Viltipoco Trails Hike

Tread the same trails that Viltipoco, a historic leader of the Humahuaca Indigenous people, once walked on our hike. You'll also discover the legacy of this iconic 16th-century figure.

Viltipoco Trails Hike

At 9 am, we'll set off from the Church of Purmamarca towards the paths that the Indigenous leader Viltipoco once travelled.

During the hike, we'll discuss the Calchaquí Wars, which took place in the middle of the 16th century, when Spaniards waged war against various indigenous groups, including the Humauacas led by Viltipoco. This commander held out in Purmamarca's colourful mountains for 60 years after the fall of the Inca empire.

As we learn about Viltipoco's story, we'll walk along a dry riverbed and admire Purmamarca's scenery, noting the geological processes that occurred over four million years.

The route will continue through a narrow valley, providing insight into Andean cosmovision, while observing the region's endemic fauna and flora. We'll distinguish various plant species used for food and natural medicine since Viltipoco's time.

Between 1 and 2 pm, we'll return to the starting point in Purmamarca.