Day 1: Salta - El Golgota - Sillon del Inca - Quebrada del Toro

The excursion begins with pick up from your hotel or hostel, between 8:30am to 9:00am. You’ll be taken by mini-bus to the starting point of the hike, El Golgota. On this hike, you’ll pass incredible changing landscapes, see ruins of the Inca Empire, and native cultures surviving in the modern day.

The first part of the trek is an ascent, during which you’ll get stunning panoramic views of the Toro's Gorge. This is the place where the high-altitude “Train to the Clouds” passes by. You’ll also see the whole mountain range; be sure to look out for the variety of rock formations and colours - this gorge has an interesting geological history.

The cultural background of this place is equally as fascinating. On the route, you’ll encounter ancestral trails once used by the Incas, indicating the way to the Incahuasi Valley. Once we get to this valley, you’ll visit a 500-year-old throne, which was constructed for the Inca Emperor’s Representative, and is known as the “Sillon del Inca”. Here, all the offerings were collected.

We will set up our first campsite for the night.

Accommodation: Campsite in Quebrada del Toro.

Day 2: Quebrada del Toro - Los Planchones - Abra de la Cruz - El Mirador de los Condores

After having breakfast, we will go to “Los Planchones”. You will notice a slow transition in the landscape; with every step the land turns more humid, and deep in the valley, some very pronounced ravines can be seen - even from the distance. Here, there’ll be time for a picnic and a short break, while you enjoy the surrounding splendid mountains.

In the “Abra de la Cruz” - which sits at 3,100 metres above sea level - we will stop to enjoy the magnificent view of Salta city and its surroundings. In the afternoon, we will set up our second campsite in a place called “El Mirador de los Condores”, from where you will be able to appreciate the greatness of the “Quebrada de Astilleros” … And, if you are lucky, you may spot some Condors flying overhead.

Accommodation: Camping site in El Mirador de los Condores.

Day 3: Mirador de los Condores - Potrero de Uriburu - Astilleros River - Salta

On the third day, following breakfast, we will go all the way down towards “Potrero de Uriburu”. At midday, you’ll enjoy your last picnic, and we’ll take a short break with an amazing view of the mountains.

Once we reach the “Rio Astilleros”, our mini-bus will be waiting, ready to take you back to Salta city. Approximate drop off time to your hotel/hostel is 6:00pm.

Note: Minimum of 2 passengers for this tour.

DAY 1 / 08:30 - 09:00

Hotel and hostel pick-up

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DAY 1 / 09:00

Transfer up to “El Golgota” along the “Quebrada del Toro”

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DAY 1 / 10:30

Trekking: El Golgota - Sillon del Inca

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DAY 1 / 18:00

Campsite

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DAY 2 / 09:30

Trekking towards “Quebrada de Astilleros” (max. altitude today: 3200m)

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DAY 2 / 18:00

Campsite

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DAY 3 / 09:30

Trekking towards “Potrero de Uriburu”

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DAY 3 / 16:00

Arrival to the mini-bus

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DAY 3/ 18:00

Hotel and hostel drop-off

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- English-speaking tour guide
- Meals
- Tents
- Insurance
- Transport

- Pack mule or porter
- Sleeping bag (-10°C)

- Sleeping bag (-10°C)
- Backpack (around 60 litres)
- Trekking boots
- Warm clothes, long trousers/pants, a hat, a wind coat
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Torch
- Extra cash
- Bottle of water

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

EXCLUSIONS:
This tour is not possible to operate for children under 16 years old.

Cancellation or changes of this tour:

Changes: It is FREE to change the tour date before 5:00 pm (Buenos Aires time) 5 days before the tour begins.

Cancellations: If you cancel before 5:00 pm (Buenos Aires time) 5 days before the tour begins, a 60% administration fee will apply. After this time, there is a 100% cancellation fee.

Please email bookings@findlocaltrips.com to cancel this tour or make any changes.

1. What time zone is used in Salta?

   Local time in Salta is GMT -3, the same as on Argentina's mainland.

2. What kind of weather can we find in Salta?

   Salta, located in a tropical area, has a warm climate year-round. However, there are quite marked variations in its different regions, due to the disparity in the terrain elevation. January is the hottest month in Salta, with an average temperature of 22°C (72°F), and the coldest month is June, at 12°C (54°F). September is the month with the most daily sunshine hours, at 11. The wettest month is January, with an average of 182mm of rain.

3. What should I bring to the tour?

   You should bring a backpack (around 60 litres), a sleeping bag (for temperatures of -10°C), warm clothes, long trousers/pants, a wind coat, trekking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Don't forget to bring your camera, a bottle of water, and extra cash for your personal expenses.

4. Will I get problems with altitude sickness?

   Altitude sickness is a real possibility here. If you are arriving directly from the coast, you may need up to a couple of days to acclimatize. Dizziness, shortness of breath, and headaches are common symptoms, but extended bouts of nausea and vomiting are not unheard of amongst those that have rushed their ascent. The locals swear by chewing coca leaves, and although they do relieve the symptoms, it may cause you to fail a drug test. Anyone not already fully acclimatized is advised to pick up some medicine (such as Dramamine) from the pharmacy in Salta before departure. You can also drink tea or coffee to help (but most importantly, drink water to stay hydrated).

5. Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

   Apart from our low-price guarantee, with us you are 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide an instant email confirmation, and have live spaces and availability for each tour. If you have any queries, you are in the hands of our team of 20 local experts here on the ground, who speak perfect Spanish and English. We guarantee quick responses to any questions or queries. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours... We are the experts at reservations, organisation and assistance with your plans for these tours.