Trekking from Iruya to Nazareno

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

Where to sleep

habitación en una de las casas

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.

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

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.

Required equipment

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

Trekking Backpack (50 to 65 liters)
Warm sleeping bag
Insulated sleeping pad (10 to 15mm)
trekking poles
Sunglasses (Category IV)

FOOTWEAR

1 pair of trekking boots (in good conditions)***
1 second pair of footwear (comfy)

CLOTHES

3 pairs of trekking socks
Underwear
Long trekking pants (NO JEAN)
1 indoor long pants or leggings
2 Dry fit synthetic short sleeve t-shirts
1 Long sleeve shirt
2 sweatshirts (fleece)
Warm jacket (made of feathers or synthetic)
1 sun hat (with flaps)
1 handkerchief to cover your neck from the sun (multifunction scarves Buff type)
Warm gloves
Warm hat
1 waterproof / breathable jacket (parka,ultrex,goretex)