SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco is an extinct volcano located in the Andes mountain range, on the border between Argentina and Chile, on the southeast side of the San Francisco International Pass. With its 6,018 meters above sea level, it is considered one of the most accessible peaks over 6,000 meters in the world. However, it is a rarely visited mountain.
Duration: 13 days Salta - Salta
Period: from November to March
Guide: Dante
Altitude: from 2,000 to 6,031 m
Vallecitos
This 3-day trek (43 km) is a combination of the incredible landscapes of the Calchaquí Valleys, where you will feel fascinated from the very beginning of the adventure. A zigzagging trail among multicolored mountains leads us to the Quebrada de Vallecitos and its incredible viewpoint.
We will cross dense cardón cactus forests, pre-Columbian cultures, and experiences in Andean communities that can only be reached through steps and trails.
PLAN
Day 1
Arrival at Salta airport. Transfer to hotel to be defined.
Day 2
After breakfast, departure towards Cafayate (1,600 m), 3 ½ hours by car. Once we arrive in town, we have lunch and leave the luggage at the hotel.
Around 6 PM we go to the starting point of our first trek La Yesera, walking above 2,000 meters. Approximately 2 hours of hiking.
Return to Cafayate. Hotel to be defined.
Day 3
This day, 4 hours by car to the town of Cachi (2,500 m).
Tourist day and preparation for the next 3 days of trekking. Hotel to be defined.
Day 4
Transfer to Finca Belgrano, 1 hour by car. Here we meet the gaucho with the mules that will carry our loads along the route.
Starting at 2,600 meters, it is approximately 16 km, about 5 hours of hiking, arriving at Patahuasi (3,500 m).
Overnight in tents.
Day 5
After breakfast in Patahuasi (3,500 m) we head towards Vallecitos (2,609 m), 9 km, 4 hours of hiking. An old estancia from the years before cars, this place served as a supply point from one valley to another.
Overnight in tents.
Day 6
Day of 9 hours by car towards the town of Belén, Province of Catamarca.
Day 7
After breakfast we head towards the Province of Catamarca to the village of Cortaderas, 4 hours by car, where our hotel is located. Part of the day we do an acclimatization hike. Overnight at hotel in Cortaderas.
Day 8
This day we acclimatize to reach 4,500 meters of altitude. Day of 6 hours round trip. Overnight at hotel in Cortaderas.
Day 9
Today we continue acclimatization, this time reaching 5,000 meters. Approximately 8 hours round trip. Overnight at hotel in Cortaderas.
Day 10
Calmly, after breakfast, departure towards the border with Chile, 2 hours by car. Once we cross the pass, after 20 minutes we set up camp and spend our first night in tents at 4,800 meters.
Here we prepare everything for the following day, which will be the ascent to the summit of Cerro San Francisco (6,031 m). A day of approximately 10 hours round trip.
Once back at camp, we dismantle the tents and descend to the valley to Hotel Pircas. Visit to the thermal waters of Fiambalá.
About 3.5 hours by car.
Day 11
After breakfast, departure towards Cafayate, Province of Salta. Hotel to be defined.
Day 12
Transfer Cafayate – Salta.
Day 13
Transfer Salta – Buenos Aires.