Trekking to the Clouds Pre-Summit Adventure

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Experience life above the clouds in the northwest region of Argentina

Start trekking at the foot of Mount Golgota in Ingeniero Maury and end four days later in Quebrada de San Lorenzo, Salta city. The journey takes us along an old Inca trail amid landscapes of great contrasts. First, an arid climate. Later, rainforests of Salta’s Yunga. Along the route, we are immersed in nature and the local culture. Starting at the Quebrada del

Toro, our first ascent will be surrounded by amazing cardones (giant cactai). The trail leads to the archaeological site of “Sillon del Inca” (Inca Seat), the ruins of what was once the southern part of the Inca empire. We visit the local inhabitants of the area, who work their fields and breed their livestock over 3,000 meters high. Campsites and dinners are a time to share moments with the group and with local inhabitants when we camp near their homes at night.

Group Size: 4 to 10 participants Hotel Pre-Trekking Night: October 11th (includes transfer from airport) Trekking Starts: October 12th - Hotel pick-up at 7:30 AM Trekking Ends: October 15th leaving you at your selected hotel at about 5:00 PM Location: Salta, Argentina Difficulty Rating: [4] Vigorous. Must be physically fit; hiking/trekking experience preferred; 5-8 hours activity/day

Arrive in Salta – Trip Briefing date: October 11th

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Highlights ● High altitude trekking and backcountry camping (between 2,560m/8,000’ – 3,418

meters/11,214’) ● Nature and climate diversity along the journey: from arid environment to green rainforest ● Genuine contact with mountain inhabitants and their unique way of living in such an

isolated location ● Follow an old Inca Trail and visit Inca Ruins along the journey ● Good food, excellent wines and even better atmosphere to enjoy afternoons and dinners

Trekking to the Clouds Trail and Altitude

In this map, you can see the Trekking to the Clouds complete circuit (yellow), with its elevation profile and location of the camp for every night. The tour ends on Day 4 in Quebrada de San Lorenzo, at the foot of the city of Salta.

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Daily Itinerary - Trekking to the Clouds

October 11: Arrive in Salta. Hotel is included.

October 12: Trekking Day 1 We will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Ingeniero Maury through Quebrada del Toro, right next to Train to the Clouds railways and bridges. We got off the bus at the Gendarmerie Outpost of Ingeniero Maury, next to a school. After checking in the luggage and backpacks for the day, we provide lunch boxes, fill our water bottles and start walking. The first part is uphill. The trail is well marked and the slopes are mild / moderate but continuous. As we ascend

the Quebrada del Toro starts looming before us in all its glory as well as the snowy peaks of Mount San Miguel and Acay behind the hills. After three hours of walking uphill we reach "La Virgen del Caminante" (The pilgrim´s Virgin) reference point for many mountaineers in the area. From this point the path continues with intermittent ascents and descents but mostly downhill towards Sillón del Inca ruins, where our first camp will take place. We have some spare time to walk around the area at this archaeological site that was once part of the Inca Empire. And then make our last trail towards our campsite right next to a local ranch in the middle of the mountains. (B, BXL, S, D)

Technical Data (see special note at the end of day four)

10.0 KM 7 / 8 Hours 2378 M 1399 M 479 M 3295 M

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October 13: Trekking Day 2 Our walk begins in one of the most beautiful areas of agricultural production and, if we are lucky, we may see some condors flying overhead. The trail continues upwards to our highpoint, reaching 3,418 meters/11,214’ above sea level, and one of the most spectacular views of the trip. From well above the clouds, we see all the Lerma Valley and the city of Salta. We descend, still enjoying spectacular views, to our second campsite. Here, we are in the company of local people who have their agricultural production ranch nearby. We

share experiences and learn about the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the area. (B, BLX, S, D)

Technical Data (see special note at the end of day four)

11.4 KM 5 /6 Hours 3295 M 329 M 741 M 2882 M

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October 14: Trekking Day 3 Today, the trail leads us closer to the typical wetland forest of Yungas. Leaving camp, we descend and the views are completely different from what they have been the previous two days. Trees and vegetation begin to grow on the mountains again and the sight and sounds of rivers and waterfalls add to nature’s soundtrack. The trail continues descending to the point where two mountain rivers meet. After a delicious box lunch, we continue upstream, and enter the Yungas. It’s uphill to camp, earning us a

delicious dinner. (B, BXL, S, D)

