Argentina’s Calchaquí Valleys Crossing

Overview: An 11-day high-altitude riding adventure through the Andes in the Salta province of Argentina. Riders will traverse diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts and giant cacti forests to high grasslands and colorful canyons, experiencing ancient Inca culture and remote gaucho settlements.

Day 1: Arrival in Salta & MAAM Museum

Arrive independently in Salta. Visit the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) to see remarkably preserved Inca mummies found on the Llullaillaco volcano, followed by hotel check-in and a welcome dinner with your guide.

Day 2: The Andes & Peñas Blancas

Drive through the breathtaking Cuesta del Obispo and Cardones National Park to Piedra del Molino (3,348m). Meet your horses and gauchos, then ride south past herds of wild donkeys to a cozy cabin in Peñas Blancas (2,750m) for the night.

Day 3: Isonza Ranch & Ancient History

Ride through historic valleys passing ancient mud houses and Indian pictographs. Enjoy cantering in dry riverbeds before visiting Isonza, a working ranch preserving centuries-old Inca traditions like goat cheese making. Return to Peñas Blancas for the night.

Day 4: The Steep Chilo Slopes

Ride west to the dramatic Chilo slopes that divide two valleys. Experience a thrilling, steep descent with magnificent panoramic views, followed by an uphill ride back to Peñas Blancas.

Day 5: Giant Cacti & Amblayo Village

Ride south through landscapes dotted with giant cacti and scattered ancient painted pottery. Arrive on horseback at Amblayo (2,450m), a remote, car-less village of 150 people famous for its goat cheese, where you will spend the night in beds with hot water.

Day 6: Multicolored Hills & Sierra Pelada

Spend the morning exploring Amblayo's 17th-century chapel and chatting with locals. In the afternoon, ride to the foothills of the multicolored Sierra Pelada and enjoy canters along the Río Salado before returning for a traditional goat barbecue dinner.

Day 7: Condors & The Lerma Valley

Ride east across the Dead Lion range, transitioning from desert to high-altitude grasslands (~3,000m) where Andean condors fly. Descend into the dense forests of the Lerma Valley, arriving at El Churqui mountain camp (1,960m) to sleep in cabin sleeping bags.

Day 8: Enchanted Valley & Ayuso

Cross the Dead Lion range westward through the narrow trails of the Enchanted Valley. Arrive at Ayuso (2,500m), the home of a local family overlooking the Calchaquí Valley, where you will set up tents for the night.

Day 9: Cerro Bola & Salado River

Take a lighter riding day carrying only essentials. Ride around Cerro Bola, enjoying long canters along the dry beds of the Salado River and a shaded lunch under ancient algarrobo trees before returning to your camp at Ayuso.

Day 10: Calchaquí Valleys & Farewell

Ride south through narrow creeks into the striking, Grand Canyon-like rock formations of the Calchaquí Valleys. Navigate steep downhill trails to the Las Conchas River, say goodbye to the horses at Puente Morales (1,300m), and transfer back to your hotel in Salta for a farewell dinner.

Day 11: Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to the Salta Airport.

Optional Extras:

You can extend your trip with a Salta city tour, an excursion to the ancient fortresses and the 7 Colors Hill in Quebrada de Humahuaca, or wine tasting (famous for Torrontés) among the unique rock landscapes of Cafayate.