One of the most important Inca sanctuaries in Northern Argentina is Quewar Volcano 6130m and is located in the superb Argentine Altiplano also called Puna. The summit of Mt. Quewar was once the final resting place for human sacrifices. The Incas intended these sacrifices as offerings to their gods. Such sanctuaries can be found in other mountains in the region. The ascent route is classified as low-difficulty and it is one of the most attractive expeditions to the Argentine Puna both for its incredible archeological sites and the beauty of its landscapes.
Destinations
Quewar Volcano
QUEWAR VOLCANO 6150m
13 DAYS - TUZGLE VOLCANO 5500m / CERRO MACON 5550m
We can reach the area through the green marshes around Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes at 4200m is home to many curious vicunas, llamas and guanacos. Crystal clear water descends copiously to end in the beautiful Salar de Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes. This expedition is carried out with the logistical support of donkeys, mules and their owners to supply the high elevation camps. To help with acclimatization to high altitude we will also climb to the summit of Mt. Tuzgle, a Volcano at 5500m and Cerro Macon at 5500m both in the Tolar Grande area. The vistas are grand and the landscapes are out of this world. This is not just a mountaineering expedition, it is also an unforgettable experience.
Available in April / May / September / October / November
Our Guides are professional AAGM guides (Argentine Association of Mountain Guides)
Only 4 clients per vehicle, plus a guide who is also the driver.
Accommodations are in twin rooms, 2 people tents and in shared dormitories in remote shelters.
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages on the Mountain are included in the program.
Equipa Tu Aventura will carry all the support equipment needed for the expedition like tents, tables etc. However, Equipa Tu Aventura will not carry your own personal gear up the mountain.
Check with us the price of porters in case you want your personal gear portered up the mountain.
ABBREVIATED ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival to Salta – City Tour in Salta, Check and inspect high altitude mountain equipment and gear, Welcome dinner. Elevation 1200m.
Day 2 – Salta / San Bernardo de las Zorras – 3 hours acclimatization walk. San Bernardo de las Zorras. Elevation 2800m.
Day 3 – SB de las Zorras / San Antonio de los Cobres – 2 hours acclimatization walk to 4900 meters above sea level. San Antonio de los Cobres. Elevation 3700m.
Day 4 – SAC / Volcán Tuzgle / SAC – RUTA 40, begin the ascent at 4700 m, Tuzgle Volcano summit at 5500m, return to San Antonio de los Cobres. Elevation 3700m.
Day 5. San Antonio de los Cobres / Tolar Grande – Abra de Chorrillos, Salar de Pocitos, 1h walk in Los Colorados, Siete Curvas, Tolar Grande. Elevation 3400m.
Day 6. Tolar Grande / Tolar Grande – today, Ojo de Mar and walks through the beautiful surroundings in Tolar Grande. Elevation 3400m.
Day 7. Tolar Grande / Tolar Grande – Ascent to Cerro Macon 5550m. Tolar Grande. Elevation 3400m.
Day 8 – Tolar Grande / C1 Quewar – Salar de Pocitos, Santa Rosa de Pastos Grandes, hike to Camp 1 Quewar. Elevation 4550m.
Day 9. C1 Quewar / Campo Alto Quewar – Summit Quewar Volcano 6150m, descent to Camp 1. Elevation 4550m.
Day 10. Cumbre Quewar / C1 Quewar – Summit Quewar Volcano 6150m, descent to Camp 1. Elevation 4550m.
Day 11. C1 Quewar / Salta – 2 hour walk to our transportation, Abra del Gallo, San Antonio de los Cobres, Quebrada del Toro, Salta. Elevation 1200m.
Day 12. Free Day – Extra day scheduled in case we encounter weather problems in the mountain. Farewell barbecue. Elevation 1200m.
Day 13. Salta / Transfer Out – Transfer to Salta airport.
Itinerary
DETAILS OF OUR SERVICES
Guides - Our guides are professionals with years of experience, skills and deep understanding and knowledge of this region. They were handpicked and carefully selected among the best. They have excellent people skills and a true commitment to share and pass on our culture. They are very sensible and great at generating unforgettable memories.
