EXPERIENCES

We depart from Salta toward San Antonio de los Cobres, Salinas Grandes, and Purmamarca, following a route parallel to the “Train to the Clouds” railway line, through the Quebrada del Toro. We begin the ascent until reaching 4,080 m (13,386 ft) above sea level and arrive at San Antonio de los Cobres. Here we take a break with time for lunch; then we cross Route 40 until we reach the Salinas Grandes, right at the border between Salta and Jujuy. Next, we start the descent via the Cuesta de Lipán—where condors are often spotted—until reaching the town of Purmamarca and its famous Hill of Seven Colors.

We leave from the hotel towards Tierra Mayor Valley. Our Musher instructor will welcome us and give us an introductory chat about the dogsledding world, while we visit the kennels. Then we´ll receive the instructions about sled assembly and driving techniques. We´ll put the harnesses on the dogs, we hitch them to the sled and off we go! This intense adventure is great fun! As we go, our sled caravan heads into the snowy valley until we arrive at Refugio del Hachero, where we´ll recover energy with some hot beverages. After a short rest, mushers and dogs continue the journey through forests, frozen rivers and experiencing the magic white silence. Maximum 8 pax and 4 sleds. Passengers must be in good health, must like dogs and have a team spirit. Dogsledding is comparable to cross country skiing, so reasonable fitness is required.

Pozo Colorado is a beautiful place with a small village located in the East border of Salinas Grandes. Its 200 inhabitants (native community) base their production activity mainly in extracting salt and breeding the most famous animal in our province: “the llamas”. The native community is currently working to recover its cultural heritage: spinning and weaving llama wool; carving laja stones; manufacturing salt stones crafts; and, recently, along with Caravana de Llamas, using the llama as pack animal. During the car trip towards the town of Pozo Colorado we can enjoy the spectacular landscape of “Cuesta de Lipán”, observing vicuñas and guanacos (south American wild camelids). When we arrive to Pozo Colorado we prepare the llamas for the expedition and we begin the llama trekking that lasts about and hour and a half. We penetrate the salt surface, we visit the salt extraction spots and then we have lunch. After a well-deserved rest, we return to the community to end the journey. Season: all year round (in January and February it migth rain) Difficulty: medium exigency Highest altitude: 3500 meters a.s.l. Duration: 4 hs. (Trekking time: about 3 hs.) Departure hour: 11.30 am Departure place: Pozo Colorado (the journey by car from Tilcara to Pozo takes around 2 hours). Departure location: Pozo Colorado (near Salinas Grandes) Includes: Guide from the community; full lunch with wine (regional picnic); water during the walk. We recommend bringing hat, jacket, trekking shoes and sun block.