LLULLAILLACO
Llullaillaco Volcano, located on the border with Chile in the far west of Salta province, is in one of the driest and most inhospitable regions of Argentina. It is the seventh highest peak in the Andes mountain range and was a place of worship for pre-Hispanic cultures, a ritual that reached its peak under the Incas during the expansion of their empire.
On this volcano, one of the highest in the world, eight archaeological sites and sections of road have been built, extending from the base at 4,800 meters above sea level to the summit at 6,730 meters.
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, it's an hour and a half's drive to the hotel in the town of San Antonio de los Cobres (3600 m), where we'll meet up with porters and a guide who will accompany us to Llullaillaco.
DAY 6
After breakfast, we'll depart for Tolar Grande, where we'll spend the night. The journey takes us 3-4 hours by car. The road will take us over a pass located at 4,500 meters, filled with extraordinary colors. We'll spend the night in a hotel or family-run inn to be determined.
DAY 7
Day of approximately 6 hours by car to reach the Llullaillaco base camp, 4600 m and where we will spend the night.
DAY 8
Acclimatization day. Transporting equipment and water (in case of dry season) to Camp 1. Three and a half hours for the ascent, two for the descent. Overnight at base camp.
DAY 9
Day of acclimatization and rest.
DAY 10
After lunch, departure towards camp 1.
DAY 12
With all the gear we climb to Camp 2, 5900 m. Climbing time: between 4.5 and 5 hours. Night in a tent.
DAY 13
Departure at 5.30 towards the summit, calculate between 7 and 10 hours for the ascent and 2 for the descent to Camp 2, where the porters will be waiting for us to break camp and continue towards the base camp where we will spend the night.
DAY 14
In the morning, we'll depart for San Antonio de los Cobres, an eight-hour drive, where we'll bid farewell to the porters. We'll spend the night in a hotel.
DAY 15
In the morning, we'll take Route 40 again for the 5-6 hour drive to Cachi. During the day, we'll cross the highest pass, 5,000 meters, and enjoy incredible views of all the surrounding mountains. Overnight stay at a hotel.
DAY 16
After breakfast, depart for Cafayate, a small wine-producing town. It'll be a four-and-a-half-hour drive through a lunar landscape. Overnight stay at a hotel.
DAY 17
Day dedicated to visiting wineries or a short trek.
DAY 18
Departure to Salta, night in hotel.
DAY 19
Flight to Buenos Aires