On this ride you will cross the Andes in the northwest of Argentina as in colonial times, but with some 21st century amenities. These ancient Inca trails are the ideal back for an unforgettable experience. You will explore a breathtaking landscape. Again and again you will have magnificent views over forested valleys with crystal clear rivers, followed by deserts with colorful mountains and huge cacti and rock paintings.

You ride up to 2,700 meters. At this altitude the forest is replaced by pastures. This is also the home of the Andes condor. After sunset a spectacular starry sky of the southern hemisphere shines above you. The campfire illuminates the night while you drink coffee, tea or the typical mate together.

On the way you will meet again and again the local population, descendants of the Incas. Parts of the old culture are still alive here - high up in the mountains.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Salta by 4 pm. Pick up from the airport and visit the MAAM (Archaeological Museum). It shows findings of the Inca sacrificial site on the summit of the Llullaillaco volcano (6.730m) and contains the best preserved mummies worldwide. Today you will stay overnight in a boutique hotel in Salta and enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide.

Day 2: After breakfast you will drive to Piedra del Molino (about 2 hours drive). There you will meet the horses. The drive passes the Cuesta del Obispo, from where you will enjoy beautiful views, and the Cardones National Park, where you can see many guanacos (relatives of the llamas). At Piedra del Molino (3.348 meters above sea level) you will get to know the horses and gauchos. After lunch you will start your first ride south. Before sunset you will reach Penas Blancas (2.760 m above sea level) after crossing a small range of hills. Here in the area live wild donkeys, which were brought into the country by the Spanish conquerors and were eventually released. Overnight stay in a cabin.

Day 3: After breakfast you will set off on your ride through the valley. Here and there you will see small houses made of clay and old remnants of past settlements. You ride west and enjoy magnificent views over the hills and valleys. At a dried out riverbed (nice possibility to gallop!) the lunch break with lunch is waiting for you. In the afternoon you will see among other things centuries-old Indian rock paintings. You will also visit the Working Ranch Isonza, where people still work traditionally, just like the Incas did in the past. Among other things, goat cheese is produced on the farm.

Day 4: Today you ride towards Amblayo (at 2,400m above sea level). Gigantic cacti shape the landscape. Only 150 inhabitants live in the village and it is a very special feeling to enter this small village without cars. Here the horse still serves as a means of transport and as a beast of burden. It is known for its excellent goat cheese. On the way there you will pass an archaeological site with many old pottery shards. Overnight stay in Amblayo (rooms with beds and bathroom with hot water).

Day 5: This morning you can relax and enjoy your stay in this pretty village. Visit the ancient chapel and have a chat with the locals. In the afternoon you will ride to the hills at the foot of the Sierra Pelada, in the area where the Incas settled many centuries ago. Overnight stay in Amblayo.

Day 6: A day full of contrasts awaits you. In eastern direction we will drive over the "Dead Lion" mountain range. The desert slowly but surely changes into highland grass plains. You will reach an altitude of about 3.000m above sea level. This is the land of the condors! With a little luck you will see one of the mighty birds. Then the descent begins down into the dense forest of the Lerma Valley. In the evening you will reach El Churqui mountain camp (1.960m above sea level), where a hearty dinner awaits you. You will sleep in a hut (in sleeping bags).

Day 7: You will ride to La Vina along the river Las Pircas. This path has been used for centuries and still serves as a link between the villages for the local people. In La Vina the minibus will be waiting for you to take you to Salta (about 2 hours). Overnight stay in a boutique hotel and farewell dinner.

Day 8: After breakfast you will be taken to the airport. Domestic flight to Buenos Aires (not included) and transfer to your hotel. You will visit the city and get to know some important symbols of the city, such as Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada´s balcony, Tango etc. In the evening you might feel like going to a tango show or take a dance lesson (optional). Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 9: Breakfast and departure.

Accomodation

5 nights cabin/mountain hut (including 2 nights with shower) in shared rooms, 2 nights in a boutique hotel in Salta and 1 night in a hotel in Buenos Aires
In the evening you will receive a warm meal and at noon a picnic. During the tour all drinks are included, in the hotels extra. Our partner can also offer different tours and extra days in Argentina for those who would like to stay longer in Argentina (e.g. Salta City Tour, Quebrada de Humahuaca, Cafayate & Wineries)

Saddle & Tack: South American Recado Saddles.

Experience: Slow riding pace with possibilities for trot and gallop, about 5-6 hours in the saddle daily. You should be physically fit and comfortable in all gaits.

Horses: Criollo and Paso Peruano Mix