Northern Argentinian Adventure
September 1 — 7, 2024
Tour start/finish — Salta, Argentina
Dates: September 1 — 7, 2024
Price:
- Early Bird (before 05/01/2024 — $ 2900 per participant
- Regular (after 05/01/2024) — $3200 per participant
Group size — limit: 9 participants
Instructor: Alex Mironyuk
Deposit: $ 1000 (payments accepted for the remainder of the balance)
Tour’s Highlights
Northern Argentina is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Even in our Instagram era, this region has fewer tourists than other world-famous places like Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, and Perito Moreno Glacier. But here, we can find a couple of absolutely fantastic natural wonders that are worth visiting. Northern Argentina boasts picturesque valleys and gorges like Calchaquí Valley and Cafayate Gorge. These areas are characterized by colorful rock formations. We will see Seven and Fourteen colors mountains, Grand Salinas Salt Flat, the massive valley of eroded badlands Quebrada de la Flecha, and many more beautiful places.
We will stay at local hotels, eat delicious local food, and talk with friendly local people. I almost forgot — we definitely will try the local wine — Northern Argentina is famous for its vineyards with red wines same as Napa or Sonoma Valley in the USA. The world-famous Malbec wine is produced there!
For a short period of time (a couple of hours), we will get to a high altitude from 4000 to 5000 meters, so participants may (or may not) experience some high altitude sickness symptoms. All nights we will spend on altitudes less than 3000 meters.
Physical Difficulty: Easy. This Tour Involves some physical activities at a high altitude. The average day hikes would be less than 2 miles.
Fitness Level: Like any outdoor activity, a reasonable degree of fitness is ideal. We will not be engaging in any strenuous physical activity.
Weather: Participants must be prepared for a temperature range from 20°F to 70°F. We are traveling at the end of the rainy season, so participants must be designed for rainy and windy weather conditions.
Airports: Salta (Argentina). We recommend all participants book a flight to and from Buenos Aires first. You can even make a 1-2 day stop in Buenos Aires! Or make a side trip from there to Iguazú Falls.
Buenos Aires has two major Airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Ezeiza (EZE), and Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP). You can fly to any of them — they are not so far away from each other.
And after that, book a separate flight with any local Argentinian airline to and from Salta.
Transportation: included in the Tour’s price except for the flight from Buenos Aires to Salta.
Lodging: hotels and hostels are included in the Tour’s price (double or triple lodging).
Meals: are not included in the tour price.
How to Adjust to Altitude: — read the article at the bottom of this page.
Itinerary
Day 1
September 1, Sunday.
Arriving in Salta.
Self-transfer to hotel.
Evening walk in the historical Center of Salta, Dinner
Night in Salta
Day 2
September 2, Monday
We check out from our hotel in the morning, load our luggage into the comfortable minivan, and begin our Argentinian journey!
First of all, we are going to The Quebrada de las Conchas. This is the most beautiful drive in one of the most beautiful regions in Argentina. We will enjoy panoramic views over the Río de las Conchas valley and the surrounding mountains from numerous stops. We will perform short hikes along the road to stretch our legs. We will spend at least 4-6 hours weaving through the red earth formations to get to Cafayate in the late evening.
Night in Cafayate.
Day 3
September 3, Tuesday
We can enjoy the view of the Calchaquí Valleys with the first sunlight again in the morning.
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and drive via the small historic village of San Carlos. After the town, the road winds along Rio Calehaqui Gorge, finally leading us to Quebrada de la Flecha—a valley of eroded sandstone cliffs resembling pointed arrowheads.
We will spend the second half of the day here on different viewpoints.
Night in the small village of Angastaco
Day 4
September 4, Wednesday
During the first hours of that day, we will spend time between the eroded pinnacles of Quebrada de la Flecha, enjoying surreal vistas full of unusual geological formations once more.
After that, we will return to our hotel for breakfast and to pack our suitcases.
As soon as we leave the rugged landscape, we will leave the village of Angastaco. Our next stop will be the small village of Molinos, where we can stretch our legs at a photogenic 17th-century church before we finally reach the City of Cachi.
We will get to Los Cardones National Park in the afternoon, full of Saguaro cacti. These tall and imposing cacti can reach heights of up to 10 meters (33 feet) and are considered iconic symbols of the region.
The park’s landscape is characterized by its vast expanses of high-altitude desert interspersed with deep valleys, canyons, and rocky formations. It encompasses a wide range of elevations, reaching from approximately 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) to 5,550 meters. We will climb to 3500-4000 meters to see various wildlife, including vicunas, condors, lamas, etc.
