Inca Trekking - From Iruya to Nazareno - Salta - NOA
One of the most wonderful trekking routes in the northwest region of Argentina
4.8 (147)
Duration:5 days + 1 nightStarting from:Iruya - previous dayRegion:NorthDistance:65 km
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Home:
2027-May-01Fin:
2027-May-06
Start time: 7 amEnding time: 10 am
Meeting Point: Iruya - previous day
Duration: 5 days + 1 nightCupos:
8 spots
Proposal
Quebradas, cerros y Colla rivers - One of the 10 most important trekkings in Argentina #top10treksofargentina
As hundreds of years ago, as the Incas did, we will try to unite these small villages of Colla origin, which are capriciously nestled in ravines and hills. The task is not easy, but the contrast between the blue sky and the rainbow the colors of the imposing mountains fill our senses, they invite us to continue, step by step, through those narrow paths, through those deep ravines, wading through those torrential rivers.
At sunset, in the heights, share some mates with some other old settler, listening carefully to his story, enjoying its warmth but without losing sight of those high peaks that watch over us, with that blanket of clouds that shelters them when the evening approaches.
Next dates (2023):
May 16
19th of June
July 24
August 28
September 25th
30th of October
Itinerary:
What we present here is the planned route for the crossing, but the exact route, the duration of each stage of the march and the choice of alternative itineraries are subject to different factors such as weather conditions and group evaluation by the guide.
Day 1: This day you have to be in the town of Iruya to spend the night there, to have the meeting with the guides and be ready to start the next day. After noon. We advise you on how to travel to Iruya.
NOTE: Ask for the week prior to this date, that we will be doing the other great Calilegua-Tilcara trek; possibility of joining the two routes.
Day 2 Iruya-Chiyayoc: With the first rays of light, breakfast, armed with loads and, with backpacks on our shoulders, we went for a walk on our first day. Gentle and short descent to the Iruya river ravine. From here a steep climb awaits us to the pass of San Juan (from where the view is incomparable). After a light lunch, we went down to the ravine to face our last ascent: to Chiyayoc, a small town scattered on the side of a large hill, along a small valley, at 3000 meters above sea level. Intense day of 9 hours of walking. Night in beds.
Initial Height: 2700 masl
Final height: 3160 masl
Duration of activity approx: 9 hours
Distance: 23km
Day 3 Chiyayoc-Rodeo Colorado: We have breakfast with the warmth of the first rays of the sun, we set off heading north. We start a slow and continuous ascent, until the "open" from where we descend by a "multicolor" path to another small town: Rodío. Lunch at La Loma. In the afternoon we continue to Rodeo Colorado at 2,950 meters above sea level. Overnight in cabins.
Initial Height: 3160 masl
Final height: 2950 masl
Duration of activity approx: 7 hours
Distance: 20km
Day 4 Rodeo Colorado-Molinos: Free morning to explore the town. We can wake up with the school bells. A day of ups and downs, stalls with residents who greet us as we pass, rushing streams and huge stone walls. Our day culminates in another small town, Comunidad de Molinos. Capriciously founded on a ridge with a beautiful view of the Nazareno River valley. Long day of 8 hours of walking. Night with sleeping bag in room.
Initial Height: 2950 masl
Final height: 3200 masl
Duration of activity approx: 8 hours
Distance: 15km
Day 5 Molinos-Nazareno: We wake up early, have a light breakfast, prepare the equipment and assemble the loads. The trail winds and descends into a huge valley, then begins many river crossings. In the afternoon, we arrive at the end of our journey, at the picturesque town of Nazareno (3000 masl). After settling in a simple shelter in the community, we went out to explore the town and look for a place to have a tasty meal of homemade food. Extensive day of more than 8 hours of walking. night in bed
Initial Height: 3200 masl
Final altitude: 3060 masl
Duration of activity approx: 8 hours
Distance: 22 km
Day 6 Nazareno-La Quiaca: Very early in the morning, our charter transport picks us up and takes us to La Quiaca. There are 100 kilometers of film, steps at 5000 meters high, winding roads, llamas and vicuñas everywhere... At approximately 9 am we arrive at La Quiaca. End of our journey. Here you can hire a bus service that takes you to Jujuy or Salta, which depart permanently.
Included Services
Transfer from Nazareno to La Quiaca.
Full board in the mountains (from lunch on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 5)
One night accommodation in a simple hostel in Nazareno.
nights of accommodation in houses of local people with beds and one with a sleeping bag.
Portage with mules-donkeys of the general team (tents, food, kitchen equipment, etc.) and individual (up to 5 kg. Per person).
Guided and permanent coordination throughout the journey.
General camping logistics (pots, heaters, security elements, orientation)
Personal tableware
Communication for emergencies with satellite phone
Permanent advice and assistance.
Services NOT included
Travel to Salta and Iruya
Transfer back from La Quiaca
Accommodation in Iruya the night before.
