Crossing from Iruya to Nazareno - Trekking - Salta

As hundreds of years ago, as the Incas did, we will try to unite these small villages of Colla origin, which are capriciously nestled in ravines and hills. The task is not easy, but the contrast between the blue sky and the rainbow the colors of the imposing mountains fill our senses, they invite us to continue, step by step, through those narrow paths, through those deep ravines, wading through those torrential rivers.
At sunset, in the heights, share some mates with some other old settler, listening carefully to his story, enjoying its warmth but without losing sight of those high peaks that watch over us, with that blanket of clouds that shelters them when the evening approaches.

• May 16
• 19th of June
• July 24
• August 28
• September 25th
• 30th of October

What we present here is the planned route for the crossing, but the exact route, the duration of each stage of the march and the choice of alternative itineraries are subject to different factors such as weather conditions and group evaluation by the guide.

Day 1: This day you have to be in the town of Iruya to spend the night there, to have the meeting with the guides and be ready to start the next day. After noon. We advise you on how to travel to Iruya.

NOTE: Ask for the week prior to this date, that we will be doing the other great Calilegua-Tilcara trek; possibility of joining the two routes.

Day 2 Iruya-Chiyayoc: With the first rays of light, breakfast, armed with loads and, with backpacks on our shoulders, we went for a walk on our first day. Gentle and short descent to the Iruya river ravine. From here a steep climb awaits us to the pass of San Juan (from where the view is incomparable). After a light lunch, we went down to the ravine to face our last ascent: to Chiyayoc, a small town scattered on the side of a large hill, along a small valley, at 3000 meters above sea level. Intense day of 9 hours of walking. Night in beds.

• Initial Height: 2700 masl
• Final height: 3160 masl
• Duration of activity approx: 9 hours
• Distance: 23km

Day 3 Chiyayoc-Rodeo Colorado: We have breakfast with the warmth of the first rays of the sun, we set off heading north. We start a slow and continuous ascent, until the "open" from where we descend by a "multicolor" path to another small town: Rodío. Lunch at La Loma. In the afternoon we continue to Rodeo Colorado at 2,950 meters above sea level. Overnight in cabins.

• Initial Height: 3160 masl
• Final height: 2950 masl
• Duration of activity approx: 7 hours
• Distance: 20km

Day 4 Rodeo Colorado-Molinos: Free morning to explore the town. We can wake up with the school bells. A day of ups and downs, stalls with residents who greet us as we pass, rushing streams and huge stone walls. Our day culminates in another small town, Comunidad de Molinos. Capriciously founded on a ridge with a beautiful view of the Nazareno River valley. Long day of 8 hours of walking. Night with sleeping bag in room.

• Initial Height: 2950 masl
• Final height: 3200 masl
• Duration of activity approx: 8 hours
• Distance: 15km

Day 5 Molinos-Nazareno: We wake up early, have a light breakfast, prepare the equipment and assemble the loads. The trail winds and descends into a huge valley, then begins many river crossings. In the afternoon, we arrive at the end of our journey, at the picturesque town of Nazareno (3000 masl). After settling in a simple shelter in the community, we went out to explore the town and look for a place to have a tasty meal of homemade food. Extensive day of more than 8 hours of walking. night in bed

• Initial Height: 3200 masl
• Final altitude: 3060 masl
• Duration of activity approx: 8 hours
• Distance: 22 km

Day 6 Nazareno-La Quiaca: Very early in the morning, our charter transport picks us up and takes us to La Quiaca. There are 100 kilometers of film, steps at 5000 meters high, winding roads, llamas and vicuñas everywhere... At approximately 9 am we arrive at La Quiaca. End of our journey. Here you can hire a bus service that takes you to Jujuy or Salta, which depart permanently.

• Transfer from Nazareno to La Quiaca.
• Full board in the mountains (from lunch on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 5)
• One night accommodation in a simple hostel in Nazareno.
• nights of accommodation in houses of local people with beds and one with a sleeping bag.
• Portage with mules-donkeys of the general team (tents, food, kitchen equipment, etc.) and individual (up to 5 kg. Per person).
• Guided and permanent coordination throughout the journey.
• General camping logistics (pots, heaters, security elements, orientation)
• Personal tableware
• Communication for emergencies with satellite phone
• Permanent advice and assistance.

• Travel to Salta and Iruya
• Transfer back from La Quiaca
• Accommodation in Iruya the night before.
• Meals in cities and towns (Salta, Iruya, Nazareno)
• Drinks
• Expenses caused by eventual abandonment of the program

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

• Trekking Backpack (50 to 65 liters)
• Warm sleeping bag
• Insulated sleeping pad (10 to 15mm)
• trekking poles
• Sunglasses (Category  IV)

• 1 pair of trekking boots (in good conditions)***
• 1 second pair of footwear (comfy)

•  3 pairs of trekking socks 
• Underwear
• Long trekking pants (NO JEAN)
• 1 indoor long pants or leggings
• 2 Dry fit synthetic short sleeve t-shirts
• 1 Long sleeve shirt
• 2 sweatshirts (fleece)
• Warm jacket (made of feathers or synthetic) 
• 1 sun hat (with flaps)
• 1 handkerchief to cover your neck from the sun (multifunction scarves Buff type)
• Warm gloves 
• Warm hat 
• 1 waterproof / breathable jacket  (parka,ultrex,goretex)  

• Passport or ID.
• Medical insurance
• Travel assistance insurance. Required.

• Front flashlight with batteries (With spare batteries)
• Sunscreen (not less than factor 45). Lip balm
• Toilet paper. Wet wipes
• Strong plastic bags to store clothes.
   

• Containers for at least 2 liters of water (can be plastic bottle) Camelback, Nalgene or similar
• Cutlery, plate or tupper and cup (No glass or metal)

• SILVER TAPE tape, for blisters and repairs.
• Steel thermos
• Binoculars, monocle. Camera
• Book, travel diary, pencil, pen.
• Games; cards, dice, etc
• Whistle and lighter.

This trekking is for people who are in good physical condition to withstand an average of 6 to 8 hours of mountain walking, for several days, at an easy but constant rithm, leaving from San Francisco, Calilegua, with a spectacular landscape transition. With a lot of vegetation change, and where we are in full contact with people living in the mountains and with Nature. In only 70km, from the nuboselva, from the Calilegua National Park to the semi-desert, in the Quebrado de Humahuaca.

Cliffy trails to large valleys.

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

We recommend  walking at least once before this trekking with a backpack, although no previous experience is required. 

The idea of ??this trek is to be able to share the experience with local people, in family homes. Overnight takes place in those houses of local people, with basic services. They have mattress beds.

Although the time of the year is optimal for this crossing, in mountain and/ or wild areas temperatures tend to fall at night. There may be the possibility of rain storms, hence the importance of personal equipment. Non of what we detail in the equipment list can be missing.

Stops are given with a frequency and graduation according to the intensity. There are breaks for lunch, snack, and rest.

From 13 years old onwards. We also recommend you to contact us before registering or registering a minor just to make sure that his/her experience is the suitable for this trek.

On this tour, having pack animals, you can walk with a small backpack (between 35 and 45 liters) with the things we use during the day (coat, sunscreen, flashlight, water, etc.)

We have a mule carrying  the general equipment, such as kitchen elements, food, tents, and security elements. They also carry some of your equipment, an approximate of up to 7 kilos per person.

• Meals: Milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold sandwiches, snacks, salads, tapas, etc.
• Dinners: Vegetable stews with bacon or chorizo ;chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various , barbacue (goat), Chaw Fan, chicken with rice among other meals
• Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Milk powder; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit.

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