Andean Explorer

General Description

The Andean World was one of the very first regions seen by the early European explorers in the 16th century. According to their chronicles, they were astonished and fascinated by the incredibly large scale of its beauty. Afterwards, crossing infinite deserts, descending into the deepest, most colorful gorges, and traversing the strong, white, arid “Altiplano” they discovered a civilization which, at that time, had already changed the cultural map of a region that would nowadays cover an area of at least five South American countries. Come with us to discover the “Kollasuyo”, the southern region in the Empire of the Incan Sun.

Itinerary

Click on the map on the right to enlarge in a new window.

Day 01: Buenos Aires
Reception and transfer from the International Airport to your hotel in the downtown area of Buenos Aires. At 07.00 pm Briefing with the tour leader. Overnight in hotel.

Day 02: La Rioja
Transfer to domestic airport and flight to La Rioja. Meet the driver and do some brief sightseeing in the city to see the local faces and experience the atmosphere. Transfer to the hotel in Villa Union. BLD

Day 03: Talampaya National Park - Ischigualasto National Park
Travel towards the Andes to the Talampaya National Park. Take a half day hike through the Talampaya National Park. The dramatic geology of the Yacoraite formation is a feast for the eyes, creating a breathtaking 80 meters deep, red canyon and the most unbelievable shapes ever seen amongst the pre-Incan rock carvings. Then, explore the deep, white-sandstone landscape of Ischigualasto Provincial Park, discovering some of the most unique remains in the world’s natural history like fossilized leaves, dinosaur skeletons and the amazing wind erosion formations in one of the only Triassic Parks in the Americas. Visitors can take a 3 hr hike to offer panoramic views of the park. BLD

Day 04: Chilecito - Shincal
Full day drive to Chilecito passing by the marvelous Miranda Gorge where “La Mexicana” mine and the longest cable car in the world are located. Then continue northwards following the line of the high, snow-capped Andes passing by Famatina town and the famous “Patero” (foot-smashed) vineyard, where locals make wines with regional grapes such as Torrontes and Barbera. Outcrops of the beautiful and unique Argentine pink semi-precious stone, the Rodocrosite mineral, are also in the area. Drive along the National Road 40 and visit the largest Inca ruins in Argentina, the mythical “Shincal”. Arrive at Belen town hostel. BLD

Day 05:Quilmes
Guests spend the morning visiting the artisan world of Belen, famous for its Lama and Vicuña wool Ponchos. Some of the finest Indian pottery can be found here as well. Traveling north, discover the different national historical heritage chapels of Hualfin valley, a unique landscape where the road (an old Inca trail) represents a border between the contrasting nature of the desert and the fertile valleys. Arrive in the Santa Maria region famous for its archeological sites full of ancient pottery. After checking in we organize a hike around the Quilmes Indian Ruins, visiting the citadel ruins, a witness of one of the fiercest cultures that resisted Spanish domination for years (and also gave the name to the most popular Argentine beer!). Hotel BLD

Day 06:Cafayate - Cachi
Drive north visiting famous wine cellars and the handicraft city of Cafayate (wine tasting included) and descend into the Calchaquies valleys to reach the stunning Las Flechas Gorge where visitors can take a short walk among deep white sandstone outcrops. After visiting Indian villages like Seclantas and Molinos (including the unique Vicuñas’ farm), arrive at Cachi, a charming Indian town in the foothills of Mt. Cachi (6,300 meters). Settle into accommodations at a hostel briefly before visiting the famous archeological museum and ancient chapel. BLD

Day 07: Cachi Adentro
Today includes a full day hike in the area of Cachi Adentro, a narrow valley full of farms, Indian ruins in the foothills of the stunning Cachi Mount. “Cachi” in Inca language means “salt”, for it is believed that this was the former salt route. Cachi Mount is one of the highest peaks in northwest Argentina and is used for training climbers who will attempt the Aconcagua Mount. Hopefully, there will be great views this day. BLD

Day 08:La Poma - Calchaqui River
Today, visit the north part of the region, visiting the old town of La Poma, which was partly destroyed by an earthquake and became a ghost town with well preserved rock houses. Visit the origins of the Calchaqui River and its caverns, Inca stores and the stunning Twin Volcanoes. BLD

