
Hike the Inca trail in Argentina
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hike the Inca trail in Argentina worth booking?
Hike the Inca trail in Argentina is a 10-hour experience in Salta, Argentina, from $300 per person. It scores 42 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 42 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $300 per person
This is a tough 7-9km hike through stunning and rugged high altitude scenery: suitable for the experienced and adventurous trekker! From Salta city, we travel to Campo Quijano, a town famous as the base for workers constructing the Train to the Clouds railway line to the Chilean coast. We can stop to see an antique engine and the mausoleum of the train line's chief engineer, Richard Maury, from Philadephia, USA. From here we will climb into the stunning multi-coloured Quebrada de Toro, crossing rivers and driving off road through canyons to reach San Bernardo de las Zorras, where our hike begins. It's two hours travel each way: the walk takes between 4 and 5 hours. Our guide is experienced in hiking all terrain, and speaks English and Spanish. Picnic lunch provided.
What you get
About this experience
This is a tough 7-9km hike through stunning and rugged high altitude scenery: suitable for the experienced and adventurous trekker! From Salta city, we travel to Campo Quijano, a town famous as the base for workers constructing the Train to the Clouds railway line to the Chilean coast. We can stop to see an antique engine and the mausoleum of the train line's chief engineer, Richard Maury, from Philadephia, USA. From here we will climb into the stunning multi-coloured Quebrada de Toro, crossing rivers and driving off road through canyons to reach San Bernardo de las Zorras, where our hike begins. It's two hours travel each way: the walk takes between 4 and 5 hours. Our guide is experienced in hiking all terrain, and speaks English and Spanish. Picnic lunch provided.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Picnic lunch
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Local taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Quebrada Del Toro (The Toro Gorge)
We travel up into the multi-coloured canyon of the Quebrada de Toro to walk a little-explored section of Argentina's Inca trail. The route is scattered with Inca ruins from more than 500 years ago.
420 minutes here
We pass close to the train line for the famous Tren a las Nubes, the Train to the Clouds.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Poncho Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Minimum age is 12 years
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Hike the Inca trail in Argentina. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful tour in the Andes with Poncho Tours!
The hike of the Inca Tour that we did with Poncho Tours was amazing! Our tour guide Nick Evans was excellent--very knowledgeable and friendly. He went out of his way to make sure we had a rewarding day. The Andean landscapes were stunning. Our tour with Poncho Tours was the highlight of our recent trip to Argentina and we would not hesitate to recommend it to others.
Response from the operator: It was a pleasure to meet you both, and share the hike with you, hope you come back!
via Tripadvisor
Brilliant experience, and everything made so easy for us by Poncho Tours!
We loved our tours with Nick - he made everything so straightforward for us so we were able to just sit back and enjoy the incredible scenery around the Salta region. The Inca trail hike was a particular experience we were very keen to have while in Argentina and we’re happy we found Nick to guide us. It was amazing to get off the beaten track from the more visited tourist attractions and to have a hike through the stunning mountain landscapes past several sites of Incan ruins. Nick also suggested adding a visit to the pre-Incan ruins at Tastil and we were really glad we saw these as well. We also enjoyed Nick’s company and the information he gave us about the area while we were exploring. We’d very happily book with Poncho Tours if/when we (hopefully!) come back to Argentina!
Response from the operator: Thanks for taking time out to write a review for us Fiona: I enjoyed spending time with you and Chris. Yes, come back soon!
via Tripadvisor
Inca Trail in Salta
The guide is knowledgeable and informative. He prepared everything including the lunch, water and Yerba mate tea. He is professional with GPS providing exact location, route and altitude. The Inca Ruins were impressive.
Response from the operator: Thanks Wilson, I am glad you enjoyed it.
via Viator
Northwest Argentina revealed
Two weeks with Nick tracing route 40 was outstanding. No better guide to local/remote inns, restaurants and shops is possible. More than simply wonderful scenery, he provides insightful commentary to history, culture and flora/fauna. Eating empanadas, buying a salt llama, drinking chicha, watching flamingos or Spanish colonial religious paintings, climbing a 1920s railroad trestle ( built with civil engineer Tito!), wandering in small rural town squares, marveling at the friendly industrious Argentines, observing Bolivian smugglers, enjoying Cafayate Malbec, learning, learning. All in supportive care and direction of a friendly companion, Manchester’s own Nick Evans. Go with Poncho tours or don’t go.
Response from the operator: Thanks Stuart, I enjoyed the time on the road with you, and our chats about politics, football and all things indigenous!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $300 to $372
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Poncho Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 41.1.
See everything Poncho Tours runsWhy this scores 42
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hike the Inca trail in Argentina: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Salta.
How much does Hike the Inca trail in Argentina cost?
+
Prices start at $300 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Salta usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hike the Inca trail in Argentina take?
+
Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Salta is not rushed.
Is Hike the Inca trail in Argentina worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 42 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Salta, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hike the Inca trail in Argentina?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Hike the Inca trail in Argentina suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hike the Inca trail in Argentina?
+
Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Salta can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Salta and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hike the Inca trail in Argentina start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Salta within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Salta?
+
On Outty we rank every Salta experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca, Tour Cafayate From Salta, Tour to Cachi from Salta. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Salta?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Salta?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Hike the Inca trail in Argentina?
+
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Picnic lunch; Professional guide; Bottled water; and Snacks. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hike the Inca trail in Argentina include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 92 listed pickup locations in and around Salta. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Hike the Inca trail in Argentina offered in?
+
It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hike the Inca trail in Argentina?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Hike the Inca trail in Argentina wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hike the Inca trail in Argentina if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Salta. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Hike the Inca trail in Argentina?
+
Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hike the Inca trail in Argentina.
Pick your date





