TREKKING QUEBRADA DE LAS CONCHAS (SHELL RAVINE)
Quebrada de las Conchas (Shell Ravine) is a magical place where the wind and the water have carved, after many centuries, very curious forms. We will see its very diverse geological formation and incredible landscapes. Departure by car from Cafayate towards the Quebrada de las Conchas; during the journey we will stop to contemplate the most relevant forms of the rock, such as the Garganta del Diablo, El Anfiteatro, El Obelisco, El Sapo, Los Castillos and others. Then the trek is about an hour –moderate difficulty. On the way back to Cafayate we will make a last stop to take a short walk to the Calchaquí River.
• At 08.30 is the pick up from Hotel in a Van After that, it takes the route to Lodge El Pilar (18 km), where start the hiking to Fitz Roy. Taking the valley of Rio Blanco, we can see the first balcony to Piedras Blancas Glacier. From there we walk another 1.30 h until reaching Rio Blanco Camp site, another hour up the trail reaching Laguna de los Tres. From the lake, there are even better panoramic views of Cerro Fitz Roy! You can also see Laguna Sucia and Lago Viedma in the distance. After lunch (no included) we start the return to El Chaten taking the trail to Laguna Capri. • This tours finishes at about 6 pm. RECOMMENDED CLOTHING FOR ALL THE TOURS IN EL CHALTEN: gloves, sunscreen (facial and labial), cap fleece or wool coat, hat , scarf or neck coat, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants or synthetic fabric, appropriate footwear (preferably trekking boots covering the ankle), sunglasses. Tip: in Patagonia clothing layers should be taken to adapt to frequent changes in temperature.
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.