Tilcara–Calilegua (Yungas), five days, four nigths

19 to 23 September

More than a thousand years ago, it was very common to use llamas as pack animals to connect the different ecological floors of Jujuy province. Goods from the Puna and Quebrada were taken to the Valleys and Yungas to be exchanged for other products, in order to obtain all the necessary things for the daily life. Journeys were made through different routes, usually following sun paths, from East to West. One of these millenarian paths was used in the past and present by local communities and connects the city of Tilcara (Quebrada de Humahuaca) with San Francisco (Yungas, in the west border of National Park Calilegua).
In Caravana de llamas we endeavour to recuperate the use of the llama as pack animal, and we walk through this millenarian path as the ancient communities used to do; within the frame of Rural Tourism with Local Communities Program administered by the Secretary of Tourism of Jujuy province. The main objective of this program is that tourists meet and know the local culture from inside and, at the same time, that rural families generate an alternative income by offering different services: food, lodging, guidance and attractive rural activities.

Difficulty: (very demanding).
Altitude: 4000 m.s.n.m.
Full trip duration: Five days, four nights. (Distance walked: 90 kilometres / 56 miles)
Departure hour: First day: 09:00 AM.
Arrival hour: Fifth day: 3:00 PM (to San Francisco).
Departure location: Direction of Tourism in Tilcara (Belgrano Street with Padilla corner).

First day: We start our trek in Tilcara, archaeological capital of La Quebrada de Humahuaca, at 2500 meters a.s.l. We walk up the mountain all day long, using a millenarian path that connects the Quebrada with the Jungle, passing through Garganta del Diablo y Casa Colorada. At night we set our camp and we sleep in a tent near 4000 meters above sea level.

Second day: during this day we walk through the mountain edge at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level. Our destination is Waira wasi (The wind house). During our journey we might see guanacos, vicuñas and/or cóndores. In this day we pass to the humid side of the province, although, due to the altitude, the landscape remains desert-like. At night we sleep in an altitude shelter.

Third day: The trail we follow this day descends by the mountain edge. We walk towards “El Molulo”, village from Tilcara´s Valleys located at 3600 meters of altitude. In El Molulo we can find houses and cottages scattered all over the mountain and a boarding school that shelters 25 students through the school year.

Fourth day: we walk on the mountain edge towards San Lucas (2000 m.a.s.l.). We can see the first trees: cedars and quenoas. At night we sleep in our tent.

Fifth day: we leave San Lucas through a jungle path. The earth changes its color to a reddish tone. We can observe diverse kinds of birds, characteristic of Altitude Jungles.
The mighty rivers run near us and we arrive to Peña Alta, where a vehicule waits for us to take us to San Francisco (1300 m.a.s.k.). End of journey.

During our trip we walk between 6 to 8 hours a day, covering a total of 80 kilometres approximately (50 miles). All meals carried by the llamas are fresh and nutritive. When we are hosted by a family from the local communities, we eat with them a nice meal in rural style: potato, cheese, stew, meat, etc. At night we sleep in tents or mountain shelters.

Fee per person:
• Groups of two or three people: $ 2600 (U$S 750) each
• Groups of four or more people: $ 1750 (U$S 500) each

It includes: Guide and helper (one every four guests). All meals and refreshments during the trip. Camping gear, cooking equipment and first aid kit.

It does not include: Sleeping bag.

We recommend bringing hat, jacket, trekking shoes, extra pair of shoes, and sun block.