Viltipoco Trails Hike

Embark on a journey through the historic trails navigated by Viltipoco, an esteemed leader of the Humahuaca Indigenous community, and delve into the legacy left by this significant figure from the 16th century.

Viltipoco Trails Hike

Our adventure begins at 9 am, departing from the Church of Purmamarca as we follow the footpaths once traversed by the Indigenous leader Viltipoco.

As we commence our hike, we will explore the Calchaquí Wars, a significant historical event during the mid-16th century, in which the Spanish fought against various indigenous groups, including the Humauacas, under Viltipoco's command. In the aftermath of the Inca empire's fall, this leader managed to withstand Spanish advances in the vibrant mountains of Purmamarca for a remarkable 60 years.

While uncovering the intriguing saga of Viltipoco, we will traverse a dry riverbed and take in the stunning landscapes of Purmamarca. This area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, allowing us to also explore the geological transformations that have occurred over the past four million years.

Our path will lead us into a narrow valley, which will provide a backdrop for discussions on Andean cosmovision. During this segment of our hike, we will have the opportunity to observe the unique flora and fauna native to this exquisite region. We’ll also learn to identify various plant species and delve into the traditional uses of many of these plants for nourishment and natural remedies dating back to the era of Viltipoco.

We expect to return to Purmamarca between 1 and 2 pm, concluding our enlightening hike.