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Inca Trails near Salta
Salta
Argentina
This ride travels across the Andes Mountains of Northwest Argentina the way it was done in Colonial times, but maintains some 21st Century privileges. These are ancient Inca trails, the ideal setting for an unforgettable trip. Explore its impressive landscapes. Gaze across valleys with forests and crystal clear water streams followed by desserts with multi-coloured mountains. We designed our cross-country rides to show this breathtaking contrast.
We go up to 9000 feet where the forest changes to high altitude grassland. This is the homeland of the Andean condor. As the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere will cover the sky. Relax at the camp with its peaceful atmosphere. The campfire brightens the darkness of the night as you share a cup of coffee, tea or mate. All this combines to create the ideal ambiance to feel the timeless spirit of nature and make new friends.
All along the trail, riders have a change to absorb local heritage from the locals, heirs of the ancient Incas, some of the culture still alive high up in the mountains. Our long experience in riding tours guarantee an unforgettable vacation!
"We reach campsite after a day riding in the wilderness. We will never forget our new friends and horses. At the campfire, dinner is prepared while we listen to the local ancient tales. The evening star comes out as the night shows up. It is the first of the million stars that lighten the sky of the southern hemisphere. Long conversations recreate the incredible day gone by".
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Camping Ride with pack horses
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Meeting:
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Salta city airport
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Airport:
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Salta
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Transfer:
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Salta
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations - 2 nights boutique hotel in Salta, 5 nights camping/ mountain refuge, shower on 6 nights, all meals, beverages during ride. English speaking guide, gauchos, camping equipment. Iridium satellite phone for emergency calls.
| A | 2013 | 8 day ride, AP | 8d / 7n | $1790 |
| Single supplement for 2 nights hotel (to pay locally) | $250 |
| Small group supplement (4-5) pp | $180 |
| Small group supplement (2-3) pp | $390 |
| B | 2013 | 6 day ride, AP - Easter Ride (rate TBA) | 6d / 5n | $0 |
| C | 2013 | 5 day ride, AP (rate TBA) | 5d / 4n | $0 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer included from Salta airport
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$0
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2013
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Transfer from Buenos Aires Int'l airport, per car, round trip (1-3 pax)
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$100
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2013
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Tango show with dinner and tango lesson, pp
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$80
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Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| B |
2013
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03/27
- 04/01
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6d / 5n
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6 day ride, AP - Easter Rid...
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6
/12
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Expired
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| A |
2013
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04/14
- 04/21
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8d / 7n
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8 day ride, AP
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6
/12
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Expired
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| C |
2013
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05/25
- 05/29
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5d / 4n
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5 day ride, AP (rate TBA)
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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06/20
- 06/24
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5d / 4n
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5 day ride, AP (rate TBA)
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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06/30
- 07/07
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8d / 7n
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8 day ride, AP
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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07/15
- 07/19
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5d / 4n
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5 day ride, AP (rate TBA)
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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07/22
- 07/26
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5d / 4n
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5 day ride, AP (rate TBA)
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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07/29
- 08/02
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5d / 4n
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5 day ride, AP (rate TBA)
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/25
- 09/01
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8d / 7n
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8 day ride, AP
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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09/14
- 09/18
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5d / 4n
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5 day ride, AP (rate TBA)
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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09/22
- 09/29
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8d / 7n
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8 day ride, AP
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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10/12
- 10/16
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5d / 4n
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5 day ride, AP (rate TBA)
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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10/27
- 11/03
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8d / 7n
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8 day ride, AP
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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11/10
- 11/14
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5d / 4n
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5 day ride, AP (rate TBA)
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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12/01
- 12/08
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8d / 7n
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8 day ride, AP
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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12/07
- 12/11
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5d / 4n
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5 day ride, AP (rate TBA)
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6
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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12/22
- 12/29
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8d / 7n
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8 day ride, AP
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6
/12
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Reserve
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Additional dates will be set for Oct, Nov and December. Also ailable for groups of 4+ from October - April with supplement
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Rates do not include:
Travel and medical insurance, gratuities. Drinks at the hotel (2 nights).
Day 1 Arrive Salta any time before 4 PM. Pick up at local airport. We will visit the MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology). Recently opened to show the items found at an Inca human sacrifice site on top of the Llullaillaco volcano (6730 ms /18000 ft. high). It holds the best preserved mummies worldwide. Check in at boutique hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner with our guide.
Day 2 After breakfast we leave for La Viña (2 hour drive). Meet the horses. Last minute packing before riding into the mountainous forest of Valle de Lerma along the course of the Las Pircas stream. These trails have been used for centuries and are still the only means of communication among locals. We will cross the Dead Lion range. At sunset, arrive at El Churqui mountain camp where we will be awaited with an energizing homemade meal.
Day 3 The dense forest gradually gives way to grasslands. Once we reach 3000 mts. – 9000 ft. and have the chance to see some condors, we descend into the desert-like Calchaquí Valley. We head towards the town of Amblayo where we will spend the night. It has only 150 dwellers. Sense the feeling of arriving on horseback to this tiny town with no cars! It is renowned for its goat cheese. Traditional lamb barbecue at dinner.
