Inca Trail trek to La Quiaca
Day 1: Salta Airport - City of Salta
We welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation in Salta. We have the rest of the day to enjoy the town, which is packed with charm.
The central plaza is surrounded by history and historical buildings and some of the finest churches in the region. The Cathedral’s Virgin Mary statue has an interesting history and is well worth a visit, as is relaxing in one of the cafés in the square. Lodging at Hosteria, double or single.
Day 2: San Antonio de los Cobres y Salinas Grandes
We depart early on our way to Campo Quijano, going through the Quebrada Del Toro, and the finally arriving to the pre Hispanic city of Rosa de Tastil with its legendary ruins. We are already above 3,000 metres as we start to acclimatise for the trek ahead.
Our trip continues to San Antonio de los Cobres, a typical town located at 4000 metres above sea level. From here we go over the Paso de Jama to the high Puna where we stop and have a traditional lunch at a villager’s house. From here we head to the “Salinas Grandes”, or Salt Flats.
We then descend into Lipan andl make a stop at the town of Pumamarca and its famous ‘Los Siete Colores’ – the Mountain of Seven Colours. Later we arrive to our lodge at the picturesque town of Tilcara. Lodging at Hosteria, double or single. (B)
Day 3: Devil’s Throat - Tilcara
Still acclimatising, we have the morning free to discover the town and its interesting features such us the market at la Plaza Grande, the town church and the Pucará de Tilcara, old Inca ruins on the outskirts of the town.
In the afternoon we set off on a small trek to the Devil’s Throat, walking along the old Kollas paths next to brightly coloured rocks and then looking back for an amazing view of the region. After 3 or 4 hours we finally go back to Tilcara. Lodging at Hosteri,a double or single. (B)
Day 4: Tilcara – Iruya
After breakfast, we leave the hostal and head to the bus station to catch a public bus to the north. It’s a scenic 3-4 hour journey over a high pass, with a classic Andean zig-zag descent to the small and picturesque town of Iruya. The houses and buildings here are entirely solar powered, a testament to the dry and sunny climate.
There is plenty of time to explore the town, which features steep and beautifully cobbled streets and a striking church, typical of the region. There are some good look out points at the top of the village and interesting livestock stalls at the foot of it. We spend the night in this fascinating place, simple lodging. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Iruya - Chiyayoc
Early in the morning, we head out of the town and descend to the confluence of the Rio San Isidro and Rio Iruya, which continues as Rio Iruya. These waters are easy to cross in the dry season when we trek, but become enormous raging torrents in the wetter months.
After out river crossing, we being our ascent of the Andes until our first pass is reached, the Abra Del Colorado. With some amazing views, we then descend to the San Juan River where we have lunch.
After our break, another ascent awaits before we head down to Chiyayoc village at 3,100m. We have time to relax after this 8-9 hour trekking day in our simple lodging. OSL. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Chiyayoc – Rodeo Colorado
The trek continues through this amazing landscape. The day starts after breakfast and it’s a descent to take us to the valley of Rio Trancas. By now you will be accustomed to the terrain and know that once we reach a river bed, our crossing to the other side will be met with an ascent as we criss-cross the deep rivers of the Highland Andes.
At our pass, we have fabulous views of the town of Rodeo Colorado, our destination for the night. Before we reach the campsite, we head down to Rio Pera and follow this for a short while. This has been another trekking day of 8-9 hours and we arrive at our camp for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Rodeo Colorado – Nazareno River
Following two long days of trekking, we have a shorter day today of 4-5 hours. We descend (most of the way) to the town of Molino.
Behind us, there is always the amazing view of the valley of the Rio Nazareno. From this valley there is short ascent to our camp, where you can relax, chat with the locals and appreciate the great views. Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours. Camp. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Nazareno River - Nazareno
This is the last stage of our trek across the old Inca Paths and stairways. We spend 5-6 hours walking alongside the river, encountering wildlife and great colours on the way before we reach Nazareno Village and simple lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Nazareno – La Quiaca - Salta
In the morning we have breakfast and head off in vehicles to the northern region of Argentina, La Quiaca, situated next to the frontier with Bolivia.
From here we continue our way to Salta, where showers and cold drinks and beers await! Lodging at Hosteria, double or single. (B)
Day 10: Salta - Airport
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport. End of services (B)
Included
All transfers in Salta and for trek, Bilingual guide, 4 nights hostería, 3 nights in simple lodges (shared b’rooms), 2 nights camping with communal camping kit (tents, dining tent), private and public buses, mules for the trek (8kg per person), meals as stated - 9 b’fasts, 5 box lunches, 5 dinners
Not included
Sleeping bag, foam mat, medical and life insurance, international and internal flights, tips, alcoholic or soft drinks, airport taxes, personal items, optional excursions, meals not listed.
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