Our Destinations
Letter Randocheval
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
ARGENTINA - SALTA : INCA HORSEBACK ADVENTURE IN THE ANDES OF NORTHERN ARGENTINA...
Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
The Andes Mountains in the backcountry of Northwest Argentina set the
stage. Explore its impressive landscapes. Valleys with forests and crystal
clear water streams followed by desserts with multicoloured mountains.
We designed our cross-country rides to show this breathtaking contrast. We go up to 9000 feet (2740 m) where the forest changes to high altitude grassland. This is the homeland of the Andean condor. When we reach the desert of the Calchaquí Valleys, get ready for its countless monumental cacti (cardons) and the red soil, and, as the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere that cover the sky. All along the trail, have a chance to absorb from the herdsmen, heirs of the ancient Incas, some of the local culture still alive high up in the mountains. Our long experience guarantee an unforgettable vacation. Perhaps, the trip of a lifetime. |
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ITINERARY
Day 1
Pick up at Buenos Aires airport. Transfer to domestic airport. Flight
to Salta. We will visit the MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology).
Recently opened to show the items brought from an Inca human sacrifice
site found on top of the Llullaillaco volcano (18000 ft. high). It
holds the best preserved mummies worldwide. Check in at boutique hotel.
Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Leave for La Viña (2hrs). Meet the horses. Last minute packing
before riding into the mountainous forest of Valle de Lerma along
the course of the Las Pircas stream. We will cross the Dead Lion range.
At sunset, arrive at El Churqui mountain camp where we will be awaited
with an energizing homemade meal.
Day 3
The dense forest gradually gives way to grasslands. Once we reach
aprox. 3000 mts. and have the chance to see some condors, we descend
into the desertic Calchaquí Valley. We head towards the town
of Amblayo where we will spend the night. It has only 150 dwellers.
Sense the feeling of arriving on horseback to this tiny town with
no cars! It is renowned for its goat cheese. Traditional lamb barbecue
at dinner.
Day 4
During this morning just relax and enjoy this picturesque town.
Visit its ancient chapel, have a chat with its neighbors. In the
afternoon we ride towards the foothills of Sierra Pelada, the area
where the "ancient ones" lived centuries ago. Night at
Amblayo.
Day 5
We leave Amblayo riding well into the Calchaquí Valleys towards
our next stop. To get there we will ride first through archaeological
areas where you can see pieces of painted pottery scattered around.
We have a look with agreement not to remove any of the findings. The
multicolored hills are remarkable and the icon of the region. Night
at Isonza.
Day 6
Isonza is a working ranch. During this morning we will join in with
the everyday life of the ranch and its ancient way of life still intact.
The way they milk the goats, make cheese, grow their crops is centuries
old. After lunch we ride and hike to visit archaeological pictographs.
The ride takes us West at the beginning until we reach the incredible
very steep Chilo slopes which divides two valleys. The view is magnificent
and makes us feel the power of nature. Overnight at Isonza.
Day 7
Transfer to Salta City through the Cuesta del Obispo and the Cardones
National Park. On the way there are herds of wild donkeys set free
by the Spanish Conquistadors. Check in at boutique hotel. Farewell
dinner.
Day 8
Transfer to airport. Flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to hotel. We
will take some time to visit the city and learn about its icons in
a very special way: tango, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada's balcony, Eva
Peron, etc. In the evening you might want to attend a tango show (optional)
within dinner and a tango lesson. Night at hotel.
Day 9
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
To make the most of your stay in Argentina, we suggest you to spend a few days in Buenos Aires. From the city center and its French style with grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurant, to the Boca, the italian area with its coulourfull houses along the Riachuelo river, Buenos Aires is more european than south american, but so charming !
We offer you to spent the night in a central four star hotel, including breakfast, and visit the city at your pace (entrance fees, meals and personal expenses are not included).
Cf. "options" section below to check the price of this extension.
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Iguazu falls (3 days / 2 nights) |
Other extensions are possible in Salta area : rafting and rappel, trekking, city tour...
Don't hesitate to contact us.
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
Horses
Criollos and Peruvian Paso cross, mountain trained.
