Trekking across Nevado de Cachi

The Nevado de Cachi is the highest mountain of the Calchaquíes Valleys Region. It reaches the 6.380 meters of height and is conformed by other nine peaks, whose highest summit is known as Libertador San Martin. Today I am inviting you to discover this fantastic massif in the Northern province of Salta, Argentina. 

The Nevado de Cachi Massif has a lot of options for mountain lovers, from an easy trekking to a 6.380-meter climbing. The Hoygard Summit is another attractive peak to reach, the second highest top of the region with 6.180 meters and I challenge you to go with me up to there in a 9-day exciting trip. 

As if it is not enough the Nevado de Cachi, as the most of this Northern mountains, has a big amount of archaeological sites: on its feet there are the famous Pailas’s ruines and on its slopes you can find more archaeological remains.

This 9-day trip will consists in the following itinerary:

DAY 1: SALTA – CUESTA DEL OBISPO – CACHI

We will be transferred from the city of Salta to Cuesta del Obispo, from where we will start our trek for the following 6 hours until we arrive Cachi at 2.250 meters high. We spend the night there.

DAY 2: HUAICO HONDO

1-hour drive to Huaico Hondo in Las Pailas at 3.100 meters. This day will be only dedicated to the transfer and there won’t be hiking activity. Camp night.

DAY 3: HIKE TO PIEDRA GRANDE

During our third day we will ascend up to 3.900 meters in order to get to our campsite in Piedra Grande after 5 hours of trek.

DAY 4: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

We will use this day to get acclimatized so that we will do a 3-hour hike up to 4.170 meters and then, return to the base camp.

DAY 5: ASCENDING TO THE ISLA DE PIEDRA

Once we are ready to continue, we will start a new hiking day to Isla de Piedra at 4.600 meters. We will sleep in there.

DAY 6: KUHN VALLEY

Early in the morning we leave the camp towards The Kuhn Valley. The way will be a bit difficult, full of big stones. Night in a campsite.

DAY 7: SUMMIT DAY

This day will be amazing. We start our climb up to the 6.180-meter Hoygard Summit. It will take us about 5 hard hours but once in the top will feel you are in the air. We can also set up our camp there.

DAY 8: ENDING POINT

We return to Cachi and then, we will be taken to Salta City again.

DAY 9: EXTRA DAY

We should consider an extra day in case of bad weather.

This trekking to the second highest mountain of Salta will change your life. I would be very proud if I can plan and do it with you. Please contact me and let’s live this Northern experience together!