San Antonio De Los Cobres: Day Venture From Salta

San Antonio de los Cobres is a captivating high-altitude town nestled in the Andes Mountains, making it an enticing day trip from Salta. Visitors can explore its charming adobe buildings, vibrant local market, and small museums that offer insights into the area’s rich mining heritage and Atacama culture. But the real draw? The breathtaking mountain scenery that surrounds this enchanting destination.

Key Points

• Tour the pre-Incan archaeological site of Santa Rosa de Tastil, featuring well-preserved ruins and a museum that illuminates the daily life of ancient inhabitants.
• Ascend to the Abra Blanca pass, the highest point of the tour at 13,386 feet, for breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and the Polvorilla Viaduct.
• Explore the quaint streets of San Antonio de los Cobres, an adobe town at an elevation of 12,300 feet, and enjoy regional delicacies at the local market.
• Discover the colonial architecture and charming streets of Alfarcito, the vibrant market and friendly locals of El Gólgota, and the quaint village of El Candado set amidst rugged mountains.
• Traverse the Quebrada del Toro gorge, passing the impressive El Toro Viaduct, and take in the rugged natural beauty of the region on the scenic route from Salta.

Scenic Route Through Quebrada Del Toro

The scenic journey begins as the tour departs from Salta, winding its way through the Quebrada del Toro, a dramatic gorge carved by the Toro River.

Travelers will pass by the impressive El Toro Viaduct, standing at 79 feet (24 meters) high, as well as the Alisal and Chorrillo bridges.

Along the route, the group will stop in picturesque towns like Alfarcito, El Gólgota, and El Candado, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

The drive showcases the region’s rugged natural beauty, setting the stage for the day’s exploration.

Picturesque Stops Along the Way

As the tour winds its way through the dramatic Quebrada del Toro, travelers will stop in several picturesque towns along the route. In Alfarcito, they’ll stroll the charming streets and admire the colonial architecture. Next, El Gólgota offers a glimpse into local life, with its vibrant market and friendly residents. The final stop, El Candado, is a quaint village nestled between rugged mountains, providing a serene respite before reaching the day’s highest point.

Town	Highlights
Alfarcito	Colonial architecture
El Gólgota	Lively market, friendly locals
El Candado	Serene mountain setting

Exploring Santa Rosa De Tastil

From Alfarcito, the tour continues towards the pre-Incan archaeological site of Santa Rosa de Tastil.

This well-preserved village offers a glimpse into the past, with its ruins and museum providing insights into the Tastil culture. Visitors can explore the remains of houses, plazas, and defensive structures, all set against the stunning Andean backdrop.

The on-site museum houses artifacts and exhibits that further illuminate the history and daily life of the ancient inhabitants.

Spending time at Santa Rosa de Tastil is an opportunity to connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of its past.

Reaching the Highest Point at Abra Blanca

After visiting the archaeological wonders of Santa Rosa de Tastil, the tour continues its ascent towards the highest point of the day’s journey – the Abra Blanca pass.

The climb becomes steeper, as the road winds through the rugged terrain.

At the peak of 13,386 feet (4,080 meters), the views are nothing short of breathtaking.

Travelers can:

1. Gaze upon the vast, undulating landscape, dotted with towering peaks and deep ravines.
2. Spot the distant Polvorilla Viaduct, a marvel of engineering that seems to float above the valley.
3. Take a moment to acclimatize and savor the thin, crisp air before the descent into San Antonio de los Cobres.

Discovering San Antonio De Los Cobres

Descending from the lofty Abra Blanca, the tour group soon arrives in San Antonio de los Cobres, one of Argentina’s highest-elevation towns at 12,300 feet.

Explorers are free to wander the quaint streets, admiring the adobe buildings and colorful facades. The local market entices with regional delicacies – hearty empanadas, savory stews, and sweet quinoa desserts.

Visitors can visit the town’s small museums to learn about its mining heritage and indigenous Atacama culture. With ample time to acclimate to the thin air, travelers can take in the dramatic mountain vistas surrounding this unique Andean outpost before the return to Salta.

Caution for Altitude Sickness

Visitors should exercise caution when traveling to San Antonio de los Cobres, as the town’s high elevation of 12,300 feet (3,750 meters) can lead to altitude sickness.

To mitigate the effects:

1. Drink plenty of water and hot tea before and during the visit to stay hydrated.
2. Take it slow and allow time to acclimatize, as the sudden change in altitude can cause dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath.
3. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately, as altitude sickness can be life-threatening in severe cases.

Tour Inclusions and Pricing

The day trip from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide.

Entrance fees to the Archaeological Museum in Santa Rosa de Tastil are covered. However, gratuities, food, and drinks aren’t included.

Pricing for the tour starts at €389.10 per person, with variation based on group size. A minimum of two passengers is required to book the experience.

Travelers should be aware the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and comfortable clothing is recommended.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

To book the day trip from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres, a minimum of two passengers is required.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so comfortable clothing is recommended. Travelers should be cautious of altitude sickness, as San Antonio de los Cobres sits at an elevation of 12,300 feet.

The tour can be easily cancelled up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. The cancellation policy allows for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.

With a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, the day venture offers an intimate and personalized experience.

Sum Up

San Antonio de los Cobres captivates visitors with its adobe buildings, colorful facades, and regional delicacies. Exploring the town’s mining heritage and Atacama culture against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain vistas makes for an unforgettable day venture from Salta. Visitors should exercise caution for altitude sickness, but the tour’s scenic route and included features ensure an engaging and memorable experience.