They are sure footed as they are all born and raised in the area and used
to mountainous terrain.
Tack
South American recado saddles.
This saddle is made of sheepskins, tanned on one side and woolly on the
other, fastened by gorgeous embroidered straps.
Required riding experience
These rides are suitable for experienced riders only.
We assign horses according to each rider's preference. We have plenty
of horses, some are more challenging while others are very easy to handle.
The pace : slow due to the mountainous terrain but with enough opportunities for those who like to canter and gallop.
You will ride for about 5 to 6 hours a day.
We ask those under 12 to be accompanied by their parents or grown ups.
YOUR GUIDES
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The trails are well known by our guides. In those places we believe
risky, we step down the horse and walk. In case of need, our guides
are trained and know what to do: there are predetermined evacuation
points, we carry radio equipment in case of emergency (although reception
is sometimes a problem). We consider a must that all our guests follow
our guide's instructions. |
ACCOMMODATION
Accomodation
Our rides should be regarded as camping expeditions but we will enjoy a few "upgrades". Remember we will be riding the backcountry of Argentina almost all the time above 6000 - 9000 feets (about 1830 to 2740 m). You will find no infrastructure at all!! This is why we have to wipe out the standard urban life comforts.
We stop at mountain refuges. In all of them but the first there are beds with no linen. We use sleeping bags. There is shared bath with hot water for all nights, except the first one where there is just a bath with cold water.
Meals
Breakfast and tea at the refuges: at the refuges we have tea, coffee or hot chocolate, home made bread with jam.
Lunches on the trail: pic-nic style. Roast beef, ham, cheese sandwiches. Salami and home made cheese, etc. Fruits, pies for dessert. Water to drink - no wine for safety reason.
Dinner at the refuges: local traditional meals like lamb barbecue, stew or "empanadas". Fruits, pies for dessert. Wine, water, soft drinks.
DATES AND RATES
| The Inca Trails 2008 | ||
| September 04 to 12 |
2390 € |
available |
| "A la carte" All year round except July and August |
2390 € |
available |
| "A la carte" for July and August |
2530 € |
available |
- Small group supplement : + 440 € per person for group of 2 to 3 riders and + 220 € for group of 4 to 5 riders. Cancelled and refund from the 6th rider booked.
- Single room supplement : 150 €.
Only available for hotels in Salta. Apply for riders who booked alone and refund only if we could find another rider to share the room.
Options (price per person)
| Extensions in Argentina | |
| Stay in Buenos Aires (double room bases) |
50 € |
| Single supplement |
+ 30 € |
| Stay at Iguazu Falls (double room bases) |
560 € |
| Single supplement |
+ 130 € |
RATE INCLUDING
- the horse trekking as mentionned above with full board basis (drinks included),- transfers from and to Salta airport,
- english and spanish speaking guide,
- financial deposit guaranteed to Randocheval.
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- International and domestic flights (with airport tax)- any other services not mentioned in the program.
- tips and personal expenses
- optional insurance: more information .
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Claire for further details !
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Argentina
LENGTH
9 days / 8 nights - 5 days riding
LANGUAGE
English, Spanish.
GROUP SIZE
Minimum 2, maximum 12 riders.
ACCESS
Salta, connected with Buenos Aires.
CLIMATE
On summer : Mild, not very warm even though we are far north in Argentina. This is because the Calchaquí Valleys are dry and we stay on average over 6000 feet. At noon the temperature reaches 29ºC (84F) but at night and during the morning it goes down to 10ºC (50F).
It might rain someday but these are short. Nevertheless, do not despair! The experience of riding under the rain is very special and provides close contact with nature, something we are looking for. This is why we ask everyone to bring a cloak. We can dry all that gets wet where we spend the night.
On Winter : At noon the temperature reaches 20-25ºC (68-77F) but at night and during the morning it goes down to 5ºC (41F). This is the dry season so rains are unlikely.
Check with your local Embassy according to your nationality.
Vaccins - Health
It is necessary to be up to date concerning your usual vaccinations, in particular for the tetanus vaccine.
Remember that a repatriation travel insurrance is compulsory.
REFERENCE :CH13-argentina-salta-en
