Trekking from Belén to El Shincal - Londres - Catamarca

Name: Trekking the Valleys of Catamarca - from Belén to Londres - El Shincal de Quimivil - Inca Route
Start: 2027-05-21T11:00:00-03:00
End: 2027-05-25T20:00:00-03:00
Location: Catamarca Airport
Rating: 4.8

Proposal

Day 1 - Transfer from the Catamarca airport to the town of Belén. Check-in at the hotel. Afternoon for guide introductions and gear prep. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 - Belén – Pozo de Piedra – Las Vallas
Early transfer to the town of Pozo de Piedra (2000 masl), Route 40, approx. 50 minutes away. This is where our route begins, at Las Sarchuvas. We follow the Río Blanco valley up to the outpost where we'll spend the night, at Las Vallas (2700 masl). Campsite.
Approximate hiking time: 8 hrs.

Day 3 - Las Vallas - ascent of Cerro Basilio (3400 masl) and return to Las Vallas
Second day of trekking. This time we'll climb a hill with great views, all the way to the summit. Round trip. We'll get great views of the region after a big effort. Cultural experience with the local people. New campsite.
Approximate hiking time: 8 hrs.

Day 4 - Las Vallas – Los Colorados - Puesto de Zapata
We continue our hike through the wide, dry valley to a pre-Inca settlement in the area known as Los Colorados, with archaeological remains. We continue on to Puesto de Zapata. Night at a local homestead (puesto).
Approximate hiking time: 6 hrs.

Day 5 Puesto de Zapata – El Shincal - Belén + transfer to Catamarca airport
We set off again, now heading south through the Quebrada del Río Quimil, crossing back and forth until we reach Puesto Zapata (2600 masl). After midday we continue along the pre-Inca trail until we reach the El Shincal Archaeological Site (1350 masl), a National Historic Monument, where the structures remain almost in their original state: the Plaza de Armas, the Kallanka, the Ushnu, and the Ceremonial Platforms -among other historic buildings- still stand there, making up what was this Southern Administrative Center of the Inca Empire. Final transfer to Belén, baggage pickup, shower and transfer to the Catamarca airport.

Approximate hiking time: 7 hrs.

Elevation Profile

Included Services

Transfers:
- Initial Catamarca (airport) to Belén.
- From Belén to the start of the trek.
- El Shincal to Belén and then to Catamarca (airport).
Camping/Lodging:
- One night's hotel stay in Belén.
- Nights of lodging at local homesteads.
- Night in a tent (included)
Mountain gastronomy:
- Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon snacks, dinners + trail snacks.
- General camp logistics.
Travel light:
- Pack-animal (mule/donkey) support for the general gear.
Safety:
- General first aid kit.
- Guide with international WFR certification.
- Handheld radio and satellite communication.
Professionals:
- Professional Mountain Guides
- Local baqueano (gaucho) guides
Adventurer support:
- Detailed guidance before the activity
- We check your personal gear with you, to make sure you enjoy the experience.
- Info session before the trip.
- 24/7 attention on the day the activity starts.

Services NOT included

Flight to Catamarca
Expenses caused by leaving the program early
Beverages at the hotel in Belén
Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a difficult trek?

Everyone has to carry their own backpack, it's done in a traverse (travesía) style

Is there pack support?

Yes, there's pack support with animals, but they only carry the general gear (tent, food, etc.)

Who's a good fit for Trekking from Belén to El Shincal - Londres - Catamarca?

Trekking from Belén to El Shincal - Londres - Catamarca is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde Catamarca Airport , 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 from Belén to El Shincal - Londres - Catamarca?

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 Belén to El Shincal - Londres - Catamarca?

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 Belén to El Shincal - Londres - Catamarca?

Transfers: Initial Catamarca (airport) to Belén. From Belén to the start of the trek. El Shincal to Belén and then to Catamarca (airport). Camping/Lodging: One night's hotel stay in Belén. Nights of lodging at local homesteads. Night in a tent (included) Mountain gastronomy: Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon snacks, dinners + trail snacks. General camp logistics. Travel light: Pack-animal (mule/donkey) support for the general gear. Safety: General first aid kit. Guide with international WFR certifica

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

60%

Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles

60%

Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles

40%

Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles

60%

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

Recommended for intermediate level

Previous experience and good physical condition required.

Required equipment

GENERAL GEAR

Trekking backpack, 45 to 60 liters.
Sleeping bag - it doesn't need to handle very low temperatures, but it should be warm. Not a camping-style bag
Trekking poles (You'll need a pair)
Plastic bags or a cloth sack, used for packing the mule loads.

CLOTHING

1 pair of trekking boots.
1 second pair of shoes (can be espadrilles, crocs or lightweight shoes)
Underwear
Assorted trekking socks
T-shirts and/or shirts (synthetic, dry-fit type for walking, and cotton for off-activity time)
Trekking pants (not cotton or jeans)
Spare/change of pants
Shorts or swim trunks - optional
2 warm layers (fleece jacket, wool, or soft shell-windstopper)
Fleece gloves or similar
Warm hat (fleece preferably, or wool)
Sun cap (with flaps)
Multifunction neck gaiter
Third-layer jacket - parka (waterproof and, if possible, breathable-windproof)

PERSONAL ITEMS

Personal ID. Medical insurance, health coverage.

MISCELLANEOUS

Headlamp with batteries (spare batteries).
Sturdy plastic bags to store clothes.

HEALTH & HYGIENE

Mountain sunglasses with good protection (UV 3 minimum).
High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, soap, shampoo (small, to share) and a small towel.
Toilet paper and wet wipes.
Tissues.

KITCHEN

Water containers for at least 2 liters (can be a plastic bottle), Camelback, Nalgene or similar

Rental Equipment

Available

Trekking sleeping bag

View details

Available

Pair of Trekking Poles

View details

Available

Rental mittens

View details

Available

Pair of Crampons

View details

Climbing II - helmet, crampons and pickaxe

Available

Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax

View details

Climbing Combo I - helmet, crampons, pickaxe, harness, carabiners, plate, straps, cords

Available

Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness

View details

Available

Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom

View details

Available

Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

View details

4.8

147 Google reviews

Mariano Marchioni

Excelente servicio de principio a fin, te ayudan y acompañan en todo el proceso de preparación para tu salida y tienen los mejores guías, por servicio y calidad humana

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..

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.