Northwest Archivos | Page 5 of 6 | Kallpa I Tour Operator

Walking with Llamas in the Northwest

Take a hike joined by llamas among ancient ruins, salt lakes, valleys, and gorges. An ancestral activity to connect with the Pachamama and the most amazing landscapes in the northwest.

Ever since the beginning of time, the Andean men and the llamas traversed the harsh terrain in the mountains and the high plateau. These particular animals were used not only to transport commercial goods but for their wool, their meat, and their guano.

Nowadays in Tilcara, Santos Manfredi has settled a rural and ecological establishment specialized in taming llamas as a freighting animal, to recreate this ancestral practice. Caravana de Llamas, as it is called, is also dedicated to promoting the conjoint work with local communities, for which they rely on different routes where local families provide their homes and tour guiding.

Santos has developed different trails to hike with the llamas around the Humahuaca Gorge and the Puna Jujeña. With a variety of difficulties and durations (from half day to several days), there are multiple options for everyone, including families. Each hike is developed to satisfy the expectations of the many visitors.

A recommended half day hike is the one towards Salinas Grandes, the salt lakes. Along the way, you have panoramic views of the Humahuaca Gorge. Once at the Salinas, a tent is lifted to provide shadow and to have a well-deserved picnic in the middle of the 45.000 hectares of salt.

For a short and family alternative, a one hour and a half walk around the colorful town of Tilcara will do. You might feel funny walking around the town’s main square right beside a llama, but believe us, is a once in a lifetime experience!

Different paths around the region take you towards ancient ruins, valleys, volcanoes, gorges and salt lakes. While hiking, you learn about the local culture and history. The lamas are always used to carry all the camping equipment, food and personal belongings for the journey, you can’t ride them.

For those travelers in the search of original experiences, walking with llamas is an unforgettable experience in the northwest.

Harvest experience in Cafayate

Making the most out of the harvest season in Argentina, the Cafayate region in the north offers a unique experience to learn about the winemaking process and have fun in the meantime.

The Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia is the popular and national harvest festivity in Argentina, very important specially in Mendoza and Salta provinces -both renowned wine regions. The harvest celebrations are a part of the folklore that brings together wine-producers, anyone else who works with the vine and soil, and the rest of the people.

The Cafayate region in Salta, within the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys, is surrounded by a beautiful natural sunny landscape that blends mountains and vineyards.

Dry alluvial grounds, sunny mornings, warm afternoons and chilly nights during the summer that allow a long aging period and also a wide thermal amplitude make of Cafayate an excellent terroir. Vineyards are located up to 3.000 meters above sea level and rain is very scarce, which permits an exceptional growth for grapevines. This microclimate and the unique characteristics of the area originate different and original wines, with a strong personality and of a long-lasting fruity and savory taste.

If you happen to visit Salta during the harvest season – from late February to the end of March – make sure to pass by Cafayate to take part of the festivity and also try a fun experience in this wine region.

Joined by wine specialists, visit a selected local vineyard to learn about the harvest and production techniques, from the grapevines to the final wine. They will explain the differences between the grape varieties, what are their characteristics and how they are trimmed and harvested. Also you will find about the work at the vineyard, who works there and what are their tasks.

Once you have learn the basics and harvesting techniques, it´s time to get your hands dirty! You will be provided with the tools required for the task: trimming scissors and a basket to keep the grapes. Now you may walk around the vineyard and relax to carry on with the task in hand. It is important to observe the fruits to pick the right ones, those that have better coloring and no visible insect bites or marks. Using the scissors, gently proceed to cut the selected bunch and place it carefully in the basket, trying not to squeeze them.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of competition, the guides will organize a game for the visitors and compete for a prize to be the one that collects the most grapes in a time frame.

After the fun harvest practice, you will enjoy a wine tasting to try the different varieties obtained from the grapevines. Generally -depending on the vineyard you visit- these are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontés, the typical fruity and dry fine white wine from this zone that currently makes of Cafayate a world famous wine region.

La Vendimia has become an annual ritual, reaching more and more fans worldwide. What was born behind doors inside every winery, in the end got the support of the government and several prestigious local institutions, becoming today an important national event and celebration and bringing together wine lovers from all over. An excellent cultural and gourmet opportunity to visit vineyards, meet local people and -of course- taste flavourful fine wines.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Available only from February 24th to the end of March (harvest period).
3 hs private service, min. 2 pax required.
Operates daily am or pm, previous reservation required. Activity subject to availability
Includes harvest practice, wine tasting and souvenir pictures of the experience.
We recommend dressing comfortably for a day outdoors, wear sporty shoes, sunscreen & hat/cap.
Transfers from hotels in Cafayate only and up to 4 people are included. For more than 4 pax and/or from Salta city, transfers should be requested separately.

cafayate featured harvest Northwest wine

Rural Lifestyle in the Northwest

Visit the Northwest and stay at one of the oldest and historical estancias in Argentina to experience the real northern countryside lifestyle.

The story tells that the mother of Martín de Güemes -a distinguished general during the independence wars- had this estancia built. In fact, this was where the general trained his gauchos to defend the north while San Martín liberated Peru; hence the historical importance of this ancient estate.

