The imposing and less explored north
On the border between Argentina and Bolivia, the natural environment has great contrasts and amazing biodiversity. Starting from the north of the Quebrada de Humahuaca (La Quiaca and Xavi, Jujuy zone) And from there, along another path, even more rugged and impressive, you reach the small town of Los Toldos, the gateway to the surprising and almost unexplored Baritú National Park, already in the province of Salta, area of ??the headwaters of the Bermejo River.
Baritú National Park is one of the least visited parks in Argentina, but at the same time it is one of the richest in flora, fauna and beautiful landscapes. It was created on April 27, 1974, to protect and conserve the mountain jungle ecosystem.
We propose here, an exploration trip through the trails and magic of Baritú.
Itinerary
Comment: For those who prefer to travel and fly to Salta, you can take a bus to the city of San Salvador de Jujuy and meet the group there. The same on the return.
Day 1: We will meet at the Jujuy Airport and begin touring the Quebrada de Humahuaca , acclimatizing and enjoying the changes in the landscape. We will visit the main attractions of the area that was declared a World Heritage Site (UNESCO 2003) and we will have lunch in the historic town of Uquía. In the afternoon we will continue north into the Puna until we reach the border with Bolivia and then move to Yavi to stay and spend the night. Depending on the time, we can walk through its historic streets and visit the Church, one of the great exponents of the Cuzco School of Sacred Art (17th century). In the evening we will stay and have dinner at the Tika Boutique Inn.
Day 2: After breakfast we will begin a very intense day touring part of the Puna Jujeña and enter the Eastern Cordillera. After passing through the Lizoite pass we will enter the Province of Salta, we will pass the Campanario Cone (4700 masl) and we will descend to the Altura Valleys to have lunch in Santa Victoria Oeste. We continue our tour along the winding mountain roads towards the transition of the Jungle, enjoying the contrasts between the Puna and the Mist Grasslands. Then We will continue downhill until we reach the Montane Forest in Cañaní and San José. We will arrive at Los Toldos for dinner and spend the night at El Nogalar.
Day 3: We will have a relaxed day to visit and do a mini trek through the El Nogalar de Los Toldos National Reserve, recognizing the flora and birds and, in the afternoon, we will go to Bermejo River when it joins the Negro River. and the Condado River on the border with Bolivia. We will return to Los Toldos and we will have time to enjoy the tranquility of the place. Then we will have dinner and rest in the cabins.
Day 4: We tour the northern area of ??the Baritú National Park along the trails that border the Lipeo River and visit the local community. We will carry out our second trek to visit the Cayotal Hot Springs where we can take thermal baths outdoors. In the afternoon we walk the Centennial Cedars trail and arrive at the Baritú Community to stay in one of the community houses, a very “rustic” experience in which we can share the ways of life of the residents and enjoy their chores and of crafts and fabrics.
Day 5: We will dedicate the day to the Baritú River area. This time we did a full-day trek (about 5 hours of walking) until we reached the Tree Ferns, a rarity that can only occur in such a pristine and well-protected natural environment. If climatic, time or physical conditions limit us from reaching the ferns, we can choose to reach the Narrows of Baitú passing through the myrtle forests and the centuries-old cedrales. At sunset we will return to the vehicles to return to Los Toldos for dinner and spend the night in the cabins.
Day 6: We will retrace our way back to the Quebrada de Humahuaca, admiring the landscapes we saw on our way there but being surprised by the different tones that vary depending on the time of day when one passes through them. Returning to National Route No. 9, we will arrive at the Huacalera Hotel to share our last night and enjoy the last “High Altitude Dinner” in the Hotel's restaurant.
Day 7: We will have the day free to continue enjoying the Quebrada while we travel to the Jujuy airport where we will board the return plane.
