Trekking from Tilcara to Calilegua
Located in Jujuy, northwest Argentina, this trek connects Tilcara and Calilegua—two regions known for their striking landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Andes
5 Days
Mar - Nov
Description
This program starts in Tilcara, a town located in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It ends in the area of Calilegua, near the entrance to the Calilegua National Park.
Throughout this journey, we cross from the arid and rugged Puna to the lush and green Yungas — high jungle ecosystems ranging from 1500 to 4180 meters above sea level. That’s why I recommend arriving in Tilcara at least one day before the trek to acclimatize.
Recognized as one of the best treks in South America and the world, the Tilcara – Calilegua traverse offers a unique and unforgettable experience in the north of Argentina. We’ll reach a maximum altitude of 4150 masl and finish at 1300 masl in Peña Alta, at the edge of Calilegua National Park.
We will walk ancient paths that connect the villages of Huairahuasi, Molulo, and San Lucas — trails still used by locals today. These are historical trails once part of the Tawantinsuyo (Inca Empire), specifically its southernmost region known as Collasuyo. While most people associate the Incas with Peru, the empire also extended into what is now northwestern Argentina.
Along the way, we’ll be immersed in incredible landscapes — puna, rivers, hills, valleys, and subtropical forests. Expect crystal-clear skies, colorful traditional attire, deep canyons, dry grasslands, and the intense greens of the jungle. We might spot wildlife like condors, toucans, peccaries, foxes, and with luck, even a jaguar or puma. The flora includes native plants like the ceibo, Argentina’s national flower.
This program not only offers an incredible physical challenge but also an opportunity to connect with local communities, learn about their culture, and witness the dramatic transitions in geography, vegetation, and climate that make this region so unique.
I’m sure you’ll want to explore this magical corner of northern Argentina. I look forward to planning this unforgettable trek with you!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Personal insurance
- Transportation start and back
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Meeting in Tilcara
We’ll meet in Tilcara (exact time and place to be confirmed), collect participants’ luggage, and hold a technical briefing to go over logistics and answer any last-minute questions.
Day 2: Trek Begins – Alfarcito to Huairahuasi (Highest Point 4165m)
Early in the morning, we transfer to Casa Colorada (3000m), passing by the Garganta del Diablo. From there, we begin a steady ascent through a ravine to reach Abra de la Cruz (4165m), the highest point of the entire trek. We then descend to Huairahuasi, a small mountain village where we spend the night in a local refuge. Approx. Distance: 20 km | Hiking Time: 8–10 hours | Max Altitude: 4165m
Day 3: Descent to the Community of Molulo (2950m)
After breakfast, we continue the trek toward Molulo, ascending to Cumbre Grande and traversing a scenic ridgeline. The vegetation becomes more lush as we move forward. We reach the community of Molulo in the afternoon and spend the night in a refuge. Approx. Distance: 13 km | Hiking Time: 6 hours
Day 4: From Abra del Potrero to San Lucas – Into the Forest
This stage showcases a noticeable change in vegetation as we leave the high grasslands and enter alder forest. After a steady ascent through the woods, we begin a gradual descent toward San Lucas (2500m), a charming village where we spend the night. Approx. Distance: 23 km | Hiking Time: 8 hours
Day 5: Final Descent to Peña Alta – Return to Tilcara
On our final day, we descend along a winding trail through dense vegetation until reaching Peña Alta, the endpoint of our trek. A vehicle will be waiting to take us along scenic mountain roads and back to Tilcara. Approx. Distance: 14 km | Hiking Time: 5 hours
Details
Accommodation
We’ll stay in local mountain refuges—family homes in the villages we visit. They offer basic yet comfortable amenities, including beds, bathrooms, and hot showers, ensuring a good night's rest after each day of trekking.
More info
This trek requires good physical condition and previous hiking experience due to the altitude and long walking days. It’s important to arrive in Tilcara at least one day before the start of the program to acclimatize. The guide will carry a first aid kit and communication equipment. Personal gear, including sleeping bags, will be required (a full gear list will be provided upon booking). Weather in the mountains can vary greatly—be prepared for both sun and rain.
Equipment you will need to bring
Recommended Gear: Backpack (maximum 65 liters) Trekking boots (1 pair) Trekking shoes (1 pair) Sandals or Crocs (1 pair) Headlamp or flashlight Personal first aid kit Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF Emergency blanket Trekking poles Rain jacket or waterproof poncho Sunglasses and buff Cap and warm hat Warm gloves Hygiene items Insulated jacket Fleece or wool sweaters 2 pairs of thick socks and 2 pairs of thin socks Comfortable change of clothes Most importantly: a great attitude and the desire to enjoy the experience! (Mandatory)
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Matías
Tour Operator
Driven by a deep love for the mountains, nature, and exploration, Matías Díaz is one of the passionate guides behind our most unforgettable journeys. With extensive experience leading groups through some of the most stunning landscapes in northern Argentina, he specializes in trekking, hiking, and multi-day expeditions that blend nature, culture, and history.
Matías is committed to safety, environmental stewardship, and building connections with local communities—making him the ideal guide for those seeking an authentic and enriching adventure. Whether crossing high-altitude puna trails or descending into the lush yungas, he’ll lead you through a once-in-a-lifetime experience designed to challenge and inspire you every step of the way.
With Matías, your next adventure starts here.
Languages
Spanish | English
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
4.8
Read all our verified reviews
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.