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Trekking National Park Calilegua to Tilcara, Quebrada de Humahuaca - Jujuy

Magical Adventure mixing the green Yungas and the dryness of the Quebrada de Humahuaca

  • DateOctober 12, 2026
  • Duration7 days
  • Meeting PointSalta City
  • DifficultyIntermediate
  • Availability3 spots

The trip

One of the most fascinating treks in Argentina
 
It is one of the most attractive expeditions offered by northwestern Argentina. A deep experience with nature and a millenary journey, traveling ancient original paths that become magical as they are traveled, landscapes of deep ravines, valleys and small pampas. They will go from the intense green of the jungles to the bare landscape of the high mountains. During the march, condors will be seen soaring through the skies, herds of guanacos and vicuñas.
 
It starts from the Yungas Biosphere Reserve, a jungle environment with a high value in biodiversity, crossing different jungle biotypes, until reaching the high grasslands, ascending the high mountains that separate the jungles from the Puna. In this adventure we visit the towns of San Francisco, San Lucas, and arrive at the camping area known as Abra El Potrero. Then the ascent continues to Molulo and beyond over the Yuto Pampa summits from where it starts to the highest point of the route, at 4010 masl. Then it descends to the Quebrada de Humahuaca, arriving at Tilcara which marks the end of the crossing.
 
 
Dates Season 2024:
  • April 8 to 13 (from Calilegua to Tilcara)
  • May 20 to 25 (from Tilcara to Calilegua)
  • June 17 to 22 (from Calilegua to Tilcara)
  • August 13 to 18 (from Tilcara to Calilegua + Jordan hot springs)
  • September 16 to 21 (from Calilegua to Tilcara)
  • October 22 to 27 (from Tilcara to Calilegua + Jordan hot springs)

 

ITINERARY

Previous day (0): We recommend spending the night before the trek starts in Salta City.

Day 1: Salta - San Francisco: Transfer from the city of Salta. Departure 9 am approx. Arrival in San Francisco, presentation of the Guides and preparation of equipment. Night at a mountain lodge/hostel.

Day 2: Peña Alta - San Lucas: Beginning of the Trek in Peña Alta 1250 masl, San Francisco. Overnight in San Lucas 1850 masl. Mountain Camp-Shelter next to the Settlers.

  • Positive slope: 800 mtrs.
  • Duration: from 5 to 7 hours.
  • Distance: 17 km.
  • Maximum height: 1850 masl.
Day 3: San Lucas - Abra del Potrero: Beginning of the Trekking in San Lucas 1250msnm, San Francisco. Overnight in Abra del Potrero 2550 masl.
  • Positive slope: 700 mtrs.
  • Duration: from 6 to 7 hours.
  • Distance: 11 km.
  • Maximum height: 2550 masl.
Day 4: Abra del Potrero - Molulo: Trekking - We start at Abra del Potrero 2550 masl. Overnight in Molulo 2900 masl - Camp - Mountain Refuge with the settlers.
  • Positive slope: 300 mtrs.
  • Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
  • Distance: 10 km.
  • Maximum height: 2990 masl.
Day 5: Molulo - Huairahuasi - Yuto Pampa: Trekking - We start in Molulo 2900 masl. Overnight in Huairahuasi 3100 masl - Yuto Pampa Camp.
  • Positive slope: 350 mtrs.
  • Duration: from 6 to 8 hours.
  • Distance: 15 km.
  • Maximum height: 3410 masl.
Day 6: Yuto Pampa - Tilcara: Trekking - We start in Yuto Pampa. From Yuto Pampa 3100 masl to Tilcara 2450 masl. Final night in Tilcara in a hostel or cabins.
  • Negative slope: 650 mtrs.
  • Duration: from 8 to 10 hours.
  • Distance: 20 km.
  • Maximum height: 4050 masl.
Day 7: Tilcara: Breakfast at the lodge. End of our services.
Elevation profile (m a.s.l.)

What is included

  • Transfer from Salta city to San Francisco and Peña Alta (start of the trek).
  • Full board in the mountains (from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7). Does not include dinner in Tilcara
  • One night of accommodation in a hostel (Tilcara), shared rooms.
  • One night of accommodation in a hostel in San Francisco, shared rooms.
  • Four nights of accommodation in camp or mountain posts.
  • Porterage with mules of the general equipment (tents, food, kitchen equipment, etc.) and individual (up to 5 kg. per person).
  • Horse "ambulance", saddler
  • Guided and permanent coordination throughout the journey.
  • General camping logistics (pots, heaters, safety items, orientation)
  • Tents
  • Advice and permanent assistance.
  • Satellite communication for emergencies.

