Isonza which is a working ranch with its ancient way of life still intact and Leuca Burgos who makes goat cheese. The way they milk the goats, make cheese, grow their crops is centuries old and inherited from Inca times.

Day 4
The riding today is mainly southwards. You will go past Yaslaguala where giant cacti are all over and set the stage. After lunch you ride to Amblayo town (2400 meters high) where you will spend the night. It has only 150 inhabitants 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 almost no cars! An unforgettable experience. To get there you will ride first through archaeological areas where you can see pieces of painted pottery scattered around. You are welcome to look more closely but must agree not to remove anything that you see.

Day 5
After breakfast you have some time to enjoy this picturesque town. Visit its ancient chapel and its 17th century paintings brought from Peru or have a chat with the neighbours. After lunch you ride to the foothills of the Sierra Pelada. These multi-coloured hills are unique. You will also ride the Río Salado which is a great place for cantering! Tonight there is a traditional goat barbecue at dinner.

Day 6
The riding will provide a day full of contrasts. Riding east you will be crossing the Dead Lion range. The desert gradually gives way to high altitude grasslands. This is the land of the condor. Once you reach approx. 3000 mts. you will have the chance to see some. You start a descent into the dense forest of the Lerma Valley. At sunset, you arrive at El Churqui mountain camp (1960 meters high) where you will be awaited with a homemade meal. The night is spent inside a cabin sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags. Toilet available and cold running water.

Day 7
After breakfast, leave for La Viña along the course of the Las Pircas stream. These trails have been used for centuries and are still the only means of communication among locals. When you reach La Viña the minibus will be waiting for you. A two hour drive will you back to Salta city. Check in at boutique hotel and share a farewell dinner.

Day 8
Transfer to airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to hotel. You will have a guided tour of 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. Night at hotel.

Day 9
After breakfast say farewell to your guides and transfer back to the airport.

12 day itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires and check in at the hotel. You will have a guided tour of 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
Transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Salta. You 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 your boutique hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide.

Day 3
After breakfast, you will drive to meet the horses. The drive takes you along the Cuesta del Obispo with breath-taking views and the Cardones National Park where you can usually spot guanacos (Andean camelidae). This is an adventure in its own. When you reach Piedra del Molino (3348 meters high) you will meet the horses and gauchos. Lunch is taken by the corral. You start the ride by going south from this high altitude spot. You will reach Peñas Blancas (2750 meters high) before sunset to spend the night in a cabin with beds 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.

Day 4
After breakfast you get ready to ride. Today you ride the lifeline this valley has had for centuries. On the way you can see, here and there, the small houses made with mud and archaeological remains of ancient settlements. The ride takes you west to start with until you reach the very steep Chilo slopes which divide two valleys. The view is magnificent and makes you feel the power of nature. Stop for lunch at a dry river bed which is great for cantering. On the way you will stop to see the ancient pictographs painted by local Indians centuries ago. You will visit Isonza which is a working ranch with its ancient way of life still intact and Leuca Burgos who makes goat cheese. The way they milk the goats, make cheese, grow their crops is centuries old and inherited from Inca times. Night at Peñas Blancas.

Day 5
We move mainly South towards Yaslaguala where the giant cacti are all over and set the stage. After lunch you ride to Amblayo town (2450 meters high) where you will spend the night. It has only 150 inhabitants and the 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 almost no cars! An unforgettable experience. To get there you will ride first through archaeological areas where you can see pieces of painted pottery scattered around. You can have a closer look but must not pick up anything that you find.

Day 6
After breakfast you will have time enjoy this picturesque town. Visit its ancient chapel and its 17th century paintings brought from Peru or have a chat with the neighbours. After lunch you ride to the foothills of the Sierra Pelada. These multi-coloured hills are unique. You will also ride the Río Salado which is a great place for cantering! Return to the cabin in the evening for a traditional goat barbecue at dinner.

Day 7
The riding will provide a day full of contrasts. Riding east you will be crossing the Dead Lion range. The desert gradually gives way to high altitude grasslands. This is the land of the condor. Once you reach approx. 3000 mts. you will have the chance to see some. You start your descent into the dense forest of the Lerma Valley. At sunset, arrive at El Churqui mountain camp (1960 meters high) where you will be met with a homemade meal. You sleep inside a cabin on the floor in sleeping bags. Toilet available and cold running water.

Day 8
Riding west you will cross the Dead Lion range again but now through narrow trails of the Enchanted valley until you 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. You will put up the tents for the night. Toilet available and cold running water.

Day 9
As the past two days have been spent crossing high mountains, today you 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 ancient algarrobo trees. You will spend the night again at Ayuso so you will only need to carry the essentials for the day.

Day 10
We leave Ayuso riding through narrow creeks well South into the Calchaquí Valleys towards your next stop at Rastrojitos (1900 meters high). You will now have 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 you will be met with a typical goat meal cooked in the mud oven. You put up the tents for the night. No bathroom available.