Located only a 45-minute drive away from Salta, in the town that pays tribute to Güemes, El Bordo de las Lanzas has been welcoming travelers from all over the world for more than 20 years. This is the ideal place for those who wish to have an authentic and warm northern experience, getting to know Salta’s countryside at first hand in a region rich in history and traditions.

The name El Bordo references to the old way of calling the riverbank, to the fertile lands that border the river, ideal for cultivation.

The Arias family is the estate’s owner since 1958 and they were pioneers in the rural tourism to receive travelers willing to spend their time in the middle of the subtropical vegetation of the surroundings and under the colonial architecture of the main house that dates from 1609.

Today, the adobe walls, heavy doors and lintels with their own iron locks and ornamental bars are still preserved along with several archaeological remains found in the grounds, historic books and ancient documents, original furniture and paintings. The religious images and details in every room are noteworthy and according to the family’s respect for traditions and beliefs.

As a working ranch, the 3000 hectares are used in part for the cultivation of tobacco, sugar cane, corn, wheat, dry beans, soybeans and other grains and vegetables. The family also breed horses for polo, country work and riding.

Guests at El Bordo may take part on some of these rural activities. Visiting the crops and learning about the process, unlimited horseback riding, bicycle riding, hiking, or have a swim at the pool. Relax at the evergreen and colorful park that surrounds the house and at the many corners available for resting, immerse in the countryside serenity and in the sounds of nature, enjoying the natural pleasures that El Bordo provides. Within the grounds there’s a special area to visit: El Totoral, a natural reserve that preserves yacarés (caimans) in the wild.

This region is also famous for its culinary specialties, so a stop by the kitchen is a must. You may learn to prepare and taste traditional dishes such as the humita en chala, tamales, sugar cane honey, carbonada, cayote jam and -of course- the typical empanadas salteñas. All the northern classics in one place!

Every meal at El Bordo is homemade and delicious. As a matter of fact, they are specially elaborated for each occasion using seasonal ingredients and are the same as served for the family itself.

The hospitality of the Arias family and the staff can be appreciated in every detail; from the fresh flowers in every room to the good company of the gauchos and the tasting of ancestral culinary recipes. The human warmth that only northern people can provide.

At El Bordo de las Lanzas, you will certainly find comfort, tradition, history, nature, outdoor activities, a variety of authentic homemade meals and excellent attention.

For more information about Estancia El Bordo de las Lanzas and organized programs including a full board stay and activities, please contact your Kallpa Executive. It is possible to rent a car or to book a private transfer to go from Salta to General Güemes, don’t hesitate to ask for both options.

countryside estancias featured Northwest

Full day trekking in Cuesta del Obispo

A hike where nature, culture and history combine for those active and adventurous travellers looking for an unforgettable experience in Northern Argentina.

Almost 100 km from the city of Salta you will find the Cuesta del Obispo, a zig-zag and steep stretch of the provincial route 33. The slope ascends from Chicoana and ends at Piedra del Molino.

The adventure begins anyday at 7 am and takes the whole day. Leaving Salta in southern direction, you will pass by Cerrillos and El Carril towns, turning West towards Chicoana until Quebrada de Escoipe. On the way, you will be able to see diverse species of cacti and a colorful and rocky landscape.

After the two-hour trip, at paraje Margarita the group will take a local bus ascending through Cuesta del Obispo, reaching the access to the National Park Los Cardones. The hike begins here, descending through Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley), a natural sanctuary for the Salteños. Following a red dirt path surrounded by exuberant vegetation and multicolor rocks, the walk will provide an extraordinary scenery of natural colours and strange shapes sculpted on the rock through the years by rain and wind. It is said that walking through this path is like walking on the clouds, since there is a pond between high meadows and red rock formations where the clouds almost touch the ground.

One of the main attractions of this descent are the cave paintings that you will see entering a private plot, ancient traces of the Incaic culture that will remind you that this was once an Inca trail. On the way, you might also spot majestic Condors flying in their natural habitat.

Nature, history and culture combine in this hike. The highlights are definitely the incredible and colorful scenery above the clouds and the breathtaking views of Cuesta del Obispo whilst exploring Los Cardones.

The hike is about 17,4 km long, mainly descending, and takes up to 6 hours. It is advisable for people in good health, with minimal ability to walk on rocky and irregular paths.

FACT SHEET

Min. 2 Pax required. Bookings with one week of anticipation.
When: Everyday at 7 am (transfer from hotel)
Level of Challenge: Medium/High
Recommended Season: All year long, except during summer rains.
Duration of the activity: Full day, 11 hours including transfer and hike (4-6 hours).
Length of the Trek: 17,4 km
Starting Altitude: 2270 msnsm
Max Altitude Climbed: 3100 msnsm

INCLUDED

Transfers from and to hotel.
Trekking poles.
Snacks and picnic lunch.
English speaking guide.
Insurance.

featured nature Northwest Salta Trekking

Take a hike joined by llamas among ancient ruins, salt lakes, valleys, and gorges. An ancestral activity to connect with the Pachamama and the most amazing landscapes in the northwest.

Making the most out of the harvest season in Argentina, the Cafayate region in the north offers a unique experience to learn about the winemaking process and have fun in the meantime.

Visit the Northwest and stay at one of the oldest and historical estancias in Argentina to experience the real northern countryside lifestyle.

A hike where nature, culture and history combine for those active and adventurous travellers looking for an unforgettable experience in Northern Argentina.

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