Argentina is a remarkable country with outstanding scenery and a rich indigenous culture, especially in the northwest of the country where amazing food and excellent wines await. Our itinerary starts from Tucuman, easily reached from Buenos Aires. We will visit Tafi de Valle, the wine capital of Cafayate, charming Salta, and the dreamscape lands of Pumarmarca. We stay in luxurious hotels, and dine in restaurants that will be unforgettable. Cycling on paved roads, we will engage with locals in a way that only travel by bicycle allows. This will be an adventure unlike any other.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
  • Incredible hotel properties with a variety of distinctive unique estancias, and inns.
  • A ride you will never forget: each of the rides will be memorable, through vineyards, valleys and along the coast.
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

Because of the distance we cover on this trip, and the fact that not all roads are suitable to bike, we have strategic shuttles, sometimes to the start of the ride, or from the end of the ride to the hotel. The drives are often through gorgeous scenery and allow to reach must-see destinations. Our vehicles are typically Mercedes Sprinter vans on this trip.

Straight Talk

Location

Tucuman

Tucuman, Tucumán, Argentina

Starting Location

Cafayate

Cafayate, Salta Province, Argentina

Day 2 - 3

Salta

Salta, Salta Province, Argentina

Day 4

Purmamarca

Purmamarca, Argentina

Day 5

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

2024

Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Tucuman / Salta

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
25-60 km daily
Van supported

TERRAIN

Moderate with some hills: average elevation gains up to 500-750m per day

COST

Land cost:
US $3,250 pp
Includes 6B/5L/3D

Single Supplement:
US $820

Bike Rentals

Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$280

E-Bikes: US$480

E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.  

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

Our trip starts from San Miguel de Tucuman, which can be reached from Buenos Aires on a morning flight of Day 1 (depart 7:35 arrive 9:35). Staying in Tucuman the night before the trip start is an option, but not necessary.


1

Day 1

Tucuman to Tafi del Valle

We meet this morning at Tucuman city and shuttle to the start point of our first ride in the Tucumán countryside. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the way, and then ride the remaining distance to our home for tonight, Estancia Las Carreras. Built in 1778 by the Jesuits, the estate is a remnant of a time when these missionaries came to share their beliefs and culture with the indigenous populations. Visit the estancia’s cheese factory, in operation since the 18th century. Tonight we savor regional dishes made with fresh local ingredientsat the Estancia.
Biking Distance: up to 40 mi/65 km
Terrain: flat to start and then uphill! shuttle avaialable
Lodging at Estancia Las Carreras / Meals: L, D

2

Day 2

Tafi del Valle to Cafayate

Waking this morning we shuttle through the Calchaqui Valleys. As we ascend to El Infiernillo high pass we observe transitional areas between the high altitude pastures and the arid deserts. Cycle downhill through endless cactus plains, to the indigenous community of Amaicha del Valle. Lunch today is at the local winery Rio de Arena. Our afternoon ride takes us by pre-Columbian archeological sites, and leads us on a rolling route into the town of Cafayate, regarded as the capital of Northern Argentina’s wine regions. We make our way to the elegant Patios de Cafayate Wine Resort, set at the grounds of El Esteco Winery. Relax by the pool, or opt for one of the spa treatments at the lodge before dinner.
Biking distance: 40 mi/65 km
Terrain: morning ride is mostly downhill, afternoon ride is on rolling hills, on paved (secondary roads)
Lodging at Patios de Cafayate Wine Lodge / Meals: B, L, D

3

Day 3

Cafayate

Morning bike ride into town to admire the labor of artisans that have contributed to make Cafayate an authentic Art & Crafts village. We sample delicious empanadas (meat pies) and stop for a wine tasting of superb Torrontes and Malbecs at El Porvenir winery. Later on, we cycle to Finca Las Nubes State, at the small, family owned Mounier Winery. The scenery is sensational; soak it all in while you enjoy lunch and impressive views of the Calchaqui valleys. Return to our lodge for a relaxed evening at leisure or walk into town and experience the lively cafes around the village´s main square.
Biking distance: 15 mi/24 km
Terrain: mostly flat with some rolling hills, on paved (secondary roads)
Lodging at Patios de Cafayate Wine Lodge / Meals: B, L

4

Day 4

Cafayate to Salta

Morning cycling to the entrance of Quebrada de Cafayate, where we walk through fantastic rock formations. Afterwards transfer to Salta and the exclusive Legado Mitico Hotel. In the afternoon we walk the colonial and historical district of Salta that reveals the striking red-and-gold baroque San Francisco Church, built in 1625, and the café terrace-lined Plaza 9 de Julio, which is dominated by the light pink Salta Cathedral and features the MAAM high altitude archaeological museum (Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana de Salta). The museum is dedicated to the “The Children of Llullaillaco”, the impressive mummified bodies of three Inca children found at the peak of Mount Llullaillaco, at 22,080’ the highest known burial site in the world. Evening at your leisure to continue exploring Salta’s colonial architecture, museums, markets and rousing folk music and culture.
Biking distance: 21 mi/34 km OR 40 mi/65 km
Terrain: rolling hills, on paved roads
Lodging at Legado Mitico Boutique Hotel / Meals: B

5

Day 5

Salta to Purmamarca

This morning embark on a scenic drive north, and into the Junga (subtropical cloud forest) where we cycle an exhilarating route, experiencing the sights and sounds of the jungle filled with a great variety of native birds.This is an amazing contrast with the desert landscape of the high Andean plateaus that is to come. Lunch at a local restaurant venue followed by the drive to our lodge. The valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca was declared a World Heritage site and the scenery here is spectacular. We will spend the night in the colorful and traditional town of Purmamarca, blissfully tranquil.
Biking distance: 21 mi/34 km
Terrain: mostly downhill, on paved (secondary roads)
Lodging at Manantial del Silencio / Meals: B, L, D

6

Day 6

Purmamarca to Salines Grandes

This morning we will drive up to Cuesta de Lipán (4170 m/13,680 ft.), a mountain pass on the road to Chile and Bolivia. From the highest point of the pass we’ll start cycling, descending to Salinas Grandes, an ocean of salt flats perfect for exploring on bike. We will enjoy a picnic lunch and the surreal landscape of the high Andean plateaus before returning to our lodge in Purmamarca.
Biking distance: 21 mi/34 km or 24 mi/40 km
Terrain: downhill and flat, 75% on paved roads – 25% on the salt flats
Lodging at Manantial del Silencio / Meals: B, L

7

Day 7

Purmamarca to Salta

We set out on foot with our local guide through town and into the seven colored hills during early morning, when light is best for photography. Afterwards we drive back to Salta airport to board connecting flights to Buenos Aires.

Estancia Las Carreras, Tucuman

This historic estancia was built by Jesuits in 1718 and boasts a setting at the foothills of the Andes, in a pastoral setting. With its own working cheese farm and award winning restaurant presided over by chef Luis Garcia.


Patios de Cafayate, Cafayate

Originally built in 1740, this colonial mansion is one of the most luxurious in Argentina, surrounded by vineyards. Enjoy the large swimming pool, grounds and spa services