Colours of Vallecito
Trip Highlights
Description
A voyage of discovery into the untouched landscape between the Valles Calchaquies and the Quebrada del Toro, only accessible on foot, horse, or donkey.
This challenging hike covers 48 km over 3 days, rising to 3,558m altitude.
It follows the old trade route between the fertile valleys of the Calchaquies and Lerma and the mountain plateau.
You won't forget the experience of being far from the hubbub of modern life, in touch with the inner tranquility of times past.
Tour info
To be discussed upon booking
To be discussed upon booking
Why take this tour?
We travel south from Salta through the Parque Nacional de los Cardones into the Valles Calchaquies. We will have time for a couple of hours hiking along the way, and could even visit a vineyard in the world's highest-altitude wine region.
Overnight and acclimatization in Cachi (2,300m altitude), a restful, scenic town protected by a 6,300m mountain range.
On our first day of full hiking, we follow a riverbed upstream, hitting the 3,000m altitude mark before a picnic lunch. Then it’s a tough climb to a peak of 3,558m, our highest altitude along the whole walk, to be rewarded by some stunning views of the snow-topped mountains of Cachi, Palermo, and San Miguel: and the multi-colored canyon of Vallecito. We arrive at Patahuasi for our overnight stop in the adobe brick home of Juan and Nilda. They will cook us dinner before the night’s entertainment: marveling at the stunning starscape in this corner of the wilderness.
distance 16km: hiking time 6 to 8 hrs: highest altitude 3,558m: overnight altitude 3,531m
The following day we descend gently into Vallecito canyon: a little-visited spot of great natural beauty between the Valles Calchaquies and the gorge of the Quebrada del Toro. We can visit the primary school where a teacher and a cook live most of the year dedicated to a handful of pupils. The landscape over the next few kilometers, as we continue our descent along the river bed, was transformed by a mudslide during the rainy season of summer 2016. A 10-meter deep channel was gouged out in the course of a few hours: an example of the dramatic erosion which constantly changes the landscape in this area. Overnight in the adobe home of Beto and Elda.
distance 13km: hiking time 4 to 5 hrs: highest altitude 3,531m (start): overnight altitude 2,690m
Early morning starts to walk out of the valley, climbing to a peak of 3,276m, with great views of snow-topped mountains and the Parque Nacional de Los Cardones. We get a birds’ eye view of Payogasta valley before descending for lunch: empanadas and cold Salta beer. From here we can visit the Inca ruins of Potrero before returning to Salta. Or, with a few extra days, we can continue south into the Valles Calchaquies wine region or north towards La Poma and the Altiplano mountain plateau.
distance 17km: hiking time 6 to 8 hrs: highest altitude 3,276m
overall distance: 48 km over 3 days
highest altitude: 3,558m
maximum distance per day: 18km
grade of difficulty: 4/5
Included
English-speaking Driver/Guide accompanied by Local Spanish-speaking Guide
Food
Accommodation
Water
Excluded
Sun Protection
Hiking Clothes
Things to know
Your Budget
Argentina has a parallel economy in which the official rate of the dollar is roughly half its real value. What that means is you need to leave your bank cards for emergencies and bring US$ or euros in cash which we can change into pesos for your everyday expenses. You’ll find Salta city is a lo...
Argentina has a parallel economy in which the official rate of the dollar is roughly half its real value. What that means is you need to leave your bank cards for emergencies and bring US$ or euros in cash which we can change into pesos for your everyday expenses. You’ll find Salta city is a lot cheaper than Buenos Aires, and your holiday in Argentina is even better value once we take you on the road on one of our trips. Read our guide to the "Blue Dollar" here.
Covid-19
Our tour company conforms to national guidelines on Covid-19. Social distancing of 1.5m is recommended, and the use of protective hand masks is mandatory in enclosed public areas. Within our vehicles (normally 4x4 pick-ups), we will provide masks and sanitizer, and temperature checks for travelle...
Our tour company conforms to national guidelines on Covid-19. Social distancing of 1.5m is recommended, and the use of protective hand masks is mandatory in enclosed public areas. Within our vehicles (normally 4x4 pick-ups), we will provide masks and sanitizer, and temperature checks for travellers during our trips. Transportation vehicles and all equipment are regularly sanitized between use.
Pricing
Below are our daily rates for Argentina holidays, all with your own private vehicle and English-speaking guide. Prices are per person excluding food and accommodation:
One person - US$350
Two people - US$200
Three people- US$150
Four people (one vehicle) - US$125
Fou...
Below are our daily rates for Argentina holidays, all with your own private vehicle and English-speaking guide. Prices are per person excluding food and accommodation:
One person - US$350
Two people - US$200
Three people- US$150
Four people (one vehicle) - US$125
Four people (two vehicles) - US$200
Prices are per person and valid until 31 December 2022
Contact us for discounts on trips during May and June.
Group Size
We operate with comfortable 4x4s which can accommodate up to four people, but if you’re travelling with a larger group, please contact us and we will see what we can arrange.
We operate with comfortable 4x4s which can accommodate up to four people, but if you’re travelling with a larger group, please contact us and we will see what we can arrange.