Ideal for adventurous travelers who want to live a unique experience in a special off the beaten track place, directly benefiting the local community.
The Llullaillaco Volcano -with 6,739 masl- is the highest in the province of Salta and the second highest active volcano in the world after the Ojos del Salado, on the border between Argentina and Chile.
Considered the Incas’ sacred volcano and the highest sanctuary of its empire, its fame grew even more after the Children of Llullaillaco were discovered: three mummified children were found in March 1999 close to the summit. They were perfectly preserved by cold and next to more than 150 objects that made up their funeral trousseau, consisting of miniature human and animal figures, utensils and food. Today they are exhibited at the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology (MAAM) in Salta and the ceremonial complex of Llullaillaco was declared a World Heritage Site.
There are many reasons why mountaineers from all over the world venture to ascend to the summit of this Sacred Volcano. Being so, now we can find at its base the first Tourist Camp in the Argentine puna.
The Llullaillaco Base Camp project was created with the purpose of promoting the sustainable development of the local communities connected with active tourism in the region. Together with Tolar Grande community leaders, the “Puna Vision Foundation” was born with the aim of training local young people to continue the development of this activity in the area, being the ones who will welcome and assist guests at the camp.
Regarding the campsite amenities, it is prepared to provide quality personalized service and comfort for 24 people at the same time. For safety, there’s permanent connection to a base in Salta via satellite phone, allowing 24/7 communication regarding information about expeditions, weather conditions and efficiently coordinate potential evacuations. The service is also available for visitors to contact their families.
Meals are carefully prepared in the kitchen tent, fully equipped to provide fresh food, complying with hygiene and safety standards. The in-camp chef offers a wide menu including red and white meat, pizza and pasta, cakes, fresh fruits and cereals among other options. All meals are served at the dining dome.
There are 1200 liter drinking water supply for guests and solar energy provides power with low environmental impact, available to charge small electronic devices. There is also a toilet (with no showers) to avoid travelers’ impact in the area.
The camp is located at 4500 masl, which is ideal for mountaineers’ good acclimatization willing to climb the volcano, as well as for those adventure travelers in 4×4 vehicles, motorbikes or MTB travelers passing by the area.
Using it as a base also enables new trekking possibilities. Just to mention a couple of them, a 6 hour hike to Tambo -an Inca ruin at the foot of the volcano- which starts at 5000 meters and ascends to 5300 meters. And a one hour night walk ascending to the viewpoint in front of the camp to contemplate the starry sky (which may also be done during the day to get a completely different view).
Please, ask your executive about the Kallpa programs already available to get to know the Puna through different activities, visiting and staying at the camp from November to March. An unmissable experience for every adventurer!
At around 11 am, we will reach the beautiful Emerald Lagoon going up a hill, located at the foot of the Ojo de Albino glacier, between the Bonete hill and the Toribio cord. Its green waters live up to its name and contrast with the reddish color of the peat moss that surround it. We will enjoy the scenery for an hour while we take photos, rest and enjoy a picnic lunch in the mountain to regain strength for the way back.
