Expedition with a backpack on the shoulder, in the crossing mode (joining two different points of a region). The overnight stays, in wild areas, are in tents (occasionally in schools or churches, depending on the town that is visited). Carrying equipment on horseback and mules.
Itinerary
Arrival in Salta
Participants must arrive in Salta one day before the trek begins. Equipment check and meeting with the guides will take place the day before at approximately 5:00 PM.
Accommodation in Salta is not included (recommended hostel available).
Day 1: Salta – Incahuasi Valley
Transfer from Salta to Incamayo in the Quebrada del Toro. We begin the trek and the first section of the route, ascending through mountain slopes and valleys toward the north. We will cross high mountain passes above 3,500 m.a.s.l. before reaching the Incahuasi Valley, where our first campsite is located.
Rest and overnight camping.
Trek start: 2,280 m.a.s.l.
Trek finish: 3,000 m.a.s.l.
Distance: 20 km
Duration: 8–9 hours
Day 2: Abra de la Cruz
On this day, the trail takes us above 3,000 meters. At Abra de la Cruz (3,410 m.a.s.l.), one of the most spectacular views of the entire journey unfolds before us. From this point, high above the clouds, it is possible to see the entire Lerma Valley and the city of Salta.
The trail then descends to our second campsite, located near local residents who maintain small-scale agricultural and livestock operations. Here, we will have the opportunity to share experiences and learn about the lifestyle of the current inhabitants of the region.
Overnight camping.
Trek start: 3,000 m.a.s.l.
Trek finish: 2,890 m.a.s.l.
Distance: 16 km
Duration: 7–8 hours
Day 3: Into the Yungas
The trail now brings us closer to the humid environment characteristic of the Yungas cloud forest. Leaving camp behind, we begin our descent. The scenery here is completely different from the landscapes of the previous two days.
The trail continues with a gentle descent until reaching the confluence of two mountain rivers. From there, we follow the river upstream before entering the Yungas. The route begins with a gradual climb that becomes steeper toward the end of the day.
Overnight camping.
Trek start: 2,890 m.a.s.l.
Trek finish: 2,280 m.a.s.l.
Distance: 12 km
Duration: 6–7 hours
Day 4: San Lorenzo Gorge – Return to Salta
We begin the final day of our journey, fully immersed in the Salta Yungas. The trail leads us through beautiful landscapes on our way toward the city of Salta. Walking along mountain ridgelines, we will enjoy the region’s characteristic flora and fauna while occasionally encountering local residents who raise livestock in these remote areas.
The final section of the trek takes us to the foothills of the city, arriving at the San Lorenzo Gorge. Upon arrival, we will share a few drinks before concluding the trip and returning to Salta by private transfer.
Approximate arrival in Salta: 7:00 PM. End of program.
Trek start: 2,280 m.a.s.l.
Trek finish: 1,550 m.a.s.l.
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 8–9 hours
Elevation Profile
Included Services
Internal transfers from Salta (starting and ending place of the trekking)
Full board, non-a la carte menu, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5. (4 daily meals: breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner). - Includes snacks.
Carrying equipment with horses and mules. Baqueanos
Wild camps and accommodation in towns (schools, churches, etc., depending on the population we visit)
Tents
General camping logistics (pots, heaters, security elements, orientation).
Guides and permanent coordination.
Assistance before and during the hike.
Services NOT included
Accommodation in Salta (ask us for info or reservations)
meals on Salta
trip to Salta
Note
Trekking of the Clouds - El Qhapaq Ñan, the route of the Incas
Backbone of the political and economic power of the Tawantisuyo -the Inca empire- the road network of the Tahuantinsuyo, or the Qhapaq Ñan (in Quechua = path of the King or of the powerful) was a network of roads of more than 30,000 kilometers long that connected production, administrative and ceremonial centers. Recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Qhapaq Ñan (in Quechua, “main road”) today crosses six Andean countries. Starting from Peru to the south, it covers part of the territories of Bolivia, Argentina and Chile and to the north, those of Ecuador and Colombia. These roads allow us to trace the footprint left behind by the Andean peoples, their armies and priests, their merchants and caravans of llamas that transported merchandise. In the north of Argentina, one of the sections of the Qhpaq Ñan is the one we make on this journey, in the Quebrada del Toro area, Salta.
