Nevados de Aconquija Crossing - Trekking - from Catamarca to Tucumán - La Ciudacita - Campo de los Alisos National Park

La Cuidacita or Pueblo Viejo, are Inca archaeological sites located at 4,300 meters above sea level within the Aconquija National Park (Province of Tucumán). The Cuidacita Ruins have both incalculable cultural value and a mysterious enigma that goes from their origin to their functionality. The temperature on winter nights is -20º C while on summer days the temperature can reach 30º C; Towards the plain you can see the provinces of Tucumán, Santiago del Estero and Catamarca.

Day 1 Meeting at the San Miguel de Tucumán bus terminal or Tucumán airport. Transfer by charter vehicle to the town of Santa María (Catamarca) touring part of the beautiful roads of the Calchaquí Valleys. From there we will move to the El Tesoro ranch, base and beginning of our journey, at the foot of the giant Aconquija. Setting up the camp, welcome dinner and talk about the general considerations of the journey. First night at 2600 meters above sea level

Day 2 We get up and have breakfast in peace. We packed our backpacks while we broke down camp and prepared loads for the animals. First stage of the walking tour; going up through a small ravine and then through a gigantic high plain. Later, a small winding ascent will begin and, finally, we will arrive at our camping place: La Cienaga (3600 meters above sea level) or Piedra Ecripta. We will continue with hydration and enjoy an already captivating environment, with amazing views of the Catamarca deserts to the west.  

Day 3 Once again we get up early, have a very complete breakfast and walk… We climb again, the landscape becomes unmissable, and our breathing begins to labor a little due to the effects of the altitude. Suddenly we entered a large high valley, where many years ago those “tireless” Incas passed.  We arrive at Las Pirquitas, a high valley, surrounded by rocks from where we can observe numerous guanacos. This camp is already at 4200 meters above sea level. and it will be our last step on the Catamarca side.

Day 4 Key day, the day of the pass, the crossing of the Aconquija. We will get up earlier than ever. Taking advantage of the cool morning, we climb one valley and then another, the steps are increasingly shorter and slower, which allows us to have a good rhythm in the mountains.  Finally, the “Inca Pass” (4800 m.a.s.l.) fatigue does not prevent us from taking that unforgettable photo. Descent to Campo Colorado (4500 meters above sea level), our new camp.

Day 5: We will have two options that will depend on how the group is.

Option 1- Breakfast and start trekking to CIUDACITA RUINS where we will have lunch and return to the camp.
Option 2- We get up early at 4:00 am to have breakfast and begin the trek to RUINAS DE LA CIUDACITA, we have lunch and return to break camp and go to PIRKITAS (if we see that the schedules are given, we have to cross the gate before 2:00 p.m.).

Day 6: According to how day 5 develops:

Option 1- Breakfast and start of trekking to camp 4 (LA CIENAGA).

Option 2- Breakfast and start of trekking towards EL TESORO.

Day 7: If you opt for option 1. Breakfast and start trekking to the TREASURE. Transfer to San Miguel de Tucuman. End of the program (in the evening).