Transportation – all our programs make use of 4x4 vehicles. The vehicles are properly licensed and approved by CNRT (National Transport Regulating Commitee) and properly insured. Any of our vehicles can seat up to 4 travelers plus a guide who is also the driver. On board we have a satellite phone for emergencies, a VHF radio, an oxigen tuve and mask and a first aid kit.
Accomodations – The region and every village or town have different categories of places to stay. Equipa Tu Aventura will always proceed to book reservations according to guests preferences and availability at every destination.
Meals – Generaly we eat our meals at restaurants or simple dinners in towns or villages where they offer these services and we will have picnics or packed lunches in remote areas without such facilities. Our picnics are delicious and boast plenty of variety, amazing panoramic views, great Argentine wines and moka coffee. Evenings with an apperitive drink are our specialty. If you are vegetarian, vegan, celiac or have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance so we can make all necessary arrangements.
Walking – Often times, the most beautiful places are away from a road. That’s why our itineraries always feature some walking. The walks have different levels of difficulty according to our travelers preferences and/or physical condition so they can make the best out of these experiences.
What is the price of this trip? – Equipa Tu Aventura is a Tour Operator specialized in adventure tourism. We specialize in off-the-tourist trail travel experiences tailor made to fit every guest’s preferences. This is the main reason why there is no price list. We custom design all our itineraries to fit your interests and budget so you can get the best value for money. In order to do this, it’s important you let us know beforehand your interests, preferences and needs.
TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT TO ARGENTINA
1. Economy / Inflation – Argentina is a country with great fluctuations in its economy, at least as far as its currency. With double digit inflation and surprise devaluations, the Central Bank has a tight grip on the foreign exchange rate. The official rate is fixed at an under market value so there is a big difference between the black market dollar exchanged on the streets(called Blue Dollar) and the official rate. Many foreign visitors carry U$D or Euros in cash to Exchange on the black market where they get a much higher rate than in banks or exchange bureaus.
2. Culture – Argentina has the largest cultural scene in South America. Its film industry is vibrant and over the years many local films made successful runs at prestigious awards. Our advice to visitors is to watch a few emblematic films before travelling to Argentina to better understand the country’s history, the local idiosyncrasy and its cultural diversity. Buenos Aires, the country’s capital, is one of the top cultural metropolis in the western world worth a 2 or 3 days stop over to fully enjoy its cafes, night life, theaters, Milonga and Tango dance halls, libraries and museums.
3. Security – The Argentine people is kind and generally a good host to foreign visitors. Through the first half of the 20th century Argentina saw several waves of immigration mostly from Europe. Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Britain, were the origin countries with the biggest numbers of arrivals but many people also came from Eastern Europe, Siria and Lebanon. These new “Argentines” contributed to make our gene pool and cultural diversity even bigger. European visitors will find it very easy to blend in our cities. You will come across very few “Argentinos” that speak a second language, but many will go out of their way despite the language barrier to try to help you in any way or just to talk to you. We are always curious as to where are you visiting from. Argentina is a safe country to travel, but you need to pay attention and not be foolish as you would in any other country in the world.
WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO IN THE PUNA
The Puna or Altiplano is a high altitude plateau at an average elevation of 3500m where our bodies need time to adapt and adjust to the higher altitude and the lower pressure. 90% of our guests do very well in these conditions but the rest must drink more than the usual amount of water to keep hydrated, walk at a slower pace, not undertake strenuous physical activities and drink coca tea during the first few days of the tour to get acclimatized. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before embarking on this trip if you never travelled to places in high elevation before.
In the Puna and in many other places in the northwest of Argentina, local people are kind and welcoming but many people are also shy and very reserved. So you should never take a picture of them or their animals without asking them first. Usually after you try to talk to them and they get to know you better there will be pictures with nice smiles from our new friends.
In many tour destinations around the world visitors engage in bargaining to lower the asking price of let’s say handicraft. In Argentina due to very high inflation, profit margins are small and uncertain, that’s the main reason our artisans don’t bargain. Prices are already very low at dollar or Euro value so out of respect please do not bargain.
