CACHI
Nevado de Cachi is the name given to a vast mountain range located in the province of Salta, Argentina. This mountain range includes several peaks, the highest of which is Cumbre Libertador, at 6,380 meters. This peak was first climbed in 1950. The mountains overlook Cachi, a traditional town in northern Argentina. The main peak is rarely climbed (fewer than five expeditions per year), and the secondary peaks even less so.
PLAN
DAY 1
Arrival in the city of Salta, hotel to be confirmed.
DAY 2
After breakfast, drive to Tilcara, 2,000 m, a three and a half hour drive. At sunset, drive to Hornocal, 4,400 m, and return to a hotel to be determined in Tilcara.
DAY 3
After breakfast, a day dedicated to acclimatization with a 6-hour hike to reach and descend from an altitude of 4,000 m. Overnight stay at a Tilcara hotel.
DAY 4
Today we'll follow the road to Chile, crossing the Jama Pass at an altitude of 4,000 meters. We'll then descend towards the Salina Grande and visit the site. After a picnic lunch, we'll take the legendary Route 40 to the small village of Puesto Sei, a 3- or 4-hour drive depending on road conditions. We'll spend the night in a family-run hotel.
DAY 5
Early in the morning, at 5:00 a.m., we set off on Route 40 toward the base of the Tuzle volcano, 5,600 m. Depending on road conditions, we'll try to reach 4,400 m by car. Then, a six-hour climb and a two-hour descent await us on foot. Upon returning to the parking lot, we'll take a 15-minute drive to visit the thermal springs at the base of the volcano.
After the spa, an hour and a half transfer to reach the hotel by car in the town of San Antonio de los Cobres 3600 m
DAY 6
After breakfast, we depart for Cachi, a small village at 2,000 meters above sea level, where we spend the night, and leave the next day for Cerro Cachi. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 7
After breakfast, we set off by car westward, where the mules await us to carry all our gear to the first camp, at 3,500 meters. This camp is an old place where Don Santos, a man who lives like a hermit, lives, and we will be his guests. We spend the night in a tent.
DAY 8
We set off in the morning with the mules towards Campo Andorra, 4,800 m. We'll spend the day in a barren landscape punctuated by vast green fields, making the six-hour hike beautiful. And let's not forget that on the horizon we'll see our goal: Cachi.
DAY 9
Acclimatization and rest
DAY 10
Departure in the early afternoon to the high camp, 5400 m, again with mules. A three-hour climb and a night in a tent.
DAY 11
Early morning departure for the summit. An eight-hour climb and a three-hour descent to the high camp. From there, mules will carry all the gear, continuing the descent to the Andorra camp.
DAY 12
After breakfast, we'll hike to Cachi in a single 8-9 hour stretch. Overnight stay at a hotel.
DAY 13
Departure to the city of Salta, night hotel
DAY 14
Airport transfer departure to Buenos Aires