Day 09:Obispo Gorge - Salta
After visiting the chapel and square, drive to Salta down the amazing Obispo Gorge, probably the most stunning view for people who love mountain roads, descending approximately 1000 meters to the Lerma Valley. Arrive in Salta city. Hotel. BL

Day 10: Salta
Late morning visiting the most beautiful city in northwest Argentina, walking its historical streets. Salta is full of shops, a picturesque food market and squares. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. B

Day 11: Salta - Humahuaca Gorge
Drive north to famous Humahuaca Gorge through a subtropical jungle road, visiting Jujuy city and the Indian villages of Tilcara, Humahuaca, Uquia and Purmamarca, a tiny colonial town in the foothills of the famous Seven Colors Mountain. If time allows, visitors can take a relaxed walk. Spend the night in a hostel. BLD

Day 12: Salta - San Pedro de Atacama
Today travelers head west driving towards the Andes ascending Lipan Gorge, crossing infinite deep, white salt lakes with hundreds of flamingoes and finally get into Chile (the highest pass crossed today will be 4.600 meters) among beautiful (and some active) volcanoes like Lascar and Licancabur. Arrive at the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. Stay in hotel overnight. BL

Day 13: San Pedro de Atacama - Moon Valley
Easy morning visiting the legendary and original town and its great archeological museum. In the late afternoon, the magnificent reddish clay and salt range better known as the world famous Moon Valley merits a visit. Sunset here is unforgettable. Stay in hotel. B

Day 14: San Pedro de Atacama - El Tatio Geyser
Today we visit the famous Tatio Geysers early in the morning and experience a feast for the eyes and imagination. In the afternoon there will be free time for horse riding, biking or visiting Atacama Salt Lake with its magnificent flamingoes. Overnight in hotel. B

Day 15: San Pedro de Atacama - Calama
Transfer to Calama Airport and a flight to Santiago (ask for our “Santiago Extension”) or to San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal to start an Overland Trip from Uyuni Salt Lake to La Paz, Bolivia and onto Puno in Peru .BL

You can extend this journey to Santiago de Chile (ask for our Santiago Extension) or to San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal to start an Overland Trip from Uyuni Salt Lake to La Paz, Bolivia and onto Puno in Peru .

General Information and Price

Rated: Easy/Moderate

Activities in the Northwest are performed at high altitude (around 10,000ft).

Food, Treks & Accommodation
There is a local payment of U$D 99 to be paid to the tour leader on arrival and covers diverse operational expenses. All meals are included at hostels in the mountains or isolated places. In cities, travelers have freedom to choose when no meal is included. Travelers should allow approx U$D 9.- for each meal not included in the itinerary. Boxed lunches are included during every trek. Accommodation is in tourist class hotels and clean and comfortable hostels, mainly on a double room basis. During treks it is not necessary to carry heavy backpacks, only a water bottle, sun cream, rain jacket and the pack lunch; therefore a small rucksack is recommended. Pack animals will carry the rest.


Fixed Departure dates
2007: 08th Apr; 01st Jul, 05th Aug; 02nd Sept

Tour Tariff
	Per person	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 1759	$ 308
EUR	1460	256
GBP	985	172
Domestic Flights: USD 220 / GBP 123 / EUR 182

(*) Price last updated on 20 October 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .
(**) Flight prices are susceptible to change at any time without prior notice
(**) There is a local payment of USD 99 for food kitty to complete the meals included in the itinerary.



Included: All transfers mentioned, meals (B; L or D) as mentioned, experienced English (and Spanish) speaking tour leader. When group is 4 to 6 pax, private transport is provided from day 1 to 11, transfer to ATACAMA is by comfortable public bus & services in San Pedro de Atacama are provided in SIB English. Tour leader is included from Day 2 to 12 when passengers board the Bus to San Pedro de Atacama. More than 7 pax all transport is provided in private & the tour leader join the group from La Rioja to San Pedro de Atacama (day 2 to 15). Also included are hotels, hostels in double rooms, National Park entrance fees, local airport taxes.

Not included: International and domestic flgihts, tips, insurance, visas, optional tours, meals not mentioned, etc.