It is a journey on foot, backpack on the shoulder, through ancestral trails, slopes covered with cardones, communities nestled in the mountains, terraced crops and deep valleys. The Pascha community lives in these places, the simplicity of its people and the imposing landscapes make this experience unforgettable. The circuit begins in the puna, on the way to San Antonio de los Cobres, where the horizon becomes infinite. Our adventure ends in the alder forests of the greenest part of Salta, after having crossed mountain ranges of 4000 meters. with valleys, streams, communities, hamlets and old-fashioned posts that transport us back in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuantas horas se caminan por dia?
En general tenemos un sistema de caminar unas 3 o 4 horas por la mañana; hacemos una gran parada de almuerzo y caminamos otro tanto por la tarde hasta el lugar donde armamos el campamento.
¿Que temperaturas hay que soportar?
El norte argentino se caracteriza por poseer una importante amplitud térmica (calor durante el dia y fresco en las noches y madrugadas). También allí existe el denominado “Invierno Boliviano”. Esto significa que en el verano nuestro (Diciembre a Marzo) allí es temporada de lluvias. En el invierno nuestro no llueve pero la amplitud térmica se hace notar un poco más y el frío en las noches y madrugadas puede hacerse sentir, sobre todo en los campamentos de altura (a más de 2500 msnm) como dos de este recorrido.
Hay que protegerse mucho del sol con sombrero-gorro, pañuelos para el cuello, protector solar y lentes de montaña. Y para la noche es importante contar con buena bolsa de dormir y abrigo ya que la temperatura puede descender a menos de 0° centígrados.
¿Que bolsa de dormir me conviene llevar?
Las bolsas o sacos de dormir deben poder soportar una temperatura de 0° Confort, como para poder descansar tranquilos. La de material de divet-pluma de ganso son las mejores, pero las sintéticas hoy en día también poseen materiales modernos y de grandes prestaciones. Se pueden alquilar.
¿Hay algo que me puedas comentar del grupo? ¿Cuántos somos, edades, etc.?
En general se trata de grupos muy heterogóneos (todo tipo de gente). Edades y sexos variados, gente que viaja sola, acompañada por algún amigo/a, parejas, familias, etc.
¿Con qué estado físico debo contar como para poder realizar este tipo de travesías?
No es determinante que seas un deportista actualizado y que entrenes 4 veces por semana. Pero sí es importante que sepas que cuanto mejor físicamente te encuentres siempre va a ser mejor. La idea de estas aventuras es que ustedes puedan disfrutarla y no padecerla. Si no solés entrenar, salir a correr, hacer bicicleta u otra actividad aeróbica te recomendamos que te acerques a alguna clase de nuestros entrenamientos semanales asociados a las actividades de montaña. Y sino que empieces por salir a caminar con mochila cargada de no menos de 8 kilogramos y realices varios kilómetros por semana y también subas y bajes escaleras o pendientes en series de 20 minutos ininterrumpidos. Solicitanos un plan de entrenamiento adecuado.
¿Tengo entendido que las carpas se comparten, no? Es necesario que lleve una?
Las carpas están incluidas dentro del programa, por parte de nuestra empresa. Pero si vos querés traer una, podés hacerlo. Solo consultanos.
¿Que comemos?
En todas nuestras expediciones brindamos el servicio de comidas EN PLAN PENSION COMPLETA.
Almuerzos de marcha (comidas frias): Sandwiches de milanesa y tomate, Sandwiches de fiambre, picadas, ensaladas, tapas, etc.
Cenas: Guisos de verdura-panceta-chorizo colorado, Cazuelas de pollo y verduras, Pastas con salsas varias o estofado, Carne asada (Chivito), Chaw Fan, Pollo con arroz a la cacerola....
Desayunos y meriendas: Te, Café, Capuchino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Leche en polvo; pan, galletitas, mermelada, miel, dulce de leche; cereales, fruta.
Who's a good fit for Trekking of the Clouds - Salta?
Trekking of the Clouds - Salta is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde Salta , in the region North, Argentina.
It lasts 4 days . Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.
What physical fitness level is required for Trekking of the Clouds - Salta?
Como medir la dificultad de un ascenso o una expedición? es una pregunta que surge a menudo. Para esto desarrollamos un sistema de graduación que ayuda al participante a medir la dificultad, dado a que evaluamos 5 variables sobre la intensidad de cada propuesta. • The weight of the backpack relative to the length of the day • The physical demand • The technical level of the terrain and required equipment • The degree of mental strength required • The maximum altitude reached
Hace click el botón y evaluá vos mismo la dificultad ->:
What equipment do I need to take part in the Trekking of the Clouds - Salta?
