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West Virginia University Adventure WV

Adventure Argentina

Learn about outdoor leadership, outdoor living skills, and the incredible culture and environment of the Puna region of Argentina.

Projected Trip Dates: May 10th, 2025 - May 25th, 2025

Projected Trip Cost: $6,700

Looking at Mountain Vistas

This 6-credit learning opportunity, led in collaboration with Spark Experiential Education, will take you to the Puna Region of Argentina for backpacking, scenic vistas, Refugio style stays and interaction with local villages and culture.

As part of this experience, students will immerse themselves in both the cultural and environmental aspects that make the Puna Region of Argentina so unique. Our curriculum will cover outdoor leadership, Leave No Trace Principles and the importance of understanding the international context and history of the region. 

Participants can expect to interact with locals, challenge themselves on multiple hikes and excursions through the Inca Trail System and enjoy local expressions of art and cuisine.

No outdoor experience is required, though a moderate level of fitness is important. All technical gear provided. 

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Program Description

Projected Trip Dates: May 10th, 2025 - May 25th, 2025  /  Projected Cost: ~$6,700

The activities for this program vary, and include a variety of "frontcountry" and "backcountry" experiences . The itinerary follows as a "urban-rural-urban-rural" sequence, and culminates in a 4-day expedition style trek through portions of the Inca Trail System. While on trip, you can expect to experience local culture and customs, as well as art and cuisine. There will also be time for exploring the local towns and villages of Purmamarca,  Iruya and Salta. 

Highlights of this tentative 14-day itinerary include:

1

Arrive at Salta airport. Overnight stay at a hotel in Salta.

2

Transport (3hrs) to La Quebrada de Las Senoritas and complete a guided hike (3hrs) in a desert canyon.  Dine & sleep at Las Casita Encantada in Purmamarca. 

3

AM 3.5hr scenic drive to Iruya. Spend the day exploring Iruya with a guided hike up to a viewpoint.  Dine & sleep in Iruya. Evening meeting with brief for tomorrow and pack backpacks. 

4

Transport to trailhead and full day hike to Lo de Leonardo, our rustic mountain refugio. This is a 6 mile hike on an established trail with elevation gain of 2000ft, and max elevation at 10,400ft. 

5

Full day hike to the remote pueblo San Isidrio. We will hike 4 miles in total with a maximum elevation of 11,600ft. Dine & sleep at a local hostel in San Isidrio.

6

AM 2hr hike to Iruya. 3.5 hr vehicle transport to Purmamarca. Evening free time to explore the art fair in Purmamarca. Dine & sleep in La Casita Encantada hotel.  

7

AM vehicle trip to Las Salinas Grandes (Great Salt Flats). Optional afternoon hike behind the city or personal/rest time. Dine & sleep in La Casita Encantada. 

8

Vehicle day trip to Hornocal, a viewpoint of “The Mountains of 14 Colors” at an altitude of 14,271ft! Evening meeting to prepare for Expedition start tomorrow. Dine & sleep in La Casita Encantada. 

9

AM transport to trailhead (1 hour). Day 1 of backpacking expedition. 9 miles with elevation gain of 4000 ft. Sleep in a rustic mountain hut. 

10

Second day of Expedition. 10 miles with minimal elevation gain/loss to our second mountain hut. Minimal elevation gain/loss means we will be hiking all day well above the treeline with spectacular views!

11

Third day of Expedition. 12 miles with some elevation gain and significant elevation loss to our third mountain hut where rustic showers are available. This day begins our transition from high, dry mountain terrain to lower, wetter, jungle terrain. 

12

Fourth & final day of Expedition. 8 miles hiking in distinctly different terrain from where we started, along a river with steep walls on either side and thick plant life. Eventually we arrive at the end of the trail where we receive a short vehicle transport to the quaint pueblo of San Francisco. Sleep in a hostel in San Francisco.

13

Transport to Salta. Visit the History of Mountaineering Museum. Closing Dinner. Sleep at a hotel in Salta. 

14

Fly out

While this course is open to all students, it does include moderate to strenuous physical activity. The trip will involve backcountry hiking for approximately 40 miles with a backpack weighing somewhere between 25 and 40 pounds. The terrain is considered to be wilderness, with rough trails. 

Participants can expect to stay in refugio style accomodations during our 4-day expedition hike. Other accomodations include a mixture of hostels and hotels.  We will experience a mixture of sun, rain, and maybe even snow, with the changes in temperature and weather conditions throughout our time in country. 

In order to participate, you must be willing to assume responsibility for the risks involved in the trip and be in physical shape to endure the conditions and activities included. You must obtain a doctor’s endorsement that you are prepared for the physical requirements of the course.

Splits View of Argentina Landscapes

Program Includes

  • Undergraduate/graduate academic credits awarded through West Virginia University
  • International Airfare (round trip)
  • Lodging and most meals during scheduled in-country portion of the program
  • All adventure-based activities, including use of available equipment, such as backpacks and sleeping bags, through the Adventure West Virginia Program
  • All scheduled educational, adventure and cultural activities and transportation in country
  • Travel insurance
  • Special course materials, including books, multi-media, on-line tools and experiential fees

Additional Costs

  • You will need to plan for travel related expenses such as obtaining a passport, some personal gear, medical exams, etc.

Essential Eligibility

Please contact our office for more information:
Phone: 304.293.5221 | email: adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu