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 will discuss the Calchaquí Wars, a conflict in the mid-16th century in which Spaniards fought against various indigenous peoples, including the Humauacas under Viltipoco's leadership. Following the fall of the Inca empire, Viltipoco managed to resist in the colourful mountains of Purmamarca for 60 years.

As we learn about Viltipoco's story, we will walk along a dry river bed and admire the scenery of Purmamarca. This area showcases extraordinary beauty and reveals geological processes that occurred over four million years ago.

The route continues through a narrow valley, providing insights into Andean cosmovision. Participants will observe local fauna and flora, learn to distinguish plant species, and discover their uses as food and medicine since Viltipoco's time.

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