From Belén to Londres - Catamarca - Trekking - El Shincal

Day 1 -  Transfer from the Catamarca airport to the town of Belén. Check-in at the hotel. Afternoon for guide introductions and gear prep. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 - Belén – Pozo de Piedra – Las Vallas
Early transfer to the town of Pozo de Piedra (2000 masl), Route 40, approx. 50 minutes away. This is where our route begins, at Las Sarchuvas. We follow the Río Blanco valley up to the outpost where we'll spend the night, at Las Vallas (2700 masl). Campsite.
Approximate hiking time: 8 hrs.

Day 3 - Las Vallas - ascent of Cerro Basilio (3400 masl) and return to Las Vallas
Second day of trekking. This time we'll climb a hill with great views, all the way to the summit. Round trip. We'll get great views of the region after a big effort.  Cultural experience with the local people. New campsite.
Approximate hiking time: 8 hrs.

Day 4 - Las Vallas – Los Colorados - Puesto de Zapata
We continue our hike through the wide, dry valley to a pre-Inca settlement in the area known as Los Colorados, with archaeological remains. We continue on to Puesto de Zapata. Night at a local homestead (puesto).  
Approximate hiking time: 6 hrs. 

Day 5 Puesto de Zapata – El Shincal - Belén + transfer to Catamarca airport
We set off again, now heading south through the Quebrada del Río Quimil, crossing back and forth until we reach Puesto Zapata (2600 masl). After midday we continue along the pre-Inca trail until we reach the El Shincal Archaeological Site (1350 masl), a National Historic Monument, where the structures remain almost in their original state: the Plaza de Armas, the Kallanka, the Ushnu, and the Ceremonial Platforms -among other historic buildings- still stand there, making up what was this Southern Administrative Center of the Inca Empire. Final transfer to Belén, baggage pickup, shower and transfer to the Catamarca airport. 

Approximate hiking time: 7 hrs. 

• Transfers:
  • Initial Catamarca (airport) to Belén.
  • From Belén to the start of the trek.
  • El Shincal to Belén and then to Catamarca (airport).
• Camping/Lodging:
  • One night's hotel stay in Belén.
  • Nights of lodging at local homesteads. 
  • Night in a tent (included)
• Mountain gastronomy:
  • Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon snacks, dinners + trail snacks.
  • General camp logistics.
• Travel light:
  • Pack-animal (mule/donkey) support for the general gear.
• Safety:
  • General first aid kit.
  • Guide with international WFR certification.
  • Handheld radio and satellite communication.
• Professionals:
  • Professional Mountain Guides
  • Local baqueano (gaucho) guides
• Adventurer support:
  • Detailed guidance before the activity
  • We check your personal gear with you, to make sure you enjoy the experience.
  • Info session before the trip.
  • 24/7 attention on the day the activity starts.

• Flight to Catamarca
• Expenses caused by leaving the program early
• Beverages at the hotel in Belén
• Tips

GENERAL GEAR

• Trekking backpack, 45 to 60 liters.
• Sleeping bag - it doesn't need to handle very low temperatures, but it should be warm. Not a camping-style bag 
• Trekking poles  (You'll need a pair)
• Plastic bags or a cloth sack, used for packing the mule loads.

CLOTHING  

• 1 pair of trekking boots.
• 1 second pair of shoes (can be espadrilles, crocs or lightweight shoes) 
• Underwear
• Assorted trekking socks 
• T-shirts and/or shirts (synthetic, dry-fit type for walking, and cotton for off-activity time)  
• Trekking pants (not cotton or jeans)  
• Spare/change of pants
• Shorts or swim trunks - optional
• 2 warm layers (fleece jacket, wool, or soft shell-windstopper)
• Fleece gloves or similar  
• Warm hat (fleece preferably, or wool)  
• Sun cap (with flaps)
• Multifunction neck gaiter
• Third-layer jacket - parka (waterproof and, if possible, breathable-windproof) 

PERSONAL ITEMS

• Personal ID. Medical insurance, health coverage. 

MISCELLANEOUS

• Headlamp with batteries (spare batteries).  
• Sturdy plastic bags to store clothes. 

HEALTH & HYGIENE

• Mountain sunglasses with good protection (UV 3 minimum).  
• High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, soap, shampoo (small, to share) and a small towel.
• Toilet paper and wet wipes. 
• Tissues.

KITCHEN

• Water containers for at least 2 liters (can be a plastic bottle), Camelback, Nalgene or similar 

Everyone has to carry their own backpack, it's done in a traverse (travesía) style

Yes, there's pack support with animals, but they only carry the general gear (tent, food, etc.)