Argentina’s Calchaquí Valleys Crossing

Day 1

Independent arrival to Salta. As a group, 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 hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide.

Day 2

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 by the corral.

We start our ride going south at this high altitude spot. We 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 3

After breakfast we 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.

Lunch at a dry river bed which 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. We will visit Isonza which is a working ranch
with its ancient way of life still intact. The way they milk the goats, make cheese, grow their crops is centuries old and inherited from Inca times.

Night at Peñas Blancas.

Day 4

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. Ride down the Chilo slopes. A truly unique experience.

Lunch before starting the ride uphill on the way back to Peñas Blancas.

Day 5

We move mainly South towards Yaslaguala. The giant cactii are all over and set the stage.

After lunch we ride to Amblayo town (2450 meters high) where we will spend the night. It has only 150 dwellers 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 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.

Night at Amblayo. Rooms with beds, bathroom with hot water. Electricity available.

Day 6

After breakfast enjoy this picturesque town. Visit its ancient chapel and its 17th century paintings brought from Peru, have a chat with its neighbors.

After lunch we ride 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. Traditional goat barbecue at dinner.

Day 7

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.

We sleep inside a cabin in sleeping bags. Toilet available and cold running water.

Day 8

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.

We 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. 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 ancient algarrobo trees.

We will spend the night again at Ayuso so we will just carry with us the essentials for the day.

Day 10

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.

Lunch on the way at the Creek. 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 hotel. Farewell dinner.

Day 11

Breakfast. Transfer to Salta Airport.

***Optional Extra Days

Salta city tour: We walk and drive the city with a guide. Its colony time buildings bring to life the way the city was at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors.

Quebrada de Humahuaca: Trip to Humahuaca Creek. Walk the ancient indian fortress in Tilcara. We reach Purmamarca and the 7 Colors Hill. Lunch. See a few of the small and picturesque towns along the creek.

Cafayate and its wineries: The road to Cafayate shows us very curious rock shapes (the amphitheater, the toad, the Titanic, etc.). At Cafayate we will visit the world renowned vineyards and wineries for wine tasting. The Torrontés
variety is regarded as best in class and exported all over the world.