Tour Features

Northwestern Argentina is a land full of spectacular landscapes and with a vast cultural heritage. These lands were part of the south quarter of the mythical Inca Empire -the so called Qollasuyu. The local native people call themselves Qollas. They are very proud of their heritage, and still preserve many of their traditions, their language and culture. The Andes in this part of Argentina are very dry, but they are crossed by a series of humid valleys, with Humahuaca standing out for its unique setting. Nestled amidst spectacular rock formations of the most incredible and diverse colors, this is the heart of one of the richest cacti flora on Earth.

Characterized by their ability to survive long periods of time without receiving a single drop of water and also for their outstanding flowers, cacti come in a variety of sizes: from tiny Blossfeldias -only 1 cm (less than ½ inch) in diameter when fully grown- to giant Pasacana Tree Cacti reaching up to 10 meters (33 ft.) tall. Blossfeldias, Pasacanas and the highest diversity of cacti species in South America are present here, in northwestern Argentina. During our overland tour through this unique wilderness we will the opportunity to see and photograph a great variety of Argentine cacti, including some near-endemic genera, like Gymnocalycium -the Chin Cacti- and some very beautiful and widespread examples, like Lobivia, Cleistocactus, Tephrocactus, Maihuenia, and others.

Our journey is set to take place during the highest peak of cacti blooming season in northern Argentina. The time spent afield will give us ample opportunities to take good photos of stunning cacti flowers. This is a very comprehensive itinerary designed to enjoy finding and observing as many cacti species as possible, and also to explore northwestern Argentina’s unique birds, mammals, landscapes and culture.

Tour Highlights

Around 100 species of Argentine cacti. A huge diversity of birds and other animals. Archaeological and cultural Incan and pre-Incan sites. The dry Andes of southern South America, Cordoba Hills, Humahuaca Valley, Yungas cloud forest. Unique photo opportunities for fauna, flora and fantastic landscapes.

INFORMATION

Arrival

Morning meeting with your Trogon Tours’ guide at Córdoba airport. Drive to Villa de Soto. O/N Villa de Soto.

Villa de Soto to San Agustín del Valle

Villa de Soto to San Agustín del Valle Fértil via Los Colorados. O/N San Agustín del Valle Fértil.

Ischigualasto and Moon Valley.

Full day exploring Ischigualasto and Moon Valley. O/N San Agustín del Valle Fértil.

Talampaya National Park

Drive to Chilecito, visiting Talampaya National Park on the way. O/N Chilecito.

Carrizal, Rumi Rayán & Cerro Negro.

Full day exploring Carrizal, Rumi Rayán and Cerro Negro. O/N Chilecito

Amaicha del Valle

Chilecito to Amaicha del Valle. O/N Amaicha del Valle.

Ruins of Quilmes

Full day exploring the Ruins of Quilmes and El Infiernillo. O/N Amaicha del Valle.

Cabra Corral

Amaicha del Valle to Cabra Corral via Quebrada de las Conchas. O/N Cabra Corral.

Cachi

Cabra Corral to Cachi. O/N Cachi.

Cachi to Molinos

Full day exploring Cachi to Molinos. O/N Cachi.

San Lorenzo

Drive from Cachi to San Lorenzo. O/N San Lorenzo.

Purmamarca

San Lorenzo to Purmamarca via Yungas Cloudforest. O/N Purmamarca

Purmamarca

Full day exploring the high Andes west of Purmamarca. O/N Purmamarca.

Andes near Iturbe

Full day exploring the Andes near Iturbe. O/N Purmamarca.

Tour conclusion.

Transfer to Salta airport. Tour conclusion.

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