Explore the Andean forest and the most beautiful trails of Yerba Buena on this hiking route through El Funicular, Horco Molle, Huicondo, or the Ruinas de la Vieja Usina. You decide!
Tour Options
During the booking process, you can choose one of the following options. All include hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by minibus, an English-speaking guide, and admission tickets.
Please read the details of each option below:
El Funicular Hike (4 Hours)
We'll start our journey from Yerba Buena toward the Sendero El Funicular (Funicular Trail), in the Sierra de San Javier. Once we reach the entrance of this natural park, we'll gear up with our hiking shoes to start this hike entering the Andean forest, known as yunga by the locals.
This 3.10-mile (5-kilometer) hiking route is perfect for families, as it's an easy hike. We'll cross the protected area as you admire the rich biodiversity of El Funicular. Did you know that this park is home to 24% of the animal species of Argentina?
Along the way, we'll find many birds and mammals. It's no surprise that this area is the main resource for biological studies at the National University of Tucumán. At the end of the hike, we'll cross three bridges that were part of the routes of the old freight transportation system between this area and the town of Yerba Buena.
- Schedule: this option departs every day at 7 am and 1 pm
Reserva Experimental Horco Molle Hike (5 Hours)
In this option, we'll reach the Avenida Perón and listen to a brief explanation about this 4.97-mile (8-kilometer) hiking route we're about to start. Afterward, we'll set off to the Reserva Experimental Horco Molle.
Once we're in the yunga of Horco Molle, we'll reach the botanical garden. We'll continue passing by the junctions of several trails, all surrounded by lush vegetation that will take us to Rio Anta Yacu. Here, you'll be able to admire the unique landscapes as you relax with the sounds of the stream.
Afterward, we'll walk in search of the Escuela Nacional de Agricultura, where we'll make our last stop to rest at this educational center of the National University of Tucumán, one of the oldest in the northwest of the country.
Finally, we'll start our journey back to Yerba Buena.
- Schedule: this option departs every day at 7 am and 1 pm
Huaicondo Hike (7 Hours)
We'll begin this journey on the road from Yerba Buena toward the Reserva San Pablo and, in approximately 45 minutes, we'll reach the starting point of this hiking route. Are you ready to discover this area's Andean forest? Let's go!
Upon arrival, you'll be amazed by how dense this yunga is. For the first 1.24 miles (2 kilometers), we'll pass through well-marked trails among vegetation. Throughout the hike, we'll stop at strategic spots so that you can take pictures and enjoy your packed lunch.
The last stretch of the hiking route through Huaicondo will be on a downhill path of 1.67 miles (2.7 kilometres). As we head downhill, nature will be even more lush and practically untouched. Before you know it, you'll hear the sound of water streaming, a sign that we're getting to the river and the Huaicondo Waterfalls. Here, you'll have free time to relax in this beautiful setting before we start our journey back to the starting point.
- Schedule: this option departs every day at 7 am
- The minimum age to participate in this route is 10 years old
Ruinas de la Vieja Usina de Lules Hike (8 Hours)
In this option, we'll depart from Yerba Buena and head to the roundabout of the Quebrada de Lules, where our hiking route will start until we reach the Ruinas de la Vieja Usina. Time to hike!
Once we're ready, we'll hike on a route parallel to the Lules River, passing by some old houses among nature. We'll then cross a wooden bridge and start our uphill hike. Are you tired? This hike has just begun! When we reach the top, it'll be a relief to know that we'll be descending through the forest.
Afterward, we'll have to hike uphill again! But before, you'll make a well-deserved stop to enjoy the lunch you brought. After lunch, we'll begin our uphill hike until we reach the area where the Ruinas de la Usina de Lules are found. As you walk through the ruins of this ancient dam and hydroelectric plant, we'll explain the life and disappearance of this mysterious site in San Isidro de Lules. Fascinating!
- Schedule: this option departs every day at 7 am
- The minimum age to participate in this route is 10 years old
Hotel Pickup
This activity includes pickup at hotels in the center of Yerba Buena. If you're staying outside this designated area, you'll need to head to the meeting point in the Plaza de la Independencia on the corner of 9 de Julio.