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Home > Destinations > South
America > Chile > Explora Travesia: Crossing the Andes
Explora Travesia: Crossing the Andes
Cross the Andes on this small group journey between the Atacama Desert in Chile and the colonial village of Salta, Argentina. For thousands of years, these lands have been the crossroads of footpaths between villages in Bolivia, Argentina and the Pacific Coast. The route crosses immense landscapes from the high desert, over volcanoes, along the Salar de Uyuni, one of the largest and highest salt flats in the world, and the rugged Andes Mountains. We travel through the Calchaquies Valley with its imposing landscape and remnants of Atacaman Indian culture and visit the villages of Cachi and Molinos representing the era of Spanish colonization in Latin America. During the journey you will appreciate Exploras fine accommodations, guides and cuisine, particularly Explora en Atacama--Hotel de Larache. Throughout this trans-Andean adventure our full-service camps and traditional haciendas let you experience a true sense of the land, cultures and wildlife of the Andes.
DAY 1 : CALAMA
Arrive early morning in Santiago and transfer within the airport for your flight to Calama. Upon arrival in Calama, you will be met and transferred to Explora en Atacama, Hotel de Larache. This afternoon relax by the pool, stroll the grounds of the hotel and prepare for our overland adventure. Dinner and overnight at Hotel de Larache. [D]
DAYS 2-3 : ATACAMA DESERT
Set out each morning with expert guides to explore the far reaches of the mysterious and picturesque Atacama Desert. Choose from hiking to incredible vistas, horseback riding through the desert sands or mountain biking on a network of trails. In the early evening return to Hotel de Larache for a refreshing dip in the pool or perhaps a quicho (a traditional barbeque) and fine Chilean wines. Overnights at Hotel de Larache. Note: Horseback riding for intermediate to advanced riders, lessons are available for beginners. Horseback riding and mountain biking at your own risk. [BLD]
DAY 4 : TAMBO LA QUESERA, ARGENTINA
Begin our journey into Argentina. We travel in reliable vehicles that are well-suited for these remote, rough roads. Today we hike to high-altitude lakes, salt flats and volcanoes before arriving at camp Tambo la Quesera. The comfortable Explora campsite is complete with a kitchen, dining area and hot and cold water facilities. Overnight at camp Tambo la Quesera. [BLD]
DAY 5 : POMA
This morning we pack our things and depart for Poma and the Calchaquies Valley. After several high-altitude walks in the Poma area, we reach the beautiful colonial town of Cachi (alt. 7,478 ft). The town is a well preserved collection of white-washed buildings, adobe homes and cultural artifacts. We spend our nights at a restored hacienda, Finca Rancagua. The historic home offers spacious rooms with private bath and stunning views of the Calchaquies Valley. Overnight at Finca Rancagua. [BLD]
DAYS 6-7 : CALCHAQUIES VALLEY
Over the next two days we explore the beautiful Calchaquies Valley, a semi-arid climate that is home to a variety of wildlife including guanacos, condor and cuises (a species of guinea pig). The land is ideal for growing peppers, which we see drying on the roadside before being ground into paprika. We may hike towards the base of el Nevado de Cachi, an imposing peak at 20,932 feet, and photograph the vibrant colors of the iron-rich earth and its alien, eroded landscape. Overnights at Finca Rancagua. [BLD]
DAY 8 : SALTA
Depart early this morning towards Salta (157km) with a stop en route to explore Cuesta del Obispo. Arrive in Salta and extend your stay or continue by air to Buenos Aires. [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 8 | Grade: II, High-Altitude Hiking and deluxe camping (click for grades definition) | 2008 Price: From $3465 per person | Single Supplement: $1565 (click for info) | | | | | 2008 Departure Dates | | | May 18 - May 25, 2008
May 27 - Jun 3, 2008
Jun 15 - Jun 22, 2008
Jun 24 - Jul 1, 2008
Jul 17 - Jul 24, 2008
Jul 26 - Aug 2, 2008
Aug 18 - Aug 25, 2008
Aug 27 - Sep 3, 2008
Sep 15 - Sep 22, 2008
Sep 24 - Oct 1, 2008
Oct 18 - Oct 25, 2008
Oct 27 - Nov 3, 2008
Nov 18 - Nov 25, 2008
Nov 27 - Dec 4, 2008
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above include accommodations, full board and bar; English-speaking expert guides and excursions in groups of max. 6 guests with necessary equipment; park fees, airport-hotel transfers, land transportation and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. The transfer to and from the Salta airport is at noon. | | | Not Included: Services unless specified in the itinerary above such as international air transportation and airport taxes; tips and gratuities; optional or suggested services that are on your own; insurance of any kind; personal expenses; extra beverages and alcoholic drinks; medical costs; and hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. It is recommended to carry about $300-$500 extra cash (must be in local currency or US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover any fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included. In general, all meals are included at mountain lodges. Continental breakfasts are usually included at hotels in major cities. All other meals are not included unless otherwise specified in your itinerary. Always carry enough change for airport departure taxes ($18 international and around $5 local, as well as a special $131 fee for American citizens to enter Chile). Advance visas are not required for US citizens. | | | Trip Notes: Trip can run in reverse, beginning in Argentina. Apr 25, May 27, Jun 24, July 26, Aug 27, Sep 24, Oct 27 and Nov 27 trips begin in Argentina. Health and fitness must be compatible with the demands of this trip. Excursions take place at altitudes between 13,000-16,500 feet. Lodges are at 11,500 feet. Lodging is at Explora en Atacama, in historic hacienda and at Explora campsites. Meeting time for starting the travesia is at noon. If you would like to visit the city of Salta, we encourage you to arrive a day early or stay a day later as this trip does not include a tour of Salta. | |
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