LLULLAILLACO VOLCANO BASE CAMP IN SALTA

LLULLAILLACO VOLCANO BASE CAMP IN SALTA

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!

KING CRAB ROUTE EXCURSION IN 4X4 IN TIERRA DEL FUEGO

Visit the end of the world in Argentina! Delight yourself with a sea lunch and sail the Beagle Canal like a Fueguian sailor, while watching the sea lions and penguins.

In the morning, a 4×4 vehicle picks us up at the hotel and we leave Ushuaia crossing valleys, rivers and mountains until we reach the “Ruta de la Centolla” – King Crab Route. This rural tourism corridor was born just in 2017 and leads to Puerto Almanza, literally the last inhabited corner of Argentina located 70 kilometers from Ushuaia. A few families live here and wish to make known the work of the fishermen in the area, dedicated to the fishing of king crabs, spider crabs, trout and mussels.

The King Crab Route takes us to a refuge in the forest; a cabin surrounded by 500-year-old lenga trees and with a spectacular view to the Cornú Hill and Glacier. Here we learn about the ways and lifestyle of the local community, tasting homemade marmalades and pastries accompanied by our typical mate, coffee and tea.

After this first cultural encounter, we leave the cabin behind to go to Victoria Lagoon, in which Patagonian trout abound and from where we can see Andean condor nests. We continue our way into the Harberton Ranch lands. The route follows the Lasifashaj river, offering access to its waters with very picturesque landscapes, and takes us to the Beagle Canal to a point on Navarino Island from where you can see Gable Island and Puerto Williams in Chile.

During the excursion there are many chances to see some small animals such as foxes and muskrats, as well as different types of birds such as witch herons, ruddy-headed gooses, buff-necked ibis, white herons, kingfishers and woodpeckers.

Finally we arrive in Puerto Almanza, where we find the southernmost fishing port in Argentina. Here we embark on another adventure: we board a small boat in search of an impressive colony of sea lions, then continue sailing to the Martillo Island where we will have a close encounter with Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat.

After experiencing nature in all its splendor, we return to the port for a full lunch with fresh spider crab and fish from the Canal, cooked by local fishermen. We will enjoy a pleasant talk and delight in this exquisite seafood while admiring the waters of the Beagle Canal.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Operates every day.
  • Duration: Full day – 8 hours.
  • Pick up time: 8:30 am
  • Min. 2 pax.
  • Includes: Spanish/English bilingual guide. Roundtrip transfers In 4×4 vehicle. Three-step sea lunch (entry: natural spider crab, main course: tray with a variety of fish from the Canal, dessert, coffee, non-alcoholic beverages).
  • Not included: Tips or other personal extra costs.
  • We recommend wearing waterproof clothing, coat and shoes.
  • Optional with extra cost: Trekking to Lasifashaj Waterfall after the navigation.

 

Península Valdés Adventure

A thrilling close encounter with Patagonian nature and marine wildlife.

Península Valdés is a natural reserve in the Patagonia, located on the Atlantic coastline. It is renowned for the marine fauna that inhabits its beaches and surrounding waters, such as whales, penguins and many other seabird species, sea lions and elephant seals. Few places offer the possibility to observe so many animals in their natural habitat; this is a true and unique wildlife reservoir in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For the chance to appreciate the abundant local fauna, we recommend our featured product “Peninsula Valdés Adventure”, tour that stands out from others because of the variety and quality of experiences included.

The first adventure of the day takes us to Estancia San Lorenzo, a pioneer sheep ranch located on the coastline of the San Matias gulf and 160 km away from Puerto Madryn.

This working ranch not only produces Australian merino sheep wool but it is also the home of a 600.000 Magellanic penguin colony, which brings us to this spot. On a 4×4 Overland truck we will reach the reserve and then trek towards the rookery, guided by naturalist guides. This may be the closest you will ever be of a penguin. Without altering their habitat, we will pass by and observe them.

Then, we will hop back on the 4×4 truck and go through the Cañadón de Fósiles, a fossil canyon witness of a million year history.

After the active part of the tour, we will get back to the estancia and enjoy an exquisite lamb on the spit in the old shearing barn, which was reconditioned to serve as a country restaurant, visitor centre and mini shop for local products and ranch souvenirs.

To finish the day, a 2 hour boat ride at sunset in Puerto Pirámides to watch Southern Right whales jumping and swimming around for the best pictures you could ever take. If we´re lucky, maybe these huge and majestic cetaceans will just pass us by so close to almost reach them. As close a you can be of wildlife itself.

For nature lovers, discover Patagonian marine fauna and fossil history as in no other place in Argentina.  

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Operates from September 15th to November 30th on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Full day tour, 12 hs. From 7:30-8 am to 8 pm.
  • Book in advance; only 20 paxes allowed per day.
  • Basic service includes only 4×4 ride.
  • With additional cost: Access to Peninsula Valdés, visit to San Lorenzo and penguin rookery, lunch at San Lorenzo without beverages, whale watching boat ride.