From the Puna to the Jungle trip dossier
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 - Veranada de Yutos Pampa
Early in the morning, we hop on board a local bus to “Alfacito” (2,900m above sea level.) Here, we begin our trek. It’s a slow and persistent ascent up to the top of the pass at 4,200m. We have lunch here and then descend to Yutos Pampa at 3,200m and our first campsite. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Veranada de Yutos Pampa - Molulo
After a hearthy breakfast, we continue our crossing, ascending until we reach the top of the Mount Cumbre Grande.
It is from here that, at the end of the valley, theforest can be seen and appreciated. We continue onwards and in the afternoon we arrive at the community of Molulo, 2,950m. The day’s trek is about 6 hours and we relax at our new campsite. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Molulo - Abra Del Potrero
After the previous day’s efforts we have a relaxing breakfast and a peaceful morning. We spend plenty of time meeting the locals and exploring the immediate area.
After lunch, we continue our passage. Gradually, you start to notice an increase and change in the vegetation as we spend 4-5 hours trekking down towards the jungle and a place known as Abra Potrero, our camp for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Abra Del Potrero - San Lucas
We continue our adventure from Abra del Potrero through the thick forest, which eventually recedes and emerges onto an open and red landscape.
It’s back into the forest and then a continuous ascent we get to see the caserío of San Lucas. Then we slowly start the descent back to the town in day with a walking time of 7 to 8 hours. Camp. (B,L,D)
Day 8: San Lucas - Calilegua - Salta
Today is last stage of our crossing from the Puna to the jungle.
The path continues by the southern bank of the San Lucas River. Here the vegetation is dense and the valley is deep. After crossing the Valle Grande Valley, we ascend to Peña Alta – it takes 5-6 hours in total and marks the end of the trek!
On arrival, we are transferred in our waiting vehicle and travel through Calilegua National Park and arrive at Liberator San Martín Village, our last stop before Salta, where showers and cold drinks and beers await! Lodging at Hosteria, double or single. (B)
Day 9: 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, 4 nights camping with communal camping kit (tents, dining tent), private and public buses, mules for the trek (8kg per person), meals as stated - 8 b’fasts, 4 box lunches, 4 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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