Experience the Tilcara to Calilegua traverse on a 5-day trek. Travel from the Quebrada de Humahuaca to the Yungas jungle with gear transport and expert guides.
UPCOMING DEPARTURES
THE EXPERIENCE
Join one of the most contrasting and unforgettable treks in Argentina. We’ll set out on a journey that begins in the dry landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Tilcara) and ends in the lush green of the Yungas jungle (Calilegua National Park).
Over five days, we’ll follow ancient trails, connect with local communities, and climb up to 4,154 m before descending into the heart of the jungle. We take care of the logistics, meals, and your safety — your only goal is to walk, disconnect from the city, and experience the dramatic change of landscapes in northern Argentina.
This is a challenging traverse, designed for people with an active lifestyle who are looking for a real multi-day adventure. We move together as a group, but it’s important to understand that this is not comparable to a city or park walk. To help you prepare, here’s a breakdown of the daily effort: - Day 2: 15 km with 1,000 m of elevation gain - Day 3: 15 km with 560 m of elevation gain - Day 4: 19.5 km with 780 m of elevation gain - Day 5: 14 km with 1,100 m of descent You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you do need good endurance and the willingness to push yourself each day. Key point: gear transport is included in this expedition, so you’ll only carry a light backpack with your water and extra layers. This makes a big difference and allows you to fully enjoy the landscape.
We meet in the afternoon in Tilcara, in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. We check our gear, get to know the group, and share our first dinner at an urban accommodation in Tilcara.
We leave Tilcara and take a transfer to Casa Colorada. From there, we begin the ascent toward Cerro Negro (4,154 m), the highest point of the journey. We then descend to Yuto Pampa, where we’ll spend the night.
Distance: 15 km · Elevation: +560 m A full day of trekking through the highlands of the Jujuy mountains. The landscape gradually becomes greener as we approach our next destination: the small settlement of Molulo.
Distance: 19.5 km · Elevation: +780 m The longest day of the trek. We begin a sustained descent of around 1,000 meters, passing through El Colorado before reaching the beautiful village of San Lucas.
Distance: 14 km · Elevation: -1,100 m On the final day, we fully enter the Yungas jungle, surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and dense forest, descending all the way to Peña Alta. There, our private transfer will be waiting to take us back to San Salvador de Jujuy.
If you want to have a great experience, don’t hesitate to hire MONS… By far the best…
They are geniuses!!! They are attentive to every single detail; highly recommended!
Everything was excellent. From the organization and the landscapes to the locations and mountain huts. Everything. And most importantly: the guides and the group.
Highly recommended! This year I had my first mountain experience, and it was quite a challenge. However, the Mons team, with Manu leading the way, has every single detail planned out so that you only have to focus on enjoying yourself—creating the perfect environment to make friends and have a great time.
Of course! You can join any of our scheduled dates. We keep our groups small to ensure a more personal experience, with a strong focus on safety and group connection.
Our groups are usually made up of solo travelers, friends, and couples. If you’re looking for something more private or can’t find a date that works for you, get in touch and we can design a custom experience so your group can explore the mountains at your own pace.
Yes — food won’t be something you need to worry about. Preparing inclusive meals is an important part of what we do. We offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, even in the middle of the mountains.
We just ask that you let us know in advance when booking, so we can plan everything carefully and make sure your meals are properly organized.
It’s simple. First, send us a message on WhatsApp at +54 9 3512 11-3842 to check availability for your preferred date. Then, you secure your spot with a deposit.
From there, we take care of all the logistics. You just fill out your medical form, pack your backpack, and get ready for the experience.
The Tilcara to Calilegua traverse is a challenge that many people choose as their introduction to multi-day trekking, although we do recommend having a regular training routine and some experience with long hiking days.
With a good general level of health and the right attitude, you’ll be able to take on the experience.
Our focus isn’t on performance, but on creating a real mountain experience — a chance to disconnect from the city while still enjoying a high level of service in a remote setting.
- Small groups: We keep things relaxed, so you can enjoy the trail, take a breath, and connect with the group.
- Inclusive meals: We take care of all the food. Full board is included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available, even in the mountains.
- Mountain hut stay: We sleep in mountain huts. Facilities are simple compared to the city, but it’s the perfect place to rest and share the day.
- Everything taken care of: You just pack your backpack — we handle the logistics and safety.
The estimated arrival time in San Salvador de Jujuy is around 6:00 pm. We know many participants have flights or buses to catch, so the guides manage the walking times to meet this schedule.
That said, the mountains always come first: if there are weather-related situations (rising rivers or storms), times may vary. We recommend booking your return for the evening or the next day so you can enjoy the trek without stress.
The meeting point is in Tilcara, in Jujuy province.
We recommend arriving a few days in advance to acclimatize in Tilcara and enjoy this traditional town in the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
For accommodation options, you can check the following link:
http://www.turismo.jujuy.gob.ar/?s=tilcara&category=&location=&a=true
Yes, you can drive to Tilcara from anywhere in the country.
Keep in mind that the trek ends in San Salvador de Jujuy, so that part of the return needs to be coordinated with the organization.
No, the experience is not cancelled due to rain in the forecast. We monitor weather conditions constantly and know that mountain forecasts can change, with the most reliable updates usually coming 24 to 48 hours in advance.
Our team is trained to manage safety and make decisions based on real conditions in the mountains.
We walk an average of 6 to 8 hours per day across uneven, high-altitude terrain. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to join, but the mountains do require real effort and endurance. Our approach allows you to experience the landscape at your own rhythm, supported by our guides.
The big advantage: gear transport is included. You’ll hike each day carrying only a light daypack, while we take care of transporting your main gear (up to 8 kg).
To help you prepare, here’s the detailed breakdown of each day:
- Day 2: 15 km with 1,000 m of elevation gain
- Day 3: 15 km with 560 m of elevation gain
- Day 4: 19.5 km with 780 m of elevation gain
- Day 5: 14 km with 1,100 m of descent
To move comfortably in the mountains, packing smart is key. Less unnecessary weight means a better experience.
The basics start with the 3-layer system:
- Base layer (breathable): helps keep sweat away from your body and avoid moisture
- Mid layer (insulation): a fleece or synthetic jacket to keep you warm
- Outer layer (waterproof/windproof): protection against rain and strong winds
You should also bring:
- Trekking shoes or boots (with good grip, and already worn to avoid blisters)
- Backpack (around 40–60 liters)
- Sleeping bag suitable for mountain hut temperatures
- Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for 3 liters)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Trekking poles are recommended
During the five days of the trek, we’ll follow trails that cross creeks. Our guides will show you exactly where and how to refill your water.
We recommend bringing containers with a capacity of up to 3 liters of water.
Once the trek begins, there’s no consistent mobile signal, although there are a few spots along the trail where you may get coverage (mainly with Personal).
We recommend using airplane mode to disconnect, enjoy the surroundings, and save battery.
At the mountain hut, there are limited power outlets, and a generator is only turned on at night to charge devices.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to be confirmed. The departure will be confirmed up to 21 days before the start date.
If the minimum group size is not reached, you can choose a new departure date or receive a full refund of your deposit.
BEFORE YOU GO
We reply within 24 hours
Our team reviews your message and gets back on WhatsApp with everything you need.
We send you the full details
Itinerary, gear list, booking conditions, and everything you need to get ready.
You confirm with a deposit
You secure your spot with the first payment. Your price is locked in from that moment.
DIRECT CONTACT
Send the form and we'll reply within 24 hours with everything you need to decide.
Spots per departure are limited.
Your place in the mountains is waiting.
We're with you from day one