Meals in cities and towns (Salta, Iruya, Nazareno)
Drinks
Expenses caused by eventual abandonment of the program
Menu
The meals are typical of the area based on charqui, generally stews, empanadas and soup throughout the journey with typical desserts, and food is also prepared for vegetarians. Humitas and tamales, according to the time.
Breakfasts and snacks: Aromatic based on tea with homemade bread baked in a clay oven, homemade jams, cookies, etc.
Where to sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the activity?
This trekking is for people who are in good physical condition to withstand an average of 6 to 8 hours of mountain walking, for several days, at an easy but constant rithm, leaving from San Francisco, Calilegua, with a spectacular landscape transition. With a lot of vegetation change, and where we are in full contact with people living in the mountains and with Nature. In only 70km, from the nuboselva, from the Calilegua National Park to the semi-desert, in the Quebrado de Humahuaca.
How is the terraine?
Cliffy trails to large valleys.
Do I need to be trained?
For any mountain activity you need to have a previous physical preparation, or be physically active. In this case we suggest Aerobic training (going for a run two to three times a week, cycling or swimming) and doing a good leg workout (gym, crossfit, AEX training, etc.)
Do I need previous experience?
We recommend walking at least once before this trekking with a backpack, although no previous experience is required.
Where do we spend the night?
The idea of ??this trek is to be able to share the experience with local people, in family homes. Overnight takes place in those houses of local people, with basic services. They have mattress beds.
What is the weather like ?
Although the time of the year is optimal for this crossing, in mountain and/ or wild areas temperatures tend to fall at night. There may be the possibility of rain storms, hence the importance of personal equipment. Non of what we detail in the equipment list can be missing.
Are there any breaks to rest?
Stops are given with a frequency and graduation according to the intensity. There are breaks for lunch, snack, and rest.
How old do I have to be to do this activity?
From 13 years old onwards. We also recommend you to contact us before registering or registering a minor just to make sure that his/her experience is the suitable for this trek.
How much does the backpack weigh?
On this tour, having pack animals, you can walk with a small backpack (between 35 and 45 liters) with the things we use during the day (coat, sunscreen, flashlight, water, etc.)
Is there any carrying service?
We have a mule carrying the general equipment, such as kitchen elements, food, tents, and security elements. They also carry some of your equipment, an approximate of up to 7 kilos per person.
What do we eat?
Meals: Milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold sandwiches, snacks, salads, tapas, etc.
Dinners: Vegetable stews with bacon or chorizo ;chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various , barbacue (goat), Chaw Fan, chicken with rice among other meals
Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Milk powder; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit.
It is necessary to complete the personal / medical file to clarify if someone does not eat some type of food.
Who's a good fit for Trekking from Iruya to Nazareno - Salta?
Trekking from Iruya to Nazareno - Salta is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde Iruya - previous day , in the region North, Argentina.
It lasts 5 days + 1 night. Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.
What physical fitness level is required for Trekking from Iruya to Nazareno - 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 from Iruya to Nazareno - 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 from Iruya to Nazareno - Salta?
Transfer from Nazareno to La Quiaca.
Full board in the mountains (from lunch on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 5)
One night accommodation in a simple hostel in Nazareno.
nights of accommodation in houses of local people with beds and one with a sleeping bag.
Portage with mules-donkeys of the general team (tents, food, kitchen equipment, etc.) and individual (up to 5 kg. Per person).
Guided and permanent coordination throughout the journey.
General camping logistics (pots, heaters, security elements, orientation)
Personal tableware
Communication for emergencies with satellite phon
What happens if the trip is suspended due to bad weather or other force majeure?
At AEX, the safety of our travelers and guides comes first. Activities are only suspended or modified when weather, political or geographic conditions put the expedition at risk. The decision rests exclusively with the guide team and technical direction, based on official reports (National Weather Service, National Parks or local authorities).
If the trip is suspended, do I lose what I paid?
No. The amount paid becomes a Credit in your favor (Weather Voucher) valid for 18 months from the suspended date: up to 6 months to choose a new date plus 12 months to take part. You can use it for the same expedition or any of our other destinations and experiences, and if you cannot use it within that period you can transfer it to someone else.
Difficulty Graduation System
Click on each indicator to see details
40%
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
40%
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
Ideal for beginners
This adventure is perfect for those starting in outdoor activities.
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..
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.
CV
Carla Verónica Sterki
Plaza de Mulas. Increíble, una experiencia única!! Un viaje maravilloso en todos los sentidos. Los guias con un profesionalismo inmenso, Vane una genia, con una paciencia enorme y siempre muy atenta, cuidadosa y detallista para que podamos disfrutar la experiencia, siempre con muy buena onda y motivando para seguir. Gracias también Roger, Gus y Fede, muchas gracias por todas las buenas energías. Se armó un grupo hermoso. Las vistas y la inmensidad de los paisajes son únicas.
Do you have doubts?
If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!