Technical Data (see special note at the end of day four)

Regular 14.0 KM 7 Hours 2882 M 730 M 1052 M 2560 M

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October 15: Trekking Day 4 Our final day on the trail has us immersed in rich flora of the Salta Yunga, towards the city of Salta. Walking along the edge of the mountain, we enjoy the flora and fauna of the region, in contact, every few kilometers, with local inhabitants who breed their cattle in these inhospitable places. The last part of the tour will take us to the foot of the city of Salta, in the Quebrada de San Lorenzo. Once in the Quebrada, we celebrate our accomplishment

over a round of drinks before returning by bus to the city of Salta. (B, BLX, S)

Technical Data (see special note at the end of day four)

13.6 KM 7 Hours 2560 M 409 M 1489 M 1479 M

Special Note: The Operator reserves the right to alter campsite locations due to weather, logistics or operational reasons. Therefore, walking time, distances, ascent and descent can be altered.

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High Altitude Alert: This trip ascends to high altitude, traveling above 2,438m/8,000’ for most of the trip. The highest altitude reached is 3,418 meters/11,214’ and sleeping occurs as high as 3295 meters/10,800 feet. It is imperative you understand the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and the more severe forms of altitude illness, HAPE (High-altitude pulmonary edema) and HACE (High-altitude cerebral edema) so that you can self-monitor your reaction to high altitude. Take the necessary precautions to prevent or alleviate symptoms of high altitude such as staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and eating well. Be sure to share any symptoms with your guide. The Golden Rules 1. If you feel unwell, you have altitude sickness until proven otherwise. 2. Do not ascend further if you have symptoms of altitude sickness. 3. If you are getting worse then descend immediately. For more information: Altitude Illness at CDC (Center for Disease Control); Altitude sickness at altitude.org

Prices and Conditions PRICE PER PERSON TREKKING TO THE CLOUDS: U$D 390 We accept credit cards and wire transfers.

Trip includes: • Transfer IN from Salta Airport to hotel

• Hotel night in Salta on October 11th (single occupancy)

• Private Transfer to Ingeniero Maury to start trekking. Transfer from San Lorenzo to hotel once trekking ends.

• 3 nights camping sharing double tents

• Group equipment needed for camp (Tents, cooking utensils, heaters, etc.)

• 5cm foam sleeping pad

• Specialized Bilingual Guide (Spanish / English) throughout the program

• All meals detailed in program specification (B: breakfast; L: lunch; BXL: Box lunch; S: snack; D: dinner)

• Luggage transfer: duffle bag with sleeping bag and pad, clothing and personal items up to 7 kg (15 lbs)

• First aid kit. Spot satellite for emergencies.

Trip does not include • Air tickets

• Personal expenses and tips

• Meals not mentioned in the program

• Hotel night in Salta on October 15

• Sleeping bag. Sleeping bags available for rent, please contact us for rates and availability.

• Alcoholic beverages.

• Travel / health / evacuation Insurance

• Bathroom facilities at campsites

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Packing List: Weather in October: Clear sunny skies are usually present. Average rain in October is about 25mm (~1in). During the day average temperatures are 10°C and 28°C (50°F – 82°F). In the mountains, at night temperatures vary between 0° and 7°C (32°F – 45°F). There might be frost in the nights/early morning. The hike occasionally walks though clouds. Luggage:

Medium to large duffle (for personal items/sleeping bag transported by mules on trek)

Packing cubes/stuff sacks

Day pack (35 liters) o Waterproof pack cover or garbage

bag to line pack Clothing:

Casual clothing/shoes for travel and city wear (lightweight, easily washable)

Waterproof jacket, lightweight

Waterproof pants, lightweight

Fleece/softshell jacket

Down (or synthetic insulation) jacket

T-shirts, synthetic or wool

Long sleeve shirt, synthetic or wool

Hiking pants (no jeans for trekking)

Synthetic or merino base layers

Underwear/sports bra (quick drying)

Sleepwear Sun hat

Wool or fleece hat

Neck warmer or buff

Liner gloves, synthetic or wool Warm fleece gloves/mittens

Footwear:

Waterproof trekking boots with rugged sole

Hiking socks, synthetic or wool

Light shoes (sneakers or water sandals) o Water crossing/camp shoes

Assorted Personal Items: Trekking poles (collapsible)

Sleeping Bag (10°C/15°F) with compression stuff sack

Water bottles (2 1-Liter or 2L hydration bladder)

Headlamp with batteries (& extra batteries)

Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

Sunglasses with UV filter Personal hygiene items (toothpaste,

toothbrush, quick drying travel towel,etc)

Toilet Kit: Toilet paper, Ziplock bags (at least one for clean TP, one for dirty TP), wet wipes, hand sanitizer (You must pack out all toilet paper.)

