Train to the clouds & Humahuaca llama’s trek

 

Departures: From August to December

Places Visited: Salta, Purmamarca, Humahuaca, Del Toro Gorge & Humahuaca Gorge

 

Highlights

The most northwestern corner of Argentina boasts many spectacular natural attractions; colorful mountains, deep gorges, archeological sites, expansive salt plains and striking rock formations. Also, rustic mountain villages that seem frozen in time evidenced by their ancient adobe constructions, or charming colonial architecture. Ride aboard the Train to the Clouds, one of the highest railways in the world, taking its way across the high picks of the Cordillera de los Andes, surrounded by striking sceneries as it departs from the city of Salta, passing through Valle de Lerma, Quebrada del Toro up to La Puna. Hike in Tilcara with a private guide accompanied by “llamas” to visit a typical Andean family.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 2 Nights of accommodation at Design Suites Salta Hotel 
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes
  • 1 Half-day City Tour in Salta
  • 1 Full-day Train to the Clouds tour
  • 2 Nights of accommodation at La Comarca Hotel (Purmamarca)
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes
  • 1 Half-day Sightseeing tour in Purmamarca & Cerro De Los Siete Colores
  • 1 Half-day Llamas Trekking tour with picnic
  • 1 Half-day Humahuca Gorge tour

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Meals and drinks, except as mentioned above
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned in the itinerary

Day 1: SALTA.  Upon arrival, private transfer to Design Suites Salta Hotel.

Half day City Tour

Pick-up at the hotel for a panoramic sightseeing tour of picturesque Salta, known as 'Salta, the beautiful', by its scenic location in the lovely Lerma Valley. Salta features the best preserved colonial heritage in all of Argentina, with lovely one-story houses with traditional balconies, adorned with ornate colonial-style bars. The heart of the city is 9 de Julio Square, framed by some of the most important buildings in the city, as well as the main hotels and many bars and restaurants. The tour includes a visit to the city’s most precious colonial gems, such as the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, rebuilt in the 18th century; the 'Cabildo and Historic Museum of the Northwest' (old seat of the vice-royalty government and later the seat of the provincial government); the San Bernardo Monastery, dating back to the late 16th century; the main gate carved in carob wood is considered a jewel of local colonial art; and the Italian-style Main Church, built in the 20th century and the final resting place of the mortal remains of the hero of the Independence Wars, General Martín Miguel de Güemes. The tour also includes a visit to the city’s outskirts, up to San Bernardo Hill where the Monument to General Martín Miguel de Güemes stands. The viewpoint offers great views of the city and the Lerma Valley. The visit ends at the colorful Craft Market with varieties of wares produced by local artisans -browse the lovely pottery, baskets, knitted 'barracan' fabrics, tapestries, ponchos and musical instruments.

Day 2: SALTA.

Full Day Train to the Clouds

This amazing ride takes you to the clouds, reaching a height of 13,780 ft in its 135 miles long trip. It is one of the highest railways in the world, taking its way across the high picks of the Cordillera de los Andes, surrounded by striking sceneries. The train departs from the city of Salta, passes through the Valle de Lerma, enters the Quebrada del Toro and finally reaches La Puna.

The number of spirals, viaducts, tunnels and other twists and turns that the train passes through were engineered and designed by a US engineer, Richard Maury. He took into account the principle of adhesion of train wheels to the railways and the laws of physics, ruling out the funicular system commonly used, so that the train may safely reach the expected heights. The train has no cogwheels, not even for the steepest slopes, since the railways are peculiarly arranged, running through a system of zigzags and spirals.  Return to Salta.

Day 3: SALTA/PURMAMARCA.

Depart from the hotel and travel along Highway 9 to San Salvador de Jujuy, the capital of Jujuy province. Here the highway enters the gorge, a deep fissure in the Altiplano (High Plateau) created by the eroding power of the river. The road passes through the small village of Tumbaya before it reaches Purmamarca. Accommodation at La Comarca Hotel

Cerro de los Siete Colores and Half day Purmamarca.

Depart from the hotel to visit one of its most striking natural landmarks: Cerro de los Siete Colores ('Seven Colored Hill), which frames the adobe church constructed in 1648. Take time for a stroll around the town’s main square where local vendors show off their wares, such as wood carvings, hand-woven carpets and a wide assortment of medicinal and aromatic herbs.

Day 4: PURMAMARCA.

Half-day Llamas Trekking tour with picnic

Trekking around Tilcara with a private guide and “llamas” as your companion. For more than 5,000 years, humans tamed the llama to carry things. This trekking will recreate this ancestral practice, which bears the spirit of the hills and this divine animal. The llamas can't be ridden but will accompany you and carry the picnic supplies that include a great selection of fresh local food and chilled wine. The Hike is easy and enjoyable; the program includes a visit to a typical Andean family.

Half Day Humahuaca Gorge

After the picnic the tour goes to Pucará de Tilcara, a partially rebuilt pre-Colombian stronghold. Also, visit the Historic Museum of the Province, which displays some Inca art pieces from different archeological sites in Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. It  continues to climb to Huacalera, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn. In Uquía, visit the local church and admire the oldest altarpiece in the region and the beautiful paintings of harquebusier angels. Finally arrive at Humahuaca, located at 2,939 meters (9800 ft) above sea level. Founded by indigenous settlers in 1594, the town features traditional adobe houses, narrow cobblestone streets and colonial style street lamps. Visit the main square with its church, the old Town Hall and the Monument to the Wars of the Argentine Independence (currently known as Monument to the Indigenous Population), and the city market. Return to Purmamarca along the same route. On the way back, stop at Maimará to take advantage of the afternoon sunlight that brings out the exquisite colors of the rock formations known as 'Painter's Palette’.

Day 5: PURMAMARCA/SALTA. At appropriate time, transfer to the Salta airport for your flight.

 


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.

Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions