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ARGENTINA HIKE & KAYAK
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

This is one of a kind trip in which we feature the two most breathtaking experiences in Argentina. On one side the exploration of the Northern Highlands at Iruya while trekking the Silent Valleys. This is a must do experience for which participants do not need any previous experience, they need to be in good phisical condition (normal) and not have vertigo. The trek is masterfully lead by Luis and Maru Aguilar who go out of their way to make sure that the passengers enjoy the most every visit and make most of their experience. As for the trek, it resembles somehow the hikes in Nepal in which one goes from one tiny village to another one. Together with this experience we combine the amazing kayaking with the Whales in Valdes Peninsula. Only a few will have the chance to participate in this experience. Breathtaking, unique, moving, mesmerizing, what else can we say? Both areas grant an overwhelming experience, memorable moments, and the possibility to mingle with the locals and their passion for their land, nature, and commitment to conservation. A must do Experience!

DAY 01 Buenos Aires
Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet & greet at the International airport and transfer to hotel. Accommodation. Afternoon a two hour walking tour to get acquainted with the city of Buenos Aires by one of our fine guides.

Some ideas for a walking tour are:
* Historic Walk
* Cafes & bookstores
* Architecture of the first days of Buenos Aires
* Buenos Aires Today
* Nature prevails in Buenos Aires
These are to be chosen before arrival.

This Cosmopolitan city, -the cradle of tango- as it is called, can be a superlative introduction to an exploration of Argentina. European in appearance, Buenos Aires can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. The city has been a true melting pot of native inhabitants, Spanish, Italian, British, French, German, and Central European, Jewish, Arabian, Greek, Japanese and more recently, Chinese and Korean immigrants. Different aspects of its architecture and the diversity of its districts and suburbs reflect times of grandeur and plenty, cultural influences and migratory waves.

Accommodation: Howard Johnson Boutique Recoleta hotel www.hjboutiquerecoleta.com.ar
Meals: None

DAY 02 Buenos Aires
Transfer from the hotel to the domestic airport to fly to Salta. Arrival in Salta, meet and greet at the airport and departure towards the Humahuaca Canyon and Iruya, along a winding mountain road, where we will appreciate exuberant subtropical vegetation including a varied number of ferns, epiphytes, ancient native trees, and multicolored birds. We drive into the historical and fantastic Quebrada de Humahuaca (Humahuaca Canyon). We arrive then at the small village of Humahuaca (3000 m / 9842ft above sea level) where the splendor of the landscape and the presence of aboriginal ruins leave their long lasting tracks in our souls. We resume our trip and, in Iturbe, start our way up toward Abra Condor (Condor Pass - 4000m/13123ft) where we can feel the "Pre-Puna" (the High Andean plateau). In the afternoon we arrive at Iruya, the small village at the top of the mountains and overlooking the valleys. Its population with a strong mixture of "mestizos" and local "coya" still keeps its ancient traditions, as well as a very particular religious celebration. Accommodation. (2750 m/9000ft)

Accommodation: Hosteria Iruya. www.hosteriadeiruya.com.ar/hosteria.htm
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 03 Trekking the Silent Valleys
During this day we hike along narrow paths up the mountain slope, with deep abyss, crossed by torrential rivers and the high peaks, emerging like stone guardians, as our only witnesses. Our trail winds, at times up the cracks or passes, or down to the river bed. We walk into a transversal valley, whose inhabitants join the ancestral rituals and costumes with Christian practices. The landscape and the views that can be appreciated on this trip totally fill up our adventurous desire, and the beauty of the place grants an overwhelming sight.

Accommodation in a very comfortable mountain refuge -Refugio CASA CONDOR (3050m/10000ft) - located in a high cliff with a panoramic view over the valleys. The refuge includes: bar service, hot water, toilette and shared sleeping rooms.
Meals: B-Box-Lunch & dinner
Slope: 500 m. Approx. hike: 6 hours Maximum altitude during the trek: 3150m/10335ft.

DAY 04 Trekking the Silent Valleys
Full day hiking the Silent Valleys reaching areas of stunning beauty, beautiful canyons and deep abyss. This is a buffer day in which the guide will organize activities according to the passengers wishes and interests. Activities will go from a relaxing day to rest, read, do some short hikes, to a inspiring and challenging hike to a nearby village to spending some time at the local school in San Juan playing with the kids.

Accommodation: Refugio Casa Condor. www.punaexpeditions.com.ar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 05 Trekking the Silent Valleys / Iruya
Return to Iruya through a different mountain road, which will allow us to visit some small villages along the way, mingle with local people and if we are lucky see the artisans at work while they knit the beautiful ponchos. Arrival in Iruya and overnight at the hosteria.

Accommodation: Hosteria Iruya.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Box

DAY 06 Iruya / Salt Beds / Salta
Morning departure leaving behind the Silent Valleys to drive into one of the highest places on earth - the Puna or High Andean Plateau. We return to the National Route and drive to Abra Pampa, where we start our exploration in the mythical and deserted Route 40 at 3800m/12500ft above sea level. During our drive we will observe herds of llama and vicuñas to photograph. The multi-hued canyon walls serve as a backdrop for the lively manifestation of indigenous culture. Along the way we will be able to visit several charming village known for their small churches and chapels of varying architectural styles. Visit SALINAS GRANDES (Great Salt Flats) to observe the rudimentary exploitation of the salt. Drive down to Purmamarca through a very panoramic winding road and the highest point in our itinerary: 4170m/13680ft at CUESTA de LIPAN (Lipan Slope).
Late afternoon arrival in Salta. Accommodation.

Accommodation: Design Suites Salta
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Box.

DAY 07 Salta / Trelew / Puerto Piramides
Transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Puerto Madryn or Trelew via Buenos Aires. Arrival in Trelew. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to San José gulf at Península Valdés Nature Reserve. After driving for about one and a half hour we get to Puerto Piramides, where we will spend the night.

Accommodation: Campsite at El 39 or at a nice hosteria in Puerto Piramides.
Meals: Breakfast.

DAY 08 Valdes Peninsula / Big Kayak Day!

After breakfast, we leave our camp behind for a big kayaking day. Our paddling today is bound for Punta Conos, and El Puente, a marine rock formation. Conos, named after the cone-like hillocks in the area, boasts a huge concentration of marine fossils dating back million years and we are able to observe the fossils of the species that lived in this area embedded in the soil. The coastline here features low cliffs that dive into the ocean thus allowing us to paddle a few meters from the restingas inhabited by cormorant and black crowned night herons among other birds. Once we paddle through El Puente, we get to a small beach, perfect for a lunch break. After lunch, we get back on our kayaks and visit a large single-hair sea lion colony that is close to our rest place. We enjoy the curiosity of the sea lions that swim around and approach our kayaks. After visiting the sea lion colony, we change course to head back to El 39 beach where we arrive at mid-afternoon. Back in our base camp, time for relax, for an afternoon snack before dinner.

Accommodation: Campsite at El 39.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner.

DAY 09 Trelew / Buenos Aires
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we break off camp and drive to Puerto Pirámides to visit the small tourist village and board the whalewatching excursion. After lunch, we start our drive back to the city of Puerto Madryn or Trelew airport to catch a flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Accommodation: Howard Johnson Boutique Recoleta hotel www.hjboutiquerecoleta.com.ar
Meals: None

DAY 10 Buenos Aires
Day at leisure to explore on own. Transfer to the International airport.
Meals: Breakfast

 

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DEPARTURES - 2011-2012 Season.
Special Departures: AUG 9th , 21ST & 28TH ; OCT 21ST & 26TH ; DEC 09TH

rates in U$S (US dollars) per person based on double accommodation (These rates are for a minimum of 2 passengers travelling together.)

Based on 2 people travelling together U$S 2282
Based on 4 people travelling together U$S 2190
Based on 6 people travelling together U$S 2126
Single Supplement U$S 343(does not include single tent)

These rates include:
* Accommodation with breakfast and local taxes included at the mentioned hotels or similar and 1 night accommodation in campsite in Valdes Peninsula.
* Transfers in private car and tours in seat in basis (to be shared with other passengers) EXCEPT for arrival transfer which will be in Private car.
* Assistance of bilingual (Spanish - English speaking guides)
* Entrance fees to national parks and reserves
* Meals as per the itinerary.

These rates do not include:
* Airline tickets, airport taxes and local airline taxes.
* Meals - except the ones mentioned on the itinerary - and beverages
* Personal expenses or extras
* Travel insurance
* Tips for baggage handling and optional gratuities for guides / drivers.

Remarks:
Single supplement- This is considering a minimum of 2 passengers travelling together.
Packing list as well as medical forms will be sent upon reservation.
Special meals can be prepared if we receive the information ahead of time.

Photos courtesy of Puna Expeditions