Personal first aid kit, medications, blister kit

Bandana

Pocket knife Camera/memory cards/battery

Optional: o Earplugs and eye shade o Binoculars o Water purification (filter or tablets) o Insulating mattress (compact,

lightweight; Therm-a-Rest ideal): provided but you may want to bring your own for added comfort

o mp3 music player, e-book reader

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Getting to and from Salta Important Note: Please take note of which airport in Buenos Aires you are arriving and departing when you book your airline tickets. International flights from North America and Europe land in Buenos Aires at EZE (Ministro Pistarini International Airport; Ezeiza International Airport). Your flight to Salta, however, may (but not always) depart from AEP (Jorge Newbery Airfield), Buenos Aires. The distance between the two airports is ~44km and an hour without traffic. However, traffic can be very heavy in Buenos Aries and we recommend you allow several hours between flights to clear immigration, customs, obtain luggage, and transfer to AEP to be sure you can make your connection.

About Rates - Taxes: VAT is included in all rates. - Rates are subject to change without prior notice. The prices are confirmed at time of the

reservation and full payment only. - Rates expressed in US Dollars.

General Terms and Conditions

- Trekking to the Clouds is a product made jointly by three companies of outstanding experience in Salta. Kallpa Tour Operator, and Argentina Trails offer and sell this product through multiple sales channels.

- Operator reserves for itself the right to modify the itinerary or cancel any of the activities when any natural cause or of any other nature justifies it in favor of the safety of the group.

- This is a program that develops between 2000 and 3400 meters. While these heights are completely safe for doing activities, a minimum period of acclimatization is recommended.

- The trail where the activity takes place is consolidated and along the route there are no major difficulties. However, the hiking is an activity that carries some risks as it occurs in a natural environment and mountain geography. Therefore, the program provides escape routes in case of emergency. On the first night the evacuation is via Ingeniero Maury, the second night is via the Astilleros river in 4x4 vehicle (after a few hours walking), the third night is down the Quebrada de San Lorenzo.

- In case you need to evacuate due to health problems, neglect or accidents outside the organization, evacuation costs will be paid by travellers. Also, the operator is not liable for medical expenses that may arise from any accident or health problem, beyond first aid care that is part of the services provided for this activity. It is recommended to have some kind of health insurance or health coverage that provides coverage in Salta or methods of reimbursement of medical expenses that the traveler may incur.

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Booking Confirmation and Payment: - Booking will be effective after a payment of 30% of the total and only after the money is

actually credited to our account by customer order. The price freezes only with full payment of the reservation.

- Booking must be fully paid and credited to the account of the operator 10 days before the departure. Otherwise, it will be cancelled, and subject to cancellation policies described below.

Cancellation Policies - If the traveler decides to cancel, it must be notified via e-mail. - If the cancellation is notified more than 30 days prior to departure, the traveler will be

refunded for all the money paid to the Operator. Bank charges must be paid by the traveller. - If the cancellation occurs between 11 and 30 days before the departure date, a penalty of

30% of the price of the program is established. - For cancellations 10 or less days prior to the departure of the group, there will be no refund.

Responsibility - The Operator reserves for itself the right to modify the itinerary or cancel any of the

activities for climate reasons or any other warrants for the safety of the group. If the activity is suspended before the start of activities, the traveler will be refunded the full amount paid. If the suspension or change after the start of the activity, there will be no refund.

- The Operator is not responsible for any expenses travelers may incur derived from a cancellation of the trip before departure or after departure (such as hotel expenses, meals, transfers, etc).

- The Operator acts only as agents in matters related to the trip and assume no liability for any injury, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property, due to errors provided by a person or persons providing any of the services included in the tours, or whether by strikes, weather conditions or force majeure.

- The cost of delay is not included, either because of bad weather, poor road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, sickness, labor strikes, force majeure or any other contingency which our company can anticipate.

Contact:

• www.norteactivo.com • info@norteactivo.com (María Fabian)