Salta Adventure: Underground Rivers and Mountain Trekking

The Salta Adventure: Underground Rivers and Mountain Trekking promises an unforgettable journey through Argentina’s stunning northern provinces. Trekkers can look forward to an exhilarating 4WD ascent to Obispo Hill, uncovering hidden caves near the Calchaquí River, and seeing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Los Cardones National Park. With a scenic picnic lunch amidst the iconic cardón cacti and a visit to the traditional village of La Poma, this full-day excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the marvels that this captivating region has to offer. What thrilling experiences await those who embark on this adventure?

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Salta.

Key Points

• Explore Salta’s natural wonders, including Los Cardones National Park and the Calchaquí River, on a full-day 4WD adventure led by an experienced guide.
• Ascend to the summit of Obispo Hill at 10,984 feet for panoramic views of the Andes and an opportunity for a short hike.
• Discover the hidden caves near the Calchaquí River and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch to refuel during the journey.
• Visit the traditional village of La Poma to experience the local culture, browse artisanal crafts, and try regional cuisine.
• The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, with a maximum group size of 15 and hotel pickup and drop-off services provided.

Tour Overview

This full-day Salta adventure offers travelers the opportunity to explore the region’s natural wonders with an experienced guide.

Venturing across diverse landscapes in a 4WD vehicle, you will ascend to the lofty heights of Obispo Hill, spanning an impressive 10,984 feet. The tour also includes a journey through the Lerma Valley and a visit to Los Cardones National Park.

With a maximum group size of 15, this tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness. Highlights include a short walk to nearby caves and a scenic picnic lunch, providing a well-rounded experience of Salta’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary offers a captivating exploration of Salta’s diverse landscapes, beginning with a thrilling 4WD vehicle journey across the region’s varied terrain.

Travelers will ascend to the dizzying heights of Obispo Hill, standing at an impressive 10,984 feet. Along the way, they’ll enjoy a short walk to caves near the Calchaquí River, where they can marvel at the natural wonders on display.

A picnic lunch in a scenic location provides a chance to refuel before continuing the adventure.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Black Rocks Camp at the Twin Volcanoes and the traditional village of La Poma, offering a glimpse into the local culture.

Logistics and Inclusions

For this tour, a professional guide is typically provided to lead the adventure.

Hotel pickup and drop-off services are available from select hotels in the area, allowing for convenient transportation.

The tour utilizes an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the journey. While gratuities aren’t included, food and drinks are specified in the tour details.

Travelers should note the following:

• The meeting point is in Salta, and the activity ends back at the same location.

• Confirmation is received upon booking.

• The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide.

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

• Bringing sufficient drinking water and taking time to explore are recommended.

Traveler Experiences

Travelers have overwhelmingly positive experiences with the Salta Adventure tour, as evidenced by the 5.0 overall rating based on 5 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor. The feedback highlights the stunning landscapes, the expertise of the guide, and the overall adventure experience. To summarize the traveler reviews:

Rating	Number of Reviews	Percentage
5 stars	4	80%
4 stars	1	20%
3 stars	0	0%
2 stars	0	0%
1 star	0	0%

Travelers recommend bringing sufficient drinking water and ensuring a full gas tank. The adventure delivers on its promise of exploring Salta’s natural beauty with an experienced guide.

Natural Landscapes Explored

The Salta Adventure tour transports travelers through diverse, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, from the verdant Lerma Valley to the imposing peaks of Obispo Hill. The journey includes:

• Traversing the winding roads of Los Cardones National Park, dotted with the towering, sculptural cacti that give the park its name.

• Ascending to the summit of Obispo Hill, which offers panoramic vistas of the rugged Andes mountains.

• Exploring the hidden caves near the Calchaquí River, carved by the flow of water over centuries.

• Visiting the Black Rocks Camp at the base of the Twin Volcanoes, a stark and dramatic geological formation.

• Discovering the traditional village of La Poma, nestled amongst the rolling hills and valleys of the region.

Journey to Obispo Hill

One of the highlights of the Salta Adventure tour is the journey to the summit of Obispo Hill, where visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the rugged Andes mountains.

Aboard a sturdy 4WD vehicle, the tour group ascends to an impressive elevation of 10,984 feet, navigating a winding route through diverse landscapes.

Along the way, the experienced guide provides insights into the region’s geology and indigenous culture.

The short hike to the hilltop offers an opportunity to stretch one’s legs and breathe in the crisp mountain air.

From the summit, guests can gaze out at the striking natural beauty that defines this corner of Argentina, a truly unforgettable experience.

Cardones National Park Visit

After exploring the vistas of Obispo Hill, the tour continues its journey into the striking landscape of Los Cardones National Park. Established to protect the iconic cardón cactus, this protected area showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the region, providing visitors with a glimpse into the unique ecosystems of northwestern Argentina.

The tour explores the park’s highlights, including:

• Towering cardón cactus reaching up to 40 feet tall

• Hiking trails winding through dry, rocky terrain

• Spotting native wildlife like vicuñas, foxes, and the Andean condor

• Learning about the park’s geological formations and history

• Enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by the dramatic mountainous scenery

Traditional Village of La Poma

Wrapping up their exploration of the dramatic landscapes within Los Cardones National Park, the tour makes its way to the traditional village of La Poma, offering visitors a glimpse into the local customs and way of life.

The village serves as a cultural highlight, where travelers can interact with the friendly residents and learn about their time-honored traditions.

Visitors will have the chance to browse local artisanal crafts, try regional cuisine, and witness the vibrant community spirit.

The visit to La Poma provides a well-rounded experience, complementing the day’s earlier natural wonders with an immersive cultural encounter.

This final stop offers a memorable conclusion to the Salta adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Take This Tour?

The best time of year to take this tour is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. Travelers can enjoy the stunning landscapes without the extreme heat or cold of summer and winter.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. The itinerary includes stops at the caves near the Calchaquí River and the traditional village of La Poma, where travelers can use restrooms. The tour also provides ample time for breaks.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Is Lunch Provided?

A picnic lunch is provided as part of the tour, but travelers are welcome to bring their own snacks as well. The tour operator encourages bringing sufficient water and being prepared to explore the scenic locations.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary for My Group?

The tour operator may allow some customization of the itinerary for private groups. However, the core activities and logistics are fixed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers. It’s best to discuss any special requests directly with the operator.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location During the Tour?

The tour spends approximately 1-2 hours at each major stop, including Lerma Valley, Obispo Hill, Calchaquí River caves, and Black Rocks Camp. The pace allows ample time to explore the natural wonders and cultural attractions along the way.

Recap

The Salta Adventure: Underground Rivers and Mountain Trekking offers an exhilarating full-day experience exploring Argentina’s stunning landscapes.

Participants embark on a thrilling 4WD journey, ascending to Obispo Hill, discovering hidden caves, and seeing the natural beauty and vibrant local culture of the region.

This adventure includes a scenic picnic lunch in Los Cardones National Park and a visit to the traditional village of La Poma.