Argentina’s Inca Trail Ride

Day 1 

Arrive to Salta (you can easily book a connecting flight from Buenos Aires) 

If you've arrived to Buenos Aires, after an early breakfast, you will need to transfer to the domestic airport in time for your independently booked flight to Salta. 

Or, you may make your own way to Salta, You will have a visit to the MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology) (closed Mondays). It recently opened to show the items found at an Incan human sacrifice site on top of the Llullaillaco volcano (18,000 ft). It holds the best preserved mummies worldwide. 

Check in at your boutique hotel. 

Welcome dinner with the group and your guide. 

Day 2 

Start of the Ride 

After breakfast, we will drive to meet the horses. The drive takes us along the Cuesta del Obispo with its breathtaking views and the Cardones National Park where you can usually spot guanacos (Andean camelidae). When we reach Piedra del Molino (11,000ft) the horses are waiting for us and we will rest with lunch nearby. 

The ride begins from this high altitude location from which will ride down through a small range of hills to Penas Blancas (9,075 ft) before sunset to spend the night in a cabin with beds. On the way are herds of wild donkeys, descendants of the ones freed by the Spanish Conquistadors. 

Overnight in a cabin with beds. 

Day 3 

After breakfast we mount up - today we will ride the lifeline of this valley, as it's been for centuries. Along the way, we will see small houses made with mud as well as archeological remains of ancient settlements. 

The ride takes us West until we reach the very steep Chilo slopes which divide two valleys. The view is magnificent and really magnifies the resplendence of nature. Lunch is in a dry river bed which is also a great place for canters - we will take full advantage! 

We will stop to see ancient pictographs painted by local Indians centuries ago, as well as visit Isonza, a working ranch still living the ancient way. You learn firsthand the way they milk the goats, make cheese and grow their crops through centuries old techniques inherited from Inca times. 

Day 4 

Today we ride toward Yaslaguala. Along the way this morning are the giant cactii. They surround us and set a spectacular stage as we explore and wind our way through this area. 

After lunch, we ride to the town of Amblayo (8,085 ft) where will overnight. Along the way we will ride through archaeological areas where you can see pieces of painted pottery scattered around. We have the unique agreement to be able to get off and view these items as long as we don't disturb, touch, or especially remove any of them. During the ride, you’ll marvel at the multicolored hills and giant cacti which are remarkable and are icons of the region. 

Amblayo has only 150 citizens and its main means of transport is like your own for the ride - by horseback. It's a unique experience to have this level of intimacy of arriving on horseback to this tiny town with no motorized vehicles! It is renowned for its goat cheese. 

Overnight in Amblayo in rooms with beds, bathrooms and hot water. 

Day 5 

During this morning you have the chance to just relax and enjoy this picturesque town. Of particular interest might be a visit to its ancient chapel and its 17th century paintings brought from Peru. 

In the afternoon, you will mount back up and ride toward the foothills of Sierra Pelada, the area where the “ancient ones” lived centuries ago. 

Overnight at Amblayo again. 

Day 6 

The riding today will provide a day full of contrasts. We will be crossing the Dead Lion range. This is an area where the desert gradually gives way to high altitude grasslands. It is the land of the magnificent condor! 

When we reach approximately 6,600 ft, we will likely have the chance to see them! 

We then begin our descent into the dense forest of the Lerma Valley and then and near sunset, you will arrive at El Churqui mountain camp with an energizing homemade meal. 

Cabin accommodation with sleeping bags, toilet and cold running water. 

Day 7

After breakfast, we leave for La Vina along the course of the Las Pircas stream. These trails have been used for centuries and are still the only means of communication among locals.

When we reach La Vina our transport will be waiting to drive us the two hours back to Salta where will check in to our hotel and enjoy a last group dinner. 

Day 8

After breakfast depart for the Salta airport.

Extra Add on Days/Tours:

Salta city tour - walk and drive the city with a guide.

Trip to Humahuaca Creek - walk the ancient Indian fortress in Tilcara, and see small, picturesque towns. 

Visit Cafayate and its world renowned wineries and enjoy a wine tasting.