Yungas : Full Day With Gauchos

Spending a day immersed in the vibrant Yungas jungle alongside skilled gauchos promises an unforgettable adventure. For just $140, two lucky travelers can experience the rich cultural traditions and diverse landscapes of this remarkable region. From milking cows and horseback riding to lassoing cattle, the activities on offer provide a unique glimpse into the daily lives of these iconic South American cowboys. Beyond the hands-on experiences, guests can look forward to wildlife spotting and a delightful picnic lunch amidst the lush, primary forests. However, the true highlight may just be the opportunity to engage directly with the gauchos themselves and learn about their centuries-old way of life.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Full-Day Tours In Salta.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion in the Yungas jungle with gauchos, priced at $140 for up to 2 people, featuring activities like cow milking, horseback riding, and cattle lassoing.
• The experience includes exploring diverse landscapes, such as steep mountain trails, plains, rivers, and primary forests, with opportunities to spot wildlife like toucans, parrots, and monkeys.
• The adventure starts at Finca La Fé, located 2 hours from Salta or 1 hour 15 minutes from San Salvador de Jujuy, with a morning gathering and snack.
• Participants must have appropriate riding skills and fitness level for the rugged terrain, and suitable attire is required, including long-sleeved shirts and proper footwear.
• The day’s journey offers an immersive and authentic experience, guided by skilled gauchos who share their knowledge of the Yungas region and engage guests in traditional activities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

The experience offers a full-day excursion with gauchos in the Yungas jungle, priced from $140.00 per group (up to 2 people).

The 6-hour adventure allows visitors to join the gauchos in their daily activities, such as milking cows, horseback riding, and lassoing cattle.

Travelers can explore the diverse landscapes of the jungle, including steep mountain trails, plains, rivers, and primary forest, with the possibility of spotting wildlife like toucans, parrots, and monkeys.

A picnic lunch in the jungle is included.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, and the experience can be booked with no upfront payment.

Experience Details

Finca La Fé, located 2 hours from Salta or 1 hour 15 minutes from S.S. de Jujuy, serves as the meeting point for this excursion.

Guests will gather at 8:30 a.m. and be welcomed with a morning snack of coffee, tea, French bread, and jams from the finca.

The experience takes place along an accessible 10km ripio road, suitable for all vehicles.

Highlights include:

1. Exploring diverse landscapes like jungle, steep mountain trails, plains, rivers, and primary forest.
2. Observing wildlife such as toucans, parrots, wild turkey, cai monkeys, and tracks of tapir, peccary, anteater, deer, or puma.
3. Enjoying a picnic lunch with appetizers, sandwiches, and dessert served in the jungle.

Activities and Highlights

Gauchos invite guests to join them in their daily activities, including milking cows, horseback riding, and lassoing cows.

Explorers can traverse diverse landscapes, from the lush jungle to steep mountain trails, open plains, rivers, and primary forests.

During the journey, they may spot a variety of wildlife, such as toucans, parrots, wild turkeys, cai monkeys, and tracks of tapir, peccary, anteater, deer, or puma.

A picnic lunch featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and dessert is provided in the heart of the jungle, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Yungas experience.

Participant Requirements

Although suitable for experienced riders with good balance on horseback, the full-day activity with gauchos in Yungas isn’t recommended for children under 12, inexperienced riders, or people over 209 lbs (95 kg).

However, the organizers do offer alternative options better suited for beginners, such as a Yungas horseback ride with asado or picnic.

The activity requires participants to:

1. Have the necessary riding skills and fitness level to navigate the diverse, rugged terrain.
2. Wear appropriate clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, and bring essential items like sun protection and insect repellent.
3. Refrain from wearing sandals, flip-flops, or shorts, as the environment requires more suitable attire.

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What to Bring

When preparing for the full-day experience with gauchos in the Yungas jungle, participants should ensure they’ve the essential items on hand. This includes a valid passport or ID, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat to protect against the strong Andean sun.

A long-sleeved shirt is recommended to guard against insects and sun exposure. Participants should also bring their travel insurance documents, insect repellent, a charged smartphone, and a reusable water bottle.

Sandals, flip-flops, and shorts aren’t permitted, as the terrain can be challenging. Proper attire and essential items will help ensure a comfortable and safe exploration of the diverse Yungas landscapes.

Getting to the Finca

The Finca La Fé, where the full-day experience with gauchos takes place, is situated approximately 2 hours from Salta or 1 hour 15 minutes from San Salvador de Jujuy.

The road to the finca is accessible, with 10km of ripio (gravel) in good condition, suitable for all vehicles. Guests are advised to meet at the Finca La Fé at 8:30 a.m. to begin the day’s activities.

The journey to the finca offers a scenic drive through diverse landscapes, including:

1. Lush jungle.
2. Steep mountain trails.
3. Picturesque plains and rivers.

Meeting the Gauchos

Upon arrival at the Finca La Fé, guests are greeted by the welcoming gauchos, the rugged and skilled horsemen of the Argentinian countryside. These masters of the land lead the day’s activities, imparting their deep knowledge of the Yungas region.

Gaucho Activities	Description
Milking Cows	Guests assist the gauchos in the daily task of milking the finca’s cows.
Horseback Riding	Participants join the gauchos on horseback to explore the diverse landscapes.
Lassoing Cows	Guests learn the traditional gaucho skill of lassoing cattle.

The gauchos’ expertise and enthusiastic guidance ensure an immersive and authentic experience, allowing visitors to fully embrace the traditions of this captivating region.

A Day in the Yungas

Embarking on the day’s journey, guests enjoy the vibrant tapestry of the Yungas jungle. Under the guidance of the skilled gauchos, the group embarks on a captivating exploration.

The day’s activities include:

1. Witnessing the traditional art of cow milking, an integral part of the gaucho’s daily routine.
2. Saddling up for an exhilarating horseback ride through the diverse terrain, from lush jungle to rugged mountain trails.
3. Mastering the cowboy craft of lassoing, as the gauchos share their expertise in this time-honored skill.

Throughout the day, the group delights in spotting exotic wildlife, such as toucans, parrots, and the elusive cai monkeys, against the backdrop of the breathtaking Yungas landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gratuity Included in the Price?

The price does not include gratuity. It is customary to tip the gauchos and staff directly for their services, typically around 10-20% of the total cost, depending on the quality of the experience.

How Many People Can Participate per Group?

The experience is priced per group, with a maximum of 2 people per group. The price is $140.00 for the full-day activity, which can be booked for a group of up to 2 participants.

What Happens if It Rains During the Activity?

If it rains during the activity, the tour will continue as planned. Participants are advised to bring appropriate rain gear to stay dry and comfortable throughout the day’s events.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?

The company can accommodate dietary restrictions for the picnic lunch. Guests should notify the company in advance of any special dietary needs, and the staff will prepare an appropriate meal to meet those requirements.

Is There Storage Space Available for Personal Belongings?

The activity does not explicitly mention storage space for personal belongings. However, participants can likely leave their items securely at the Finca La Fé meeting location during the excursion.

Recap

The Yungas jungle excursion with gauchos promises an unforgettable adventure. Guests can enjoy the rich cultural traditions of the gaucho lifestyle, engaging in activities like milking cows, horseback riding, and lassoing cattle. With stunning mountain, river, and forest landscapes, the day also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and a delightful picnic lunch. This full-day experience is a unique chance to explore the vibrant Yungas region alongside skilled local guides.

You can check if your dates are available here: