Aconquija crossing trekking - from El Tesoro to Campo de los Alisos National Park - Inca Trail

La Cuidacita or Pueblo Viejo, are Inca archaeological sites located at 4,300 meters above sea level within the Aconquija National Park (Province of Tucumán). The Cuidacita Ruins have both incalculable cultural value and a mysterious enigma that goes from their origin to their functionality. The temperature on winter nights is -20º C while on summer days the temperature can reach 30º C; Towards the plain you can see the provinces of Tucumán, Santiago del Estero and Catamarca.

Day 1 Meeting at the San Miguel de Tucumán bus terminal or Tucumán airport. Transfer by charter vehicle to the town of Santa María (Catamarca) touring part of the beautiful roads of the Calchaquí Valleys. From there we will move to the El Tesoro ranch, base and beginning of our journey, at the foot of the giant Aconquija. Setting up the camp, welcome dinner and talk about the general considerations of the journey. First night at 2600 meters above sea level

Day 2 We get up and have breakfast in peace. We packed our backpacks while we broke down camp and prepared loads for the animals. First stage of the walking tour; going up through a small ravine and then through a gigantic high plain. Later, a small winding ascent will begin and, finally, we will arrive at our camping place: La Cienaga (3600 meters above sea level) or Piedra Ecripta. We will continue with hydration and enjoy an already captivating environment, with amazing views of the Catamarca deserts to the west.  

Day 3 Once again we get up early, have a very complete breakfast and walk… We climb again, the landscape becomes unmissable, and our breathing begins to labor a little due to the effects of the altitude. Suddenly we entered a large high valley, where many years ago those “tireless” Incas passed.  We arrive at Las Pirquitas, a high valley, surrounded by rocks from where we can observe numerous guanacos. This camp is already at 4200 meters above sea level. and it will be our last step on the Catamarca side.

Day 4 Key day, the day of the pass, the crossing of the Aconquija. We will get up earlier than ever. Taking advantage of the cool morning, we climb one valley and then another, the steps are increasingly shorter and slower, which allows us to have a good rhythm in the mountains.  Finally, the “Inca Pass” (4800 m.a.s.l.) fatigue does not prevent us from taking that unforgettable photo. Descent to Campo Colorado (4500 meters above sea level), our new camp.

Day 5: We will have two options that will depend on how the group is.

Option 1- Breakfast and start trekking to CIUDACITA RUINS where we will have lunch and return to the camp.
Option 2- We get up early at 4:00 am to have breakfast and begin the trek to RUINAS DE LA CIUDACITA, we have lunch and return to break camp and go to PIRKITAS (if we see that the schedules are given, we have to cross the gate before 2:00 p.m.).

Day 6: According to how day 5 develops:

Option 1- Breakfast and start of trekking to camp 4 (LA CIENAGA).

Option 2- Breakfast and start of trekking towards EL TESORO.

Day 7: If you opt for option 1. Breakfast and start trekking to the TREASURE. Transfer to San Miguel de Tucuman. End of the program (in the evening).

• Local transfer to and from San Miguel de Tucumán
• Mules and pack donkeys throughout the tour
• Professional mountain guides
• Full board in the mountains (breakfast, energetic walking, lunch, snack, dinner)
• General kitchen equipment (Pots, heaters)
• First aid kit and main kit
• Communication equipment for emergencies: VHF and Satellite Phone
• Satellite monitoring via Spot throughout the journey
• tents
• Personal accident insurance
• Permanent assistance and coordination

• tickets to Tucumán
• Expenses incurred due to abandonment of the program
• Tips

in Mountain tents, for 2 and 3 people.

On all our expeditions we provide food service ON A FULL BOARD PLAN.

Lunches on the go (cold meals): Milanese and tomato sandwiches, cold cuts, sandwiches, salads, tapas, etc.

Dinners: Vegetable-bacon-, Chicken and vegetable casseroles, Pastas with various sauces or stew, Roast meat (Chivito), Chaw Fan, Chicken with rice....

Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Cooked Mate, Mate, Powdered milk; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit.

It is necessary to complete the personal/medical record to clarify if someone does not eat any type of food.

• Special backpack for trekking (65 to 85 liters)
•  Warm sleeping bag (0° comfort feather example)
• Insulating mat (10 to 15mm).
• Trekking sticks

•  1 Trekking boots  
•  1 second lightweight trekking shoe     

•  A couple of changes of underwear
•  Several pairs of trekking socks (some may be made of first skin-inside-thin)
•  1 pair of wool socks (sleeping coat)
•  2 T-shirts made of polypropylene (dry fit type) or similar (not cotton) for walking
•  1 long-sleeved thermal t-shirt
•  Indoor pants (type of leggings or long underwear) for warmth
•  Trekking pants. Lightweight-quick drying
•  2 intermediate layers of outerwear (long-sleeved fleeces)
•  Warm hat (fleece or synthetic wool)  
•  Sun cap (with flaps)
•  Neck scarf
• warm gloves
• Waterproof-windproof jacket (ultrex or gore tex or similar)   

•  Document.
•  Medical insurance, social work.
•  Complete medical and personal record    

•   FRONT flashlight with batteries (spare batteries).  
•  Resistant plastic bags for storing clothes.
•  Personal tableware (plate, jug and cutlery).   

•  Sunglasses with category 4 UV protection. (IMPORTANT)
•  Personal first aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
•  Sunscreen, Lip balm
•  Soap, shampoo (small to share) and small towel.
•  Others
• Toilet paper. Handkerchiefs. Baby wipes.   
• Water containers for at least 2 liters (can be a plastic bottle), Camelback, Nalgene or similar

•  SILVER TAPE tape, for blisters and repairs.
•  Mate, bulb and yerba.
•  Steel thermos.  
• Water purification tablets.
•  Mini - sewing kit.
• Long-sighted, monocle. Photographic or video equipment.
• Book, notebook, travel diary, pencil, pen.
• Games; cards, dice, etc.
• Penknife
• Warm jacket

In general we have a system of walking for about 3/4 hours in the morning; We make a big lunch stop and walk the same in the afternoon to the place where we set up camp.

The Argentine north is characterized by having a significant thermal amplitude (hot during the day and cool at night and early morning). 
You should protect yourself from the sun with a hat, scarves, sunscreen and mountaineering glasses. And at night it is important to have a good sleeping bag and a coat since the temperature can drop to less than 0° Celsius.

Sleeping bags or bags must be able to withstand a temperature of -5° Comfort, to be able to rest peacefully.

In general, these are very heterogeneous groups (all types of people). Varied ages and sexes, people traveling alone, accompanied by a friend, couples, families, etc.

The overnight stay takes place in mountain camps in comfortable igloo-type tents for 2/3 or 4 people. 

The tents are included in the service.

The stops occur with a frequency and gradation according to the intensity. There are stops for lunch, snack, and rest.

From 13 years of age.

Between 12 and 15 kilos