Day 4 During this morning just relax and enjoy this picturesque town. Visit its ancient chapel, have a chat with its neighbors. In the afternoon we ride towards the foothills of Sierra Pelada, the area where the “ancient ones” lived centuries ago. Night at Amblayo.
Day 5 We leave Amblayo riding well into the Calchaquí Valleys towards our next stop. Before we get there we will ride at first through archaeological areas where you will find pieces of painted pottery scattered around. We have a look with agreement not to remove any of these archaeological remains. The multicolored hills and giant cacti are remarkable and the icon of the region. Night at Isonza.
Day 6 Isonza is a working ranch. During this morning we will join in with the everyday life of the ranch and its ancient way of life still intact. The way they milk the goats, make cheese, grow their crops is centuries old and inherited from Inca times. After lunch we ride and hike to visit archaeological pictographs. The ride takes us West at the beginning until we reach the very steep slopes of Chilo which divide the two valleys. The view is magnificent and makes us feel the power of nature. Overnight at Isonza.
Day 7 Transfer to Salta City through the Cuesta del Obispo and the Cardones National Park. On the way there are herds of wild donkeys set free by the Spanish Conquistadors. Check in at boutique hotel. Farewell dinner.
Day 8 Breakfast. Transfer to airport.
Meeting:
Salta city airport
Airport:
Salta
Transfer:
Salta
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Tack:
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South American recado saddles
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Horses:
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Criollo and Peruvian Paso cross, mountain trained
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Pace:
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Slow mountain riding - 5 to 6 hrs per riding day. Opportunities for those who like to canter and gallop.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
12 riders
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The horses are the core of this
riding program. It is suitable for riders who are fit and capable at
walk, trot and canter. We will ride our horses at all gaits while we
embed in nature for a few days, enjoy camping activities and make new
friends. A great option to enjoy riding while leaving behind the
stressful city life……
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.VisasNot required by nationals referred to. more
Summer Hi 86°F - Lo 50°F;
Winter Hi 70°F - Lo 32°F.
The program is subject to the natural weather contingencies involved in any environment like this
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Wind stopper jacket
- Warm clothes, 1 sweater/ 1 polar jacket Thermal underwear, long underwear or cotton leggings
- Wool Cap and gloves (like ski gloves)
- Leather gloves to mount
- Warm Sleeping bag (-15ºC)
- Isomat
- 2 Trousers (comfortable for riding) like the gaucho bombacha and if the weather is cold you can carry warm underwear. Don´t use jeans as they are hard and in low temperatures they make you feel cold
- 2 long-sleeve shirts
- 5 - 6 pairs of socks
- 2 t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or sneakers (riding boots preferable)
- Comfy shoes for after riding
- Scarf
- Gaiters to mount
Suggested personal gear:
- Personal medicine
- 1 plastic bottle or a water bottle
- Flashlight and batteries
- Sun glasses. Eye drops (for persons who are sensitive or allergic to the dust)
- Sun protective cream (factor 30 or more), moisturizing cream, protective lipstick, milking cream in case of chapped
- Skin
- Elements for personal hygiene (hand towel, soap, toothbrush, towelettes, etc.)
- Camera photos!!
- Do Not bring a watch
What should I take with me on the horse?
You should not wear a backpack or hanging things since you can feel uncomfortable throughout the trip.
Each person will be provided with saddle bags to keep personal belongings, a poncho made of vinyl material, which has two main functions: to protect you in case of rain storms and as blanket to cover up the sleeping bag at night. It is important to take a bag to leave in storage with clean clothes for the return and another bag (preferable duffel bag) to keep the personal gear transported by mule. (10 to 15 kilos per person). The bag must be resistant as the packsaddle can damage it.
You will also have to be careful with sharp or fragile elements that will be transported in those bags
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
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..view other reports for different trips
4 nights camping/mountain refuge w/shower each night except first,
2 nights boutique hotel in Salta ( www.aldabahotel.com ) or similar.
Hot meals at dinner and picnic at lunch.
Beverages with meals are included during ride - extra at the hotel.
We provide the camping equipment, cooking equipment and table ware.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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South American recado saddles
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Horses:
|
|
Criollo and Peruvian Paso cross, mountain trained
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Slow mountain riding - 5 to 6 hrs per riding day. Opportunities for those who like to canter and gallop.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Weight:
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|
Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
The horses are the core of this
riding program. It is suitable for riders who are fit and capable at
walk, trot and canter. We will ride our horses at all gaits while we
embed in nature for a few days, enjoy camping activities and make new
friends. A great option to enjoy riding while leaving behind the
stressful city life……
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for either business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate for details). \
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
Argentine minors traveling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or traveling with a single parent, must carry their parents’ or legal guardian’s authorisation to travel, which must be certified by an Argentine Consul if issued abroad. Fines will be levied if passengers do not comply with immigration requirements and passengers will be deported.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Inca Trails near Salta
Tour Code:
IT-ARRT20
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,790.00
Dates :
March to Nov
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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