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Inca Trails In The Northwest - 7D/6N
The Andes Mountains and its ancient culture in the backcountry of Northwest Argentina set the stage. Ride along impressive landscapes and a diversity of climates. Valleys with forests and crystal clear water, streams followed by deserts with multicolored mountains. The ride starts at La Viña in the Lerma Valley. As we start the ride we pass along 60 feet tall trees and dense bush. We go up to 9000 feet where the forest changes to high altitude grassland. This is the homeland to the Andean condor. In just two days we reach the desert of the Calchaquí Valleys. Here the monumental cactus set the stage, surrounded by multicolored hills, red soil and, as the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere. All along the way we will meet the locals, heirs of the ancient Incas, with their culture and lifestyle still alive high up in the mountains.
Departures: All year round. Daily with 2 participants Minimum.
Hotels: Tourist class: Estancias, Refuges.
Included: Hotel accommodation with local hotel taxes - Meals where specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch or Box-Lunch, D=Dinner) - Transfers to and from the airport - Horses and saddles - Bilingual guide - Transfers and tours.
Not Included: Any airfares - Passport and visa expenses - Beverages - Any personal expenses like tips, personal riding gear (hard helmet, boots, etc) and any items not specifically mentioned as included in the program.
** Level: Easy.
Day by day Itinerary:
- Day 1 Salta - Upon arrival to Salta city airport you will be met and taken to an estancia to spend the night. (D).
- Day 2 “El Churqui” post - Drive to La Viña (2hrs). Meet the horses. Last minute packing before riding into the mountainous forest of “Valle de Lerma” along the course of “Las Pircas” stream. At sunset, arrive at El Churqui mountain refuge to spend the night and enjoy a homemade meal. (B, L, D).
- Day 3 Calchaquí Valley - As we ascend, the dense forest gradually gives way to grasslands. This is the land of the wild horses. Once we reach approx. 9000 feet and have the chance to see some condors, we find our way to the deserted Calchaquí Valley. We head towards the town of Amblayo where we spend the second night. Only 150 people live here and it is renowned for its goat cheese which we may try during dinner. (B, L, D).
- Day 4 Isonza Ranch - We visit the town and its ancient chapel and ride all day through the Calchaquí Valley to our next stop at Isonza Ranch. (B, L, D).
- Day 5 Inca remains - Isonza is a working ranch. During this morning you are welcome to join in with the everyday life of the ranch. After lunch we ride and hike to visit the archeological remains of ancient Inca settlements and pictographs. Overnight at Isonza. (B, L, D).
- Day 6 La Viña- A long day ride across the Calchaquí Valley heading back to the mountain range that divides both valleys. A day full of contrasts. When we reach the very steep slopes of Chilo at 9000 feet the view is awesome. We are forced to get off the horses and let them go down on their own. The forest landscape is back. We ride along the narrow gorges of the Chilo River. Its walls are as tall as 120 feet. We arrive at La Viña and say farewell to our horses. Drive to an Estancia to spend the night after a well deserved dinner. (B, L, D)
- Day 7 Salta - Transfer to Salta City airport where our services end. (B)
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