Night in Cachi
Day 5
September 5, Thursday
We do not have a photo session this morning and can sleep longer in our hotel. After breakfast, we leave Cachi and drive toward Abra del Acay, the highest point on Argentinian Route 40. It looks like it is the highest road pass in the Americas, with an altitude of 4,972 m
From that pass, in almost 3 hours, we will drop 1500 meters and, in the late afternoon, get to a vast salt flat, Salinas Grandes, where we will spend a couple of hours. Depending on the weather and salt flat conditions, we can walk on it and see drying salt pyramids and some turquoise salt pools.
Our final destination on that long day will be the village of Purmamarca, located in the Jujuy Province of Argentina, in the country’s northwestern part. The town is nestled at the base of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors). It is renowned for its vibrant sedimentary rock formations that display a range of hues, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Purmamarca has a quaint and charming atmosphere, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with adobe houses and traditional handicraft markets. We will have 2 days to explore this fantastic place with its unique atmosphere.
Night in Purmamarca
Day 6
September 6, Friday
After breakfast, we will drive to a Comienzo Quebrada de las Señoritas — a charming reddish slot canyon surrounded by colorful mountains. that will remind you of the Southwest of the USA. We will hike it (about 2 miles distance) on the well-established trail and spend about 2-3 hours there.
Around noon, we will go to another small city of Humahuaca — the gate to the unbelievably fantastic Serranía de Hornocal, a range of colorful mountains (similar to the world-famous Rainbow Mountains in Peru. At least 14 colors of all types of minerals in this natural limestone wonder have been exposed and can be viewed from the parking lot and several other viewpoints (we will hike to at least one). Here at 4200-4300 meters altitude, we will stay till late afternoon.
The park is closing at 6 PM, so by 6.30 — 7 PM, we will drive back to our hotel in Purmamarca.
Night in Purmamarca
Day 7
September 7, Saturday
After breakfast, we will hike for about 2 miles to Paseo de los Colorados, a scenic walk through the Cerro de los Siete Colores. This short hike offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape and allows us to appreciate the layers of sedimentary rock that give rise to the hill’s striking colors.
Around Noon, we will leave the village of Purmamarca and drive toward a narrow and winding gorge, a natural wonder formed by the erosion of the Jaire River over thousands of years. The gorge is characterized by towering cliffs that rise dramatically on either side, creating a picturesque and awe-inspiring setting. The rock formations and layers reveal the area’s geological history, showcasing various colors and textures.
Rugged mountains surrounding the gorge are part of the larger Andean landscape, offering breathtaking views and a sense of isolation and tranquility.
We will hike this gorge at a relaxing pace for about 2 hours, taking countless pictures of the canyon walls covered by green moss and ivies. A small shallow creek may be at the bottom of the gorge, so waterproof hiking shoes are very advanced.
We will arrive in Salta by 5 — 6 PM, where our tour will officially end. In the late evening, there are several options for flying to Buenos Aires.
Payment schedule and cancellation policy:
The total price for the trip is early bird — $ 2,900.00 before 01/05/2024; after that date price is $3,200.00
A deposit of $ 700.00 is due during sign-up to reserve a space for this trip.
Cancellation Policy—Your deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before the trip starts (July 1, 2024). If you decide to cancel your trip after that date, your deposit becomes non-refundable.
The final balance of $ 2,200.00 or $2,500.00 is due by July 1, 2024. Full payment is due at this time, and there will be no refunds on the total amount owed if you cancel after the final price. However, if we find another client to fill your space, you will receive a full refund minus your non-refundable deposit.
If we cancel this trip— you will get a full refund.
What is included:
- Basic lodging (2-3 persons per room);
- Transportation (SUV, minivan);
- Meals where it is specifically indicated in the Itinerary.
- English-speaking guides in Argentina;
- Entrance fee to National Parks;
- Expert instructions and guidance to a beautiful variety of Argentinian locations.
- In-field instruction on capture technique (composition, compensating for high dynamic range, focus stacking, creating influential sun stars, night photography, light painting, and much more)
- In-field recommendation on your photo gear.
- An incredible, unforgettable experience, full of adventure with amazing people and loads of great photos!!
What is NOT included:
- Visas to Argentina. US citizens don’t need a visa to visit Argentina;
- Airfare to and from Buenos Aires, Argentina;
- Airfare to and from Salta, Argentina. Each participant has to book this flight themselves and pay all necessary fees for luggage and carry-ons.
- Transfer from Salta airport to a hotel;
- Meals and snacks;
- Medical Insurance & Incidental Costs.
Recommended Photo Equipment:
- Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless) W/Extra Batteries And Memory Cards
- Drone if you have one (it would be possible to use it)
- Tripod with a ball head (leveling base is optional but very helpful to take a panoramic shot)
- Shutter release
- Wide to a standard zoom lens, with their lens hoods (I carry 16-35mm and 24-70mm lenses)
- Telephoto zoom lens for wildlife shots or for extraction and abstract scenes (I use 70-200mm and 150-600mm lenses)
- Circular polarizer filter to remove glare from the water (it’s OK if you do not have one)
- Graduated neutral density filters (if you use them)
- Rocket blower and microfiber cloths for keeping glass surfaces dry and clean
- Most importantly — a great attitude!
Recommended Personal Gear:
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Rain jacket and pants
- Fleece & Down jackets
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Extra warm clothing for possible cold weather conditions, including long underwear, hats, and gloves
- Backpack (bag) to carry photo gear.
How to Adjust to Altitude
1. Drink Lots of Water
As you gain altitude, your body tends to lose water and salt faster than you’re used to. When combined with the dry air and physical activity a trip to Bolivia usually involves, dehydration is no wonder a problem. Many of the symptoms of altitude sickness mirror those of dehydration, so consistently drinking water throughout the day goes a long way to getting you acclimatized quickly.
2. Reduce Your Exercise
As you gain elevation, the air gets thinner, so each breath you draw contains less oxygen. Over time, your body strengthens and adjusts to accommodate this, which is why endurance athletes often train at extremely high altitudes in places such as Peru or Nepal. In the short term, however, your cardiovascular system is working harder. Each breath contains less oxygen, so each heartbeat contains less oxygen, making your heart beat faster. In other words, your body works harder to do the same thing you would at sea level. In order to give your body time to adjust, it’s best to take it easy for a few days when you first get to 5,000+ feet. After a few days of moderate activity, you’ll be ready to ramp back up to full throttle.
3. Get Enough Sleep
One of the symptoms of altitude sickness is insomnia, so it can be hard to get enough rest. However, a good night’s sleep can do wonders to help you kick the problem. One common suggestion is descending to a lower elevation (if possible) to sleep at night. If this isn’t an option, it’s best just to push on and get through the first few days of acclimation. Don’t underestimate the power of a little cat nap if you can sneak one in during your day!
4. Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Alcohol hits a lot harder when you’re trying to acclimatize, so the best thing you can do is take it easy and not drink your first few nights in town. Alcohol often replicates many of the symptoms of altitude sickness (nausea, dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness), so it’s a bit like doubling down on your body in terms of a negative impact. Another reason to lay off on drinking is the general challenge of staying hydrated while acclimatizing to a higher altitude. Alcohol dehydrates you, so consuming it only worsens your hydration situation. Your safest option is waiting 48 hours before you hit the bars. After this period, you should be acclimatized enough to handle the effects of drinking at altitude.
5. Increase Your Potassium Levels
Potassium loss is a standard symptom if you feel dehydrated from the dry air at elevation. It can be a major pain — literally. Muscle cramping is commonly associated with low potassium levels. Fortunately, it’s an easy nutrient to replace. Foods like bananas, avocados, spinach, yogurt, and kale are all high in potassium, so getting enough without supplements shouldn’t be too hard (even for the pickiest of picky eaters).
6. Protect Yourself From the Sun
At altitude, the air is thinner, and as a result, there’s more exposure to the sun.
With this in mind, sun protection is an absolute must:
– Carry and always use sunscreen (the higher SPF, the better!)
– Use a lip balm with SPF in it — don’t be the one to forget about your lips
– Invest in a comfy pair of sunglasses you can wear all-day
– Get a wide-brimmed sunhat that covers your face, neck, and ears
7. Consume More Calories
Because of the reduced number of oxygen molecules in the air, your body works much harder to keep everything working. As such, it needs a lot more fuel. A high-calorie diet combining complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats will help keep you full and your body running smoothly. Surprisingly, a Snickers bar is one of the best foods you can eat while you’re at a high altitude. The combination of sugar, fat, and protein makes these tasty morsels perfect for going all day.
8. Consider Taking Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide is a drug that helps treat altitude sickness by fixing the chemical imbalance caused by ascending to a high altitude too quickly. Common side effects are mild, for example, needing to urinate more often, and people generally have a positive experience with acetazolamide. Make sure to ask your doctor for their opinion before you take anything, and start taking it a few days before your trip to prepare.
Questions? Please get in touch with me at (386) 627-1449 if you have any questions or message me.