Not included

  • Travel to the meeting point and finish.
  • Transfer from Tilcara to Salta (at the end)
  • Dinner in Tilcara
  • Expenses caused by possible abandonment of the program
  • Tips

Accommodation

Overnight in settlers' houses, with beds. (Hot water shower in some).

The sleeping bag is used for one night only.

habitación en una de las casas

Meals

  • Typical meals of the area based on charqui, generally stews, empanadas and soup throughout the journey with typical desserts.
  • Vegetarian food is offered. Humitas and tamales, according to the time.
  • Breakfasts and snacks: Aromatic tea with homemade bread baked in a clay oven, homemade jams, cookies, etc.

Recommended gear

MANDATORY GENERAL EQUIPMENT
  • Backpack for trekking (65 to 85 liters)
  • Warm sleeping bag (-10 degrees comfort minimum)
  • Insulated sleeping pad (10 to 15mm)
  • Pair of trekking poles
  • Sunglasses with UV protection category 4.
FOOTWEAR
  • 1 pair of Waterproof trekking boots (in good conditions)
  • 1 second pair of light trekking shoes to cross rivers
CLOTHES
  • Underwear
  • Several pairs of trekking socks (some can be first-skin-interior-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 shirt
  • Warm inner pants (type leggings or long underpants)
  • Trekking pants. Lightweight-quick dry
  • 2 intermediate outerwear (long-sleeved fleeces)
  • Warm hat (polar or synthetic wool)
  • Sun cap (with flaps)
  • Buff or multifunctional scarf
  • Warm gloves
  • Waterproof jacket (ultrex or gore tex or similar)

 

PERSONAL ELEMENTS
  • Passport or ID
  • Complete medical and personal file
  • Travel assistance insurance. Required.
MISCELLANEOUS
  • Front flashlight with batteries (With spare batteries)
  • Personal kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
  • Sunscreen, Lip balm
  • Soap, shampoo (small to share) and small towel.
  • Toilet paper, handkerchiefs, Baby wipes.
KITCHEN GEAR FOR PERSONAL USE
  • Water containers for at least 2 liters (it can be a plastic bottle) Camelback, Nalgene or similar
  • Cutlery, plate or tupper and cup (No glass or metal)
OPTIONAL, not mandatory (see space and weight)
  • SILVER TAPE tape, for blisters and repairs.
  • Steel thermos
  • Binoculars, monocle. Camera
  • Book, travel diary, pencil, pen.
  • Games; cards, dice, etc
  • Whistle and lighter.

FAQ

Who can participate in this activity?

This trek is for people who are in good physical condition to withstand an average of 6 to 8 hours of walking in the mountains, for several days, at a gentle pace, departing from San Francisco, Calilegua, with a spectacular transition of landscapes. With a lot of change in vegetation, and where we are in full contact with the people who live in the mountains and with Nature. In only 70km, from the cloud forest, of the Calilegua National Park to the semi-desert, in the Quebrado de Humahuaca.

Do I need to be trained?

For any mountain activity you need to have previous physical preparation, or be physically active. In this case, we suggest training well in aerobics (going for a run two to three times a week, cycling or swimming) and doing a good leg workout (gym, crossfit, AEX training, etc.)
 
Do I need to have previous experience?

We recommend having walked at least once previously with a cross-country trekking backpack, although previous experience is not required. It is required to have slept in a tent at some time.
 
Where do you spend the night?

The overnight stay takes place in mountain camps in igloo-type tents, comfortable and for 2, 3 or 4 people. To share.
The last night: we include one night of accommodation in a classic-simple hostel, with rooms to share, in Tilcara. If you want to have another type of accommodation you can reserve yours on your own.
 
Do I have to bring a tent?
 
The tents are included in the service. If you want to bring your own, ask us.
 
What is the weather or temperature?

Although the time of year is optimal for this journey, in Andean and/or wild areas, temperatures tend to drop at night. There may be the possibility that a storm with rains touches us, hence the importance in personal equipment, they cannot miss anything that we detail in the equipment list.
 
Are there rest stops?
 
The stops are given with a frequency and graduation according to the intensity. There are stops for lunch, snack, and rest.
 
From what age can they do this activity?

From 13 years of age. We also recommend that you contact us before registering or registering a minor.
 
How much does the backpack weigh?

In a woman a range from 8 to 12 kilos, in a man from 12 to 20 kilos.
 
Is there a porterage service?

We have a mule porter service, which will carry the general equipment, such as kitchen items, food, tents, and security items. They also carry some of your equipment, an approximate of up to 5 kilos per person.
 

Difficulty graduation

Backpack weight40%
Physical60%
Technical20%
Mental40%
Altitude40%

Scale 0–100%. Argentina Extrema graded difficulty system. How it is measured

Photos and videos

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