Day 11
Today you ride downhill towards the Las Conchas River. Some parts of the trail will be done very slowly as it is very steep and fun. Today, you will have the chance to see one of the best views in Salta. Las Conchas river is your ending point. Say farewell to the horses at Puente Morales (1300 meters high). Transfer back to Salta city and check in at a boutique hotel before the farewell dinner.

Day 12
Transfer to Salta Airport for the flight to Buenos Aires in time to connect with your flight home.

Transfers
Approx transfer time is 30 minutes in Beunos Aires 12 day programme. Included from hotel to domestic airport for internal flight on Day 2. Transfer included to Salta airport at the end of the ride. Transfer not included between international and domestic airports on departure if required.

A small group supplement is applied if the total number of bookings (including yours) is under 6 riders. Please see 'detailed prices' for supplement prices. These are fully refundable before departure once more people confirm.

Tango show with dinner and tango lesson: approximately $120 per person.

Reading List
We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.

Rough Guide to Argentina - 2nd Edition - Danny Aeberhard
On A Hoof And A Prayer: Around Argentina At A Gallop - Polly Evans
Footprint Argentina Handbook - Christabelle Dilks

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Horses & Riding

Fit and responsive horses all in good condition, from 15hh to 15.3hh. Horses are ridden in the traditional style, which is similar to Western riding with neck reining and long stirrups. Instruction is given on first day for those not familiar with this style, it is very easy to learn and quite addictive. Terrain varies from mountainous to desert and the speed of the ride reflects the terrain and is mostly at a walk on the slopes of the Andes. There are plenty of opportunities for those who like to canter or even have a good gallop on the more open bits of terrain.

Rider requirements

This ride is suitable for riders who are able to walk, trot and canter on a good horse. There is usually about 5 or 6 hours in the saddle each day, so a good level of riding fitness is recommended.

Due to the length of riding days this ride is not recommended for children under the age of 10 and there is a weight limit of 95kg/15 stone. There is no need to walk next to your horse and assistance can be given when mounting and dismounting.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation

9 day itinerary: 5 nights in mountain cabins (shared 'dorm-style' rooms with up to 6 bunkbeds in each room, showers available on some nights but hot water cannot be guaranteed), 2 nights boutique hotel in Salta and 1 night hotel in Tribeca hotel (or similar) in Buenos Aires in double/twin room with private bathroom. Please be aware that there is no heating in the cabins.

12 day itinerary: 8 nights camping or in mountain cabins (shared 'dorm-style' rooms with up to 6 beds in each room. Some locations do not have beds and guests sleep on the floor with sleeping bags. Showers available on some nights but hot water cannot by guaranteed), 2 nights boutique hotel in Salta and 1 night hotel in Tribeca hotel (or similar) in Buenos Aires in double/twin room with private bathroom. Please be aware that on some nights there are no bathroom facilities, and there is no heating in the cabins.

Breakfasts consist of a choice of hot drink, toast and preserves. When available eggs and fresh fruit will also be offered. Lunches: these are usually in the form of a picnic with bread, salads and cheese. Dinners: traditional homely dishes with a complimentary glass of wine.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests.

Travel Info & Map

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. If visa’s are required the requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate on request.

General information:

At the time of going to print visas are not required for UK passport holders staying under 90 days, but please check before you depart.
In Argentina the high commissioner is Dr Luis Agote, 2412/52, 1425 Buenos Aires. Tel: +54 11 4576 2222, and is usually open 12.45 –17.00, hours extended during the Summer months (Jan –March).

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives travel advice on 020 7008 0232/0233 or see www.fco.gov.uk

Climate Summary

Throughout Argentina, January is the warmest month and June and July are the coldest. North of the Río Negro, the winter months (May–August) are the driest periods of the year. Due to location, climate is regarded as tropical, average temperatures ranging, in the capital, from 21.5°C/71°F in summer, to 10°C/50°F in winter. Rainfall is more frequent near the mountainous regions, due to the advection of humid air causing more precipitation in summer, and dry winters. This tropical region features high temperatures and abundant rainfall in the second half of the year and a dry season in the first half of the year.
Summer High 86°F - Low 50°F
Winter High 70°F - Low 32°F

Climate Chart

Health

There are no specific health requirements although do remember sun block.

For up to date information on specific health concerns please contact the Medical Advisors For Travellers Abroad. Their website can be found at www.masta.org.

Health (ride specific)

Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Remember it is easy to burn at high altitudes even in weather which is not sunny.

Electricity

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz as in the UK so electrical appliances can be plugged in with appropriate adaptors. These are widely available for purchase, including at departure airports throughout the UK.

Film and Camera Equipment

In Salta and Buenos Aires you are likely to be able to stock up on camera or phone necessities.

Packing List

During the ride it is much better to keep your personal clothing and items light! Normally, you only use half of what you take. As these are pack trips saddlebags are provided to place your personal items.

