Andean Altiplano
Andean Altiplano
From Salta, we ascend to the Altiplano via the Quebrada del Toro, visiting the pre-Inca ruins of Santa Rosa de Tastil (3,100 meters of altitude), arriving at San Antonio de los Cobres (3,700 meters). We will go to the La Polvorilla rail bridge ("Tren a las Nubes", 4,200 meters), drive up to the Abra El Acay (4,890 meters), and descend the Calchaquí valley until Cachi (2,200 meters). We return to Salta by way of the Los Cardones National Park, the Tin Tin Stretch, the "Piedra del Molino" (3,300 meters) and the Cuesta del Obispo.
Included: Lodging in Hotel Salta
After our transfer from the airport to the hotel, we hold a briefing session, where we will discuss the most important aspects of our trip. During the remaining part of the day we will do a city tour: we will visit the San Bernardo hill, the monument to Güemes, and walk around the city center (Plaza 9 de Julio). Next morning, after breakfast, our adventure trip begins.
Distance traveled: 220 km in 5 hours
Included: Lunch, Lodging in Hosteria de las Nubes
We will drive up the Andes Cordillera via the beautiful Quebrada del Toro, arriving at the "pueblo" of Santa Rosa de Tastil, at 3,100 meters of altitude. There we find pre-Inca ruins, where we can walk around the extinct settlement. Continuing our ascent of the Altiplano, we will get as high as 4,080 meters. We will descend to 3,700 meters, arriving at the Altiplanic town of San Antonio de los Cobres.
Distance traveled: 100 km in 5 hours
Included: Breakfast,Lunch, Lodging in Hosteria de las Nubes
We will visit the La Polvorilla rail bridge ("Tren a las Nubes", 4,200 meters of altitude). We explore the Altiplano around San Antonio de los Cobres.
Distance traveled: 200 km in 6 hours
Included: Breakfast,Lunch, Lodging in Hotel El Cortijo
From San Antonio de los Cobres, we will climb via a sinuous road to the Abra El Acay, at 4,890 meters of altitude. We will see vicuñas, foxes, rabbits, condors, amongst others. The Abra el Acay separates the Altiplano from the Calchaquí valley. From there we can appreciate the immensity of the Altiplano, its crystal-clear atmosphere, the deep blue sky... We will descend the Cordillera by the Calchaquí valley to the town of Cachi, at 2,200 meters.
A good opportunity to see the area's history
Distance traveled: 200 km in 6 hours
Included: Breakfast,Lunch
From Cachi we will leave the Calchaquí valley, climbing to the Los Cardones National Park, with its uncountable cacti of the Trichocereus genus, that resemble guardians of the Altiplano. We will drive along the Tin Tin Stretch, on our way to the Piedra del Molino, at 3,300 meters of altitude, before descending the Cordillera via the fantastic Cuesta del Obispo.
Included: Lodging in Hotel Salta
We drop off the group in the hotel and the rest of the day is free. The following morning, with adequate time, we transfer the group to the airport and our services end.