Argentina

Page sponsored by Andean Trails

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Northern Argentina
The province of Salta is, from April to October, a dry and beautiful area full of vineyards and surrounded by mountains. It is in these mountains, some 3,000m up to 5,000m, that we visit towns such as Humahuaca, Tilcara, Uquía and Purmamarca, which thrive among the amazing multi-coloured rocks of the surrounding mountains.

Purmamarca boasts a Mountain of Seven Colours. A short distance away is a giant salt field, on the high plains of Lipan. This region is oft named as one of most barren in the world but it bursts with colour. We get to see lakes of many colours, flamencos and condors against a clear blue sky, as well as encountering locals in bright clothing going about their daily business, usually farming-related, as it has been for centuries. 

Aconcagua
The biggest peak in South America, its main features are its height at 6,959m, its winds and the cold. The walk in along glacial rivers is hot during the day and refreshing at night, until we reach base camp at about 4,200m. From hereon in, you are on a high altitude climb, with penitentes (ice formations unique to the Andes), snow showers and ice to contend with. The weather can change from still and sunny to a blizzard and back again in 30 minutes as you trek at the highest of high altitudes. You will see enormous glaciers and boulders, sights you can never forget. 

Patagonia
Four seasons in one day is the age old description of Patagonia. Being so far south, the weather can be wild and windy or incredibly warm. The terrain is incredibly varied and beautiful from forests to glaciers feeding turquoise lakes to huge spiky mountains rising out of the massifs. 

Those brave enough can jump in lakes for a very refreshing dip and relax on the beaches, or climb to look outs that are jaw-droppingly close to stunning peaks such as Fitzroy. In Autumn (April), the colour of the tree leaves contrasting with the white glaciers is a truly mesmerizing spectacle. 

A day’s walking is always started with a hot and tasty breakfast, either brought to your tent or served in a communal camping tent. Lunch is usually on the hoof, and dinner will be in a spectacular campsite, the hot food warming your bones as you gaze at the stars. 

A top five would involve Aconcagua for the achievement, Jujuy for the people and its colour, the Patagonia Ice Cap for the challenge of the traverse, Fitzroy National Park for the trekking in beautiful areas and Bariloche for lakes and biking and kayaks. 

We are experts with almost 15 years’ experience in all of these areas and have group and tailor made packages we can put together for you and your group.