Day 1: Salta – Purmamarca
The mountains in the north of Salta are covered in a subtropical jungle known as the Yungas. It is here that we will start our adventure on bike through the route known as El Camino de Corniza that runs through the jungle and ends in El Dique La Cienega (dam). We will then continue our trip in 4×4 to the town of Purmamarca where we will find the Cerro de Siete Colores (the Hill of Seven Colors) in the Humahuaca Gorge. There we will spend the night to rest and prepare for the next day.
– Total distance on bike: 60 km.
– Difficulty level: Intermediate
– Total distance travelled: 160 km
Day 2: Purmamarca – The Salt Flats or Salinas Grandes – Salta.
After breakfast we will leave on bike, heading west and ascending until we reach a height of 4170m (m.a.s.l.). Here we will start the descent towards the Salinas Grandes, located in the high plateau of the Jujuy province. We will enjoy the Salinas Grandes, taking lots of fun photos, and a picnic lunch before returning in 4×4 to the Salta City where we will spend the night. (Night)
– Total distance on bike: 70km.
– Difficulty level: Advanced
– Total distance travelled: 260 km.
Day 3: Salta – Cafayate.
In the morning we will head south via some small villages. After a 2 hour journey we will arrive in a gorge known as La Quebrada de las Conchas, famous for its geological formations, formed by erosion over thousands of years. An abandoned village known as Alemania will be our starting point where we will prepare our bikes and start our journey through the gorge until we arrive at a rock formation known as ‘Los Castillos’ (The Castles). From there we will travel in 4×4 for 30 mins to Cafayate where we will explore the town, enjoy a wine tasting in local vineyards, and spend the night. (Night)
– Total distance on bike: 65 km.
– Difficulty level: Intermediate
– Total distance travelled: 190 km.
Day 4: Cafayate – Quebrada de las flechas – Cachi.
After breakfast we will start our dia with a 1 hour drive to our biking starting point. From there we will travel through the Quebrada de las Flechas, an extraordinary gorge of rock formations eroded by wind and rain. We will finish our cycling for the day with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant before heading in 4×4 to the small town of Cachi where we will be staying for the night. (Night)
– Total distance on bike: 30 km.
– Difficulty level: high
– Total distance travelled: 100 km
Day 5: Cachi – Salta .
We will start the day gathering our energy on a 1hr drive to the highest point, Piedra del Molino at 3453m above sea level. There we will prepare our bikes and start the 21km descent through the Cuesta del Obispo, continuing through the Quebrada del Escoipe and arriving at a town called Chicoana. We will then enjoy a delicious lunch to end our day of cycling before heading back to Salta City.
End of service.
– Total distance on bike: 60 km
– Difficulty level: Intermediate
– Total distance travelled: 160 km
Tips on what to wear in any season in NORTH OF ARGENTINA
On the Bike
– Cycling jerseys or athletic shirts
– Cycling shorts
– Cycling shoes (if you bring your own pedals)
– Sneakers (if you don’t bring your own pedals)
– Athletic socks
– Arm/leg warmers
– Lightweight, waterproof, wind-resistant jacket or vest
– Bike gloves
– Bike saddle/cover (if you prefer your own)
Do I Need to Bring Special Cycling Gear?
Cycling shorts are designed to provide extra padding when spending the whole day in the saddle. You’ll be glad to have them—don’t forget the chamois cream!
If you bring your own cycling shoes, you must bring your own pedals. If you’ve never used clip-in pedals before, we don’t recommend using them on tour.
Arm and leg warmers are essential for cooler weather. Wear them with your short-sleeve jersey and shorts for lightweight, easy-to-pack, and effective warmth.
Bike gloves are a preference, but are recommend for long tours. The padding in gloves can ease arm, shoulder, and joint fatigue.
