Birding, adventurous and cultural interest expedition through an amazing, high mountain pass in the Northwest of Argentina. Starting from the Jujuy city, the tour foresees visiting the Yala Provincial Park before plunging into the core of the arid shrublands of the Quebrada de Humahuaca (World Heritage). It climbs over 4,500 meters above sea level before start descending through the fog grasslands where a short span of the stone-paved Inca Trail or Qhapaq Ñan still remains. It foresees to visit some Andean native communities, a relictual Polylepis tree grove, to finally descend to the cloudforests of the Calilegua National Park. An unparalleled road trip with beautiful wildlife and culture accross several eco regions, one national park, two UNESCO’s World Heritages and two provincial parks. Excellent opportunities for nature and culture photography.
Day-by-day
Day 1: Transfer-in (JUJ or SLA). Overnight: Jujuy city.
Day 2: Yala Provincial Park and Quebrada de Humahuaca. Overnight: Humahuaca.
Day 3: Mountain pass and Lake Leandro Nature Reserve. Overnight: Santa Ana.
Day 4: Caspalá gorge. Overnight: Santa Ana.
Day 5: Qhapaq Ñan or Inca Trail. Overnight: Valle Colorado.
Day 6: Valle Grande gorge. Overnight: San Francisco
Day 7: Calilegua National Park. Overnight: Calilegua
Day 8: Transfer-out (JUJ or SLA).
Bird species
Huayco Tinamou, Andean Condor, Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Red-Faced Guan, Giant Coot, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Diademed Plover, Andean Gull, Red-tailed Comet, Slender-tailed Woodstar, Mountain Parakeet, Tucuman Parrot, Green-cheeked Parakeet, Yellow-collared Macaw, Dot-fronted Woodpecker, Cream-backed Woodpecker, Andean Flicker, Zimmer’s Tapaculo, White-throated Antpitta, Scribble-tailed Canastero, Spot-breasted Thornbird, Straight-billed Earthcreeper, Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant, Andean Tyrant, Buff-banded Tyrannulet, Yungas Manakin, White-tipped Plantcutter, Andean Swallow, Rufous-throated Dipper, Paramo Pipit, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Brown-backed Mockingbird, Pale-legged Warbler, Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager, Rust-and-yellow Tanager, Moss-backed Sparrow, Fulvous-headed Brush-Finch, Short-tailed Finch, Red-backed Sierra-Finch, Tucuman Mountain-Finch, Black Siskin, among many others.
Difficulty
For people in good health conditions. The expedition involves a 600 kilometers itinerary mostly by slow drive mountain pass. Short slow-pace walks over 4,000 meters above sea level are included.
Requirements
Basic birding skills and previous experience is expected. We will provide participants with further information.
Services
Included:
- Professional birding and nature guide.
- Use of spotting-scope.
- Bird books for consulting.
- Transfer in-out.
- Transportation in comfortable vehicule.
- Accommodation -in some places the lodging may be basic-.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (not alcoholic drinks).
Seasonality
From late April to early December. However, the birding high season usually lasts from September to December.
Start & finish
Start and finish places may be Jujuy city or its airport (JUJ). Occasionally, it may also be Salta city or its airport (SLA).
