Overview
Birding, adventure and cultural expedition across a spectacular high-mountain pass in Northwest Argentina. Departing from Jujuy, explore Yala Provincial Park, the arid landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and ascend above 4,500 m. Traverse puna grasslands, a preserved stretch of the Qhapaq Ñan or Inca Road System (UNESCO), Andean communities and Polylepis woodlands, before descending into Calilegua National Park cloudforest. An epic road trip through multiple ecoregions, rich wildlife and outstanding photography opportunities.
Itinerary
Day-by-day
Day 1 Start in Jujuy City or at Jujuy Airport (JUJ). Yala Provincial Park and Q. de Humahuaca. ⏩ Humahuaca.
Day 2 Mountain pass and Leandro Nature Reserve. ⏩ Santa Ana.
Day 3 Caspalá gorge. ⏩ Santa Ana.
Day 4 Qhapaq Ñan or Inca Road System. ⏩ Valle Colorado or Valle Grande.
Day 5 Valle Grande gorge. ⏩ San Francisco.
Day 6 Calilegua National Park. Return to Jujuy City or Jujuy Airport (or Dry Chaco tour extension)
Highlights
Bird species: Red-tailed Comet, Green-cheeked Parakeet, Dot-fronted Woodpecker, Zimmer’s Tapaculo, Spot-breasted Thornbird, Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant, Buff-banded Tyrannulet, White-tipped Plantcutter, Andean Swallow, Rufous-throated Dipper, Pale-legged Warbler, Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager, Fulvous-headed Brush-Finch, Red-backed Sierra-Finch, Tucuman Mountain-Finch, among others. Mammal species: Vicuna; Notherrn Huemul. Landscape: The Hornocal hill.
Technical info
| Interest | Birding | Photography | Culture |
| Duration | 6 days | 5 nights |
| Ecoregions | Sierran Chaco; PrePuna; Puna; High Andes; Yungas |
| Distance | 700 km |
| Altitude | 400–4,600 m |
| Best season | Sep–Dec |
| Difficulty level | Low-Moderate |
| Services included |
|
| Optional |
|
| Group size | 2-4 |
| Departure | On request |
