Introduction to the Argentina expedition

Argentina stretches from the tropics to Cape Horn and shares borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay. The high mountain chain of the Andes runs the length of the country, for 3,500 miles from Bolivia to the South Atlantic, with the low-lying Pampas making up the heartland of Argentina, occupied by cattle stations or estancias. Argentina is a perfect destination for adventurous teams looking for challenging trekking. Conditions are generally sunny by day but often cold in the mountains, where temperatures can fall below freezing at night. In most areas there are few tourists compared to other South American destinations.

Expedition summary for the Maya Route Location: Mexico and Belize Duration: 21 to 18 days Ideal for: An exciting mix of destinations and activities. Highlights: Visiting ancient cities and learning about the Mayan culture.

Teams will head to the north of the country because July and August is winter in the southern hemisphere. The north-west provinces of Jujuy and Salta are quite traditional and similar in appearance to the Bolivian altiplano. The majority of trekking will take place in the beautiful and rugged mountains here or in the central Sierras Grandes de Cordoba. From here the seemingly endless flat Chaco, stretches eastwards to the lush forested Misiones Province, famous for its Jesuit Missions as well as the natural spectacle of the Iguazu Falls.

Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Program Manager for Argentina will design an expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.

Acclimatization
Parque Nacional Calilegua
A lush mountain forest with the highest biodiversity in Argentina. Numerous paths lead to rivers and beautiful waterfalls, with the opportunity to see many colorful forest birds and, higher up, eagles and condors.

Gigantes
The rugged central Sierras de Cordoba offer teams the opportunity to trek up to a remote mountain refuge and, using this as a base, complete day treks in the surrounding area.

Canoeing phase
Formosa lies in the Chaco, a lowland wetland area with a myriad of tranquil waterways to explore by canoe, ideal for observing the river banks teeming with wildlife such as caiman and howler monkeys.

Main Trekking phase
Valle Grande to Humahuaca
A trek following an Inca trail through remote valleys and villages. Starting at Valle Grande the route climbs above the forest to open grasslands and over a 4,500m high pass before descending to the town of Humahuaca.

Santa Rosa de Tastil to Leon
Starting from the Inca ruins at Santa Rosa de Tastil, a seven day trek over the Chani pass at 4200m, offers spectacular views of surrounding mountains descending to Leon in the Humahuaca valley.

Calilegua to Tilcara
Starting in the lush Calilegua National Park this seven day trek takes you through striking mountain scenery, passing occasional remote scattered houses and schools and ending up in the mountain town of Tilcara.

Sierras Grandes
Treks of differing lengths are possible, climbing up and over the Sierras Grandes de Cordoba, reaching heights of 2800m and passing through remote farming posts.

Projects
Conservation projects are popular in Argentina, particularly in National Parks. Previous teams have assisted biologists in Formosa Province and worked on reforestation in the Cordoba and Misiones regions. There are also opportunities for teams to spend time in remote mountain communities assisting with general maintenance and construction work and helping out the local school.

Rest and Relaxation
There are a number of rest and relaxation options including White-water rafting in Salta; or for those prepared to travel the distance, the spectacular Iguazu Falls. Alternatively, the team might choose to head south to the lively capital city, Buenos Aires.

World Challenge was one of the best things I've ever done. I've been looking for adventures and new places to travel for most of my life and have always wanted to go places by myself. World Challenge provided that. I think I've come out of World Challenge more confident and a lot happier.
Jonathan Wilson - Challenger, Argentina

This expedition has been the best thing I ever chose to do. It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity and I have learnt so many things about myself and about a different culture as well as witnessing some amazing and breathtaking scenery.
Leanne Cooper - Challenger, Argentina

The students learnt about the need for teamwork and tolerance towards each other. They have also come to realise that they have strengths that they may not have known about previously.
Amanda Keelan - Link Teacher

Find out more
T: 877 – 333 – 1060
E: infoUSA@wcexpeditions.com