En cada uno de nuestros programas vas encontrar un apartado de EQUIPO REQUERIDO. contá con nosotros para asesorarte y prepararlo de forma adecuada para maximizar el disfrute de la actividad. Contamos con una tienda de alquiler, para resolver si te falta algo. Chequealo ahora! ->
What's included in Trekking of the Clouds - Salta?
Internal transfers from Salta (starting and ending place of the trekking)
Full board, non-a la carte menu, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5. (4 daily meals: breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner). - Includes snacks.
Carrying equipment with horses and mules. Baqueanos
Wild camps and accommodation in towns (schools, churches, etc., depending on the population we visit)
Tents
General camping logistics (pots, heaters, security elements, orientation).
Guides and permanent coordination.
Assistance before and during the hike.
Difficulty Graduation System
Click on each indicator to see details
60%
Backpack (M)
Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.
Clic para detalles
60%
Physical (F)
Physical demand
Clic para detalles
20%
Technical (T)
Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.
Clic para detalles
40%
Psycho (P)
Psychological Strength
Clic para detalles
60%
Height (A)
Height Exposure
Clic para detalles
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)
This point refers to the weight we have to carry in our backpacks. Treks or journeys where we use pack animals allow us to carry less weight on our backs.
20%Up to 5 Kilos: Short excursion walks / Trekking Talampaya
40%Up to 8/10 Kilos: Round-trip trekking / Vallecitos 3 and 4-day programs
60%Up to 12/15 kilos: Crossing trekking with porting / Crossing of the Andes Paso Portillo
80%More than 15/18 kilos: Cross-country trekkings with little or no portage / Trekkings in Patagonia
100%More than 25 Kilos: With a lot of equipment on top and little or no porting / Continental Ice
Physical demand (F)
Physical (F)
We define physical demand as the fatigue we may experience both aerobically and in the muscles, legs, and joints.
20%half a day or less with little unevenness.
40%more sustained slopes and longer days in the activity. 2-3 days / more than 6 hours per day.
60%Long ascents and descents with a longer duration. Ascents to more than 4000 meters in the central mountain range.
80%Important work of legs in resistance. Very long days. Very long day ascents.
100%Maximum demand. Aerobic work and constant effort on legs. Continental Ice, Aconcagua.
Technical Aspect (T)
Technical (T)
The technical difficulty is mainly based on the terrain and the required skill level.
20%flat land
40%Trails with moderate ascents and descents. General trekking expeditions.
60%Steeper slopes and trails. Possible use of crampons.
80%Mixed terrain, with snow or ice. Alvear, Lanin, Tronador.
100%Highly technical terrain. Glacier travel and climbing in sections.
Psychological Strength (P)
Psycho (P)
Psychological factor that represents conviction, confidence, self-control and willpower.
20%We will not be much affected.
40%This is a normal level of attention.
60%We require more motivation, enthusiasm and concentration.
80%The activity will require us to be very connected and convinced.
100%Maximum control and emotional-psychological performance.
Height Exposure (A)
Altitude (A)
Factor that the height above sea level influences us depending on the activity.
0%+ sea level.
20%Up to 2000 masl.
40%+ 2000 masl.
60%+ 4000 masl.
80%+ 5000 masl.
100%+ 6000 masl.
How to interpret these values?
Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:
20-40%: Basic or beginner level
60%: Intermediate level
80-100%: Advanced or expert level
Recommended for intermediate level
Previous experience and good physical condition required.
Espectacular todo! el recorrido Calilegua-Tilcara, los paisajes, la atención y dedicación de los guiás. Lean y Gusti una masa!! comimos excelente, mucha magia de Gustavo en la cocina y los lugareños que nos recibieron de primera. El grupo que toco también toda la onda!! La pasamos genial en todo momento, el hospedaje de ultima noche un lujo. Recomiendo fuerte!!
LD
Luciana Durante
Fui a Tres Picos con Mati y Fer de AEX. Todo sucedió como estaba organizado. Tanto los guías como Euge estuvieron disponibles desde el día 1 de la reserva para evacuar todas nuestras dudas y llegar de la mejor manera al trekking. Súper recomendable viajar con AEX.
GA
Guillermina Augustu
Tilcara Calilegua es la travesía mas hermosa que hice, tiene unos paisajes maravillosos . La inmensidad en la montaña es increible. Pero lo que realmente lo hizo mágico fueron los lugares donde nos hospedamos, los compañeros de montaña y el amor y el cuidado de los guías. Euge y Gus estuvieron en cada detalle, pendiente de cada uno de nosotros, realemente ellos fueron el viaje. La comida increible. Agradecida eternamente con ambos..
Do you have doubts?
If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!
