Ciudacita Ruins Expedition from Catamarca, Argentina

On this 1-week expedition to the Ciudacita Inca ruins in Tucuman, you will discover an amazing wilderness location in the Andes with a certified local guide to lead the way!

Group

Andes

7 Days

Mar - Jun, Sep - Nov

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Explore a unique region of Argentina on an exciting 1-week trek
Discover the Ciudacita ruins
Spend one week in a wild natural environment

Description

The most demanding, complete, and spectacular walking tour in America is located in the northwest of Argentina. It unites the provinces of Catamarca and Tucumán through the Nevados del Aconquija and reaches an altitude similar to the Mont Blanc summit at 4,830 meters above sea level. On this 1-week expedition to the Ciudacita Inca Ruins, we will explore this path and discover unique mountain landscapes on the way.

We will start from Estancia El Tesoro at 2400 masl. From there, every day, we will go further into the wild until we reach Ciudacita (also known as Pueblo Viejo), an ancient Inca archaeological site located at 4300 meters above sea level within the Aconquija National Park (Province of Tucumán). The temperature on winter nights is -20º C while on summer days the temperature can reach 30º C. Towards the plain, you can see the provinces of Tucumán, Santiago del Estero and Catamarca, behind the Morro de las Cuevas (4,900 masl).

In order to join this exciting adventure, you will need an excellent fitness level and medical approval. It's a demanding trek that will be well worth the effort.

To join this tour, send in your request and we will happily begin to plan together!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Transportation start and back
Porters
Luggage transfer

Price details

INCLUDED:
Guide, transportation to the starting point and back, transfer of heavy luggage on mules, first aid kit, communications (VHF and emergency satellite phone), insurance, park access permits, all meals in the mountains (breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, snack), hydration salts, transportation, high mountain tents and high mountain sleeping bag (if you do not have them).
o Breakfasts and snacks include (tea, mate tea, coffee with salty and sweet cookies, homemade bread, homemade sweets), lunches will be in packs (cold cuts and cheese sandwich, snacks, protein bars, fruits) and dinners will be hot meals (noodle or rice stews, polenta, soup).
o If you need a special diet (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), do not forget to detail it, a menu will be prepared according to your needs at no extra cost.
➢ At the end of the trek, we will share a meal among all the participants (included in the budget).

Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up

We will pick you up from the hotel or address at a previously agreed time to go to El Tesoro campsite where we will spend the night.

Day 2: Trek to Camp 1

Breakfast and start of the trek at 8 am to camp one (at 3600 masl).

Day 3: Camp 2

Breakfast, disassemble the campsite, and trek to camp 2 (PIRKITAS) at 4200 masl.

Day 4: Portezuelo- Camp 3

Breakfast, disassemble camp, and the start of the trek up to the Portezuelo of the Inca Trail, the highest point of the route at 4830 masl, and then descend to what will be our camp 3 (CAMPO COLORADO)

Day 5: Ciudacita Ruins

We will have two options depending on how the group is:

Option 1- Breakfast and start the trek to the CIUDACITA ruins where we will have lunch and return to the camp.

Option 2- We get up early at 4.00 am to have breakfast and begin the trek to the CIUDACITA ruins, we can have lunch and return to the campsite, and then go to PIRKITAS (if we have enough time, we have to cross the pass before 2:00 p.m.)

Day 6: La Cienaga or El Tesoro

According to how day 5 develops: Option 1- Breakfast and start trekking to camp 4 (LA CIENAGA). Option 2- Breakfast and start trekking to EL TESORO.

Day 7: Return

Depending on where we spend the night on day 6, we will either hike to El Tesoro after breakfast or return directly from there.

Details

More info

IT WILL BE AN EXCLUSIVE REQUIREMENT TO PRESENT A CERTIFICATE OF GOOD CERTIFIED BY A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL. IN THE EVENT OF SUFFERING FROM ANY UNDERLYING DISEASE, YOU SHOULD SUBMIT STUDIES WITH AUTHORIZATION FROM THE CORRESPONDING PROFESSIONAL.

Meeting point

Pick up at your hotel

Equipment you will need to bring

Backpack no larger than 40 liters • Sleeping bag -20° • 1 pair of boots • 1 pair of comfortable trekking shoes • Flashlight • Trekking poles • Tent for 2 people • Rain coat or waterproof • Sunglasses / buff • Warm cap and hat • Gore tex gloves • Hygiene elements • Cutlery / glass / plate • Thermal insulation • Fleece blanket • Fleece or wool jacket or similar • 2 short-sleeved t-shirts / 1 thermal • Warm first layer • Trekking pants • 3 Thick socks • 3 Thin socks ➢ For greater comfort of the participants and logistical organization, all heavy luggage will be received the day before the trek in black bags or small bag labeled with first and last name, well compacted. Elements such as a sleeping bag, tent, warm clothing that they will be used on the trek must go in those bags. ➢ Participants will only carry a backpack of no more than 40 liters with what they consider necessary to walk comfortably.

FAQs

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Hotel Hilton Buenos Aires 5 stars Buenos Aires Argentina

See rooms

Hotel NH Collection Buenos Aires Jousten 4 stars Buenos Aires Argentina

See rooms

Hotel Gran Hotel Presidente 3 stars San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina

See rooms

About the guide

Matías

Tour Operator

Languages

Spanish | English

Request more information

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