Clothing and Luggage
• Two changes of clothes: loose pants, long sleeve shirts which protect better from the sun than t-shirts. For the cold weather it is better to carry along a few thin warm clothes (t-shirts, undershirts, etc) than only one thick garment. Polar sweaters do well both in summer and winter
• Warm undershirt and underpants
• Waterproof jacket and/or poncho
• Hat (not a cap) and riding helmet
• Neckerchief
• Gloves (optional)
• Trekking shoes or riding boots
• Half chaps
• Sneakers (the ones that can get wet)
• Rain cape

Hygiene
• Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush, tooth paste, etc, in small packaging
• Small towel
• Larger towel
• Wet wipes (optional)

Health
• Personal medicine
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent (optional)
• Sunglasses
• Prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Water bottle

Accessories
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera and/or video camera and spare batteries
• Sleeping bag

Documentation
• Medical and accident insurance details
• Photocopy of documents

Dates & Pricing

Programmes

There are set departure dates you can join. Tailor-made departures can also be arranged all year round. Depending on which programme is chosen, there is a choice of either 9 day/8 night or 12 day/11 nights.

Departure Dates

2021 9 Day Programme: May 10; July 17; August 22; October 12; December 29.
2021 12 Day Programme: May 23; July 4; August 8; September 19; October 31.
Tailor-made rides can also be arranged all year round

Pricing

No single supplement is charged if the rider is willing to share with someone of the same sex, and a sharer can be found.

No of days/nights		Riding days	Product item description	£
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	double pp excluding Buenos Aires activities	1,709
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	double pp including Buenos Aires activities	1,799
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	supplement for group of 2-3	375
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	supplement for group of 4-5	189
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	single supplement for hotels and individual tent	149
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	double pp excluding Buenos Aires activities	1,395
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	double pp including Buenos Aires activities	1,499
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	supplement for group of 2-3	295
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	supplement for group of 4-5	135
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	single supplement for hotels and individual tents	149

No of days/nights		Riding days	Product item description	€
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	double pp excluding Buenos Aires activities	2,045
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	double pp including Buenos Aires activities	2,155
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	supplement for group of 2-3	445
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	supplement for group of 4-5	225
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	single supplement for hotels and individual tent	175
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	double pp excluding Buenos Aires activities	1,669
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	double pp including Buenos Aires activities	1,795
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	supplement for group of 2-3	355
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	supplement for group of 4-5	165
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	single supplement for hotels and individual tents	175

No of days/nights		Riding days	Product item description	$
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	double pp excluding Buenos Aires activities	2,269
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	double pp including Buenos Aires activities	2,389
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	supplement for group of 2-3	495
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	supplement for group of 4-5	249
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	single supplement for hotels and individual tent	195
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	double pp excluding Buenos Aires activities	1,855
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	double pp including Buenos Aires activities	1,989
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	supplement for group of 2-3	389
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	supplement for group of 4-5	179
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	single supplement for hotels and individual tents	195

No of days/nights		Riding days	Product item description	SEK
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	double pp excluding Buenos Aires activities	21,295
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	double pp including Buenos Aires activities	22,419
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	supplement for group of 2-3	4,645
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	supplement for group of 4-5	2,345
2022 - 12 day programme	12d/11n	9	single supplement for hotels and individual tent	1,829
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	double pp excluding Buenos Aires activities	17,405
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	double pp including Buenos Aires activities	18,669
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	supplement for group of 2-3	3,659
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	supplement for group of 4-5	1,689
2022 - 9 day programme	9d/8n	6	single supplement for hotels and individual tents	1,829

Other

Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):

9 day: Salta Airport (SLA)
12 day: Buenos Aires Airport (EZE)

Transfer:

2021/22: Included from Salta for 9 day programme. 12 day programme approximately $60 one way per car (1-3 pax) from Buenos Aires Pistarini (international) or $30 from Buenos Aires Newbery (domestic).

Flight Guide:

London - Buenos Aires return from £700-£1,000. See below for flight info. Buenos Aires to Salta flight from £250.

Trip Length:

9 days/8 nights/6 days riding OR
12 days/ 11 nights/9 days riding

Departure Dates:

2021 9 Day Programme: May 10; July 17; August 22; October 12; December 29.

2021 12 Day Programme: May 23; July 4; August 8; September 19; October 31.

Tailor-made rides can also be arranged all year round

Features:

Riding ability: Walk, trot and canter on a good horse.

Ride time per day: 4-6 hours

Group size: 4-8. Ride may be confirmed for less than 6 at a supplement, see Prices and Dates tab.

Weight limit: 209 lb/95 kg

Includes:

9 day itinerary: all accommodation - (5 nights in mountain cabins, 2 nights in Salta hotel and 1 night in Tribeca hotel or similar) based on shared 'dorm-style' rooms, all meals and beverages during the ride and others as indicated in town, Salta city and Buenos Aires domestic airport transfers, guided riding and all required equipment for the horse riding.
12 day itinerary: all accommodation - (8 nights camping/mountain cabins, 2 nights in Salta hotel and 1 night in Tribeca hotel or similar) based on shared 'dorm-style' rooms, all meals and beverages during the ride and others as indicated in town, Salta city and Buenos Aires domestic airport transfers, guided riding and all required equipment for the horse riding.

Not Included:

International and domestic flights, Buenos Aires International airport transfers, tours and activities in Buenos Aires (unless booked as an addition), travel and medical insurance, tips and extra meals, beverages and services not mentioned.

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