Trekking from the Yungas to the Calchaquí Valleys - Metán, Río Juramento, Cabra Corral Dam, Salta
a multi-day trek through great landscapes on foot, in southern Salta
4.8 (147)
Duration:5 daysStarting from:Rosario de la FronteraRegion:north
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Start time: 10 am Ending time: 18 hs
Meeting Point: Rosario de la Frontera
Duration: 5 daysCupos:
15 spots
Proposal
Landscapes of High Contrasts
Northern Argentina has always been known for the enormous variety of colors in its astonishing landscapes. Southern Salta still remains little known and little visited. This trek connects the yungas of the Subandean Sierras, near Rosario de la Frontera, with the Calchaquí Valleys, very close to Cafayate. From a humid environment with lush vegetation, typical of the yungas or mountain jungle, to the colorful aridity of the Quebrada de las Conchas, very close to Cafayate and the legendary Calchaquí Valleys.
Program
Day 1: Meeting in Metán, Salta, very early, 10 am. Transfer to El Naranjo, the starting point of the trek. Introduction to baqueanos and guides, and pre-trip checks. Start of the first day of trekking. We head toward the sierras, moving right into the YUNGAS region, following the course of a river. Lunch in the middle of the jungle. We continue the day until reaching the first campsite, passing through the Montane Forest, where besides the great plant diversity we will be able to observe the different bird species that inhabit this region (more than 400 bird species live in the Yungas). Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Breakfast. Second day of hiking through the sierras, contact with local Diaguita communities. We begin entering the transition environment between yungas and Calchaquí valleys, in the Yunga Forest and High-Altitude Grassland sector, along ancient trails. Second campsite. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Breakfast, then we begin the walk through ravines and small valleys of reddish earth, heading toward a new spot in the sierras. By now we will have crossed different vegetation zones of this ecosystem. In the final hours of the day we will arrive at our next campsite, in the middle of the sierras. Rest. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Breakfast. In the early hours of the day, after enjoying the birdsong and the peace of the natural surroundings, we continue toward our final destination, by the Río Juramento, which originates at the Cabra Corral Dam. Arrival at camp in the afternoon. Farewell-to-the-mountain dinner.
Day 5: Breakfast. In the morning we offer the option of running the river with a wonderful grade-3 rafting trip; afterward, a farewell lunch and return to Metán. End of our services.
Included Services
Transfers from Rosario de la Frontera to the start of the hike
Transfers from Guachipas to Salta city.
All meals, from lunch on day 1 through the last lunch.
Guides and baqueanos.
General kitchen and camping equipment
Nights in tents/mountain outposts
Tents
Coordination
Ongoing assistance
Services NOT included
Rafting
Expenses incurred from leaving the program early
Transfers from your place of origin to Metán
Tips
Note
Program of moderate difficulty. While everyone must carry their own backpack, we do have pack animals available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do we walk per day?
In general our system is to walk about 3 or 4 hours in the morning; we take a long lunch stop and walk a similar amount in the afternoon until we reach the place where we set up camp.
What temperatures should we expect?
Northern Argentina is known for a significant temperature swing (hot during the day, cool at night and in the early morning). There is also what's known as the “Bolivian Winter”. This means that during our summer (December to March), it is the rainy season there. During our winter it doesn't rain, but the temperature swing becomes a bit more noticeable, and the cold at night and in the early morning can be felt, especially at the high-altitude campsites (above 2500 m.a.s.l.), two of which are on this route.
You need to protect yourself well from the sun with a hat/cap, neck scarves, sunscreen, and mountain sunglasses. And for the night it's important to have a good sleeping bag and warm clothing, since the temperature can drop below 0° Celsius.
What kind of sleeping bag should I bring?
Sleeping bags should be rated for a -2° comfort temperature, so you can rest easy. Goose-down bags are the best, but synthetic ones these days also use modern, high-performance materials. They can be rented.
Is there anything you can tell me about the group? How many of us are there, ages, etc.?
In general these are very mixed groups (all kinds of people). A variety of ages and genders, people traveling solo, with a friend, couples, families, etc.
What level of physical fitness do I need for this kind of trek?
It's not essential that you be a current athlete training 4 times a week. But it is important to know that the better shape you're in physically, the better it will always be. The idea of these adventures is for you to enjoy them, not suffer through them. If you don't usually train, go running, cycle, or do some other aerobic activity, we recommend joining one of our weekly training sessions linked to mountain activities. Otherwise, start by walking with a loaded backpack of no less than 8 kilograms, covering several kilometers per week, and also going up and down stairs or slopes in uninterrupted 20-minute sessions. Ask us for a suitable training plan.
I understand tents are shared, right? Do I need to bring one?
Tents are included in the program, provided by our company. But if you want to bring your own, you can. Just check with us.
What do we eat?
On all our expeditions we provide meal service ON A FULL BOARD BASIS.
On-the-go lunches (cold meals): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold-cut sandwiches, picadas, salads, savory pastries, etc.
Dinners: vegetable-bacon-chorizo stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, grilled meat (chivito), Chaw Fan, chicken and rice casserole....
Who's a good fit for Trekking / Mountain of the Month: Vacation - from Metán to the Río Juramento, Salta Yungas?
Trekking / Mountain of the Month: Vacation - from Metán to the Río Juramento, Salta Yungas is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde Rosario de la Frontera , in the region north, Argentina.
It lasts 5 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 / Mountain of the Month: Vacation - from Metán to the Río Juramento, Salta Yungas?
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 / Mountain of the Month: Vacation - from Metán to the Río Juramento, Salta Yungas?
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 / Mountain of the Month: Vacation - from Metán to the Río Juramento, Salta Yungas?
Transfers from Rosario de la Frontera to the start of the hike
Transfers from Guachipas to Salta city.
All meals, from lunch on day 1 through the last lunch.
Guides and baqueanos.
General kitchen and camping equipment
Nights in tents/mountain outposts
Tents
Coordination
Ongoing assistance
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.
Required equipment
GENERAL EQUIPMENT
Special trekking backpack (65 to 85 liters)
Warm sleeping bag (minimum –10 degrees comfort rating) (e.g. 700g or 1 kg of good down or synthetic fill).
Insulating sleeping pad (10 to 15mm).
Trekking poles
FOOTWEAR
1 pair of trekking boots
1 second pair of lightweight trekking shoes
CLOTHING
One change of underwear
Several pairs of trekking socks (some can be thin base-layer socks)
1 pair of wool socks (for warmth while sleeping)
2 polypropylene t-shirts (dry-fit type) or similar (no cotton) for walking
1 long-sleeved thermal shirt
Warm base-layer pants (leggings or long johns)
Trekking pants. Lightweight-quick-drying
2 mid-layer warm garments (long-sleeved fleeces)
Warm hat (fleece or synthetic wool)
Sun cap (with brim/flap)
Neck scarf
Warm gloves
Waterproof-windproof jacket (ultrex, gore-tex, or similar)
PERSONAL ITEMS
Passport, or national ID.
Health insurance, medical coverage.
Completed personal/medical form
MISCELLANEOUS
Headlamp with batteries (spare batteries).
Sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.
Personal tableware (plate, mug, and cutlery).
HEALTH & HYGIENE
Sunglasses with category 4 UV protection. (IMPORTANT)
Personal first aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
Sunscreen, lip balm
Soap, shampoo (small, to share) and a small towel.
Other
Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.
Water containers for at least 2 liters ( can be a plastic bottle) , Camelbak, Nalgene or similar
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.
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..
AS
Alex Sangregorio
Viajé hace un mes con ellos y la experiencia fue impecable.
Muy buena organización por parte de toda la agencia y excelentes los guías, siempre atentos y con la mejor predisposición. Totalmente recomendable.
Do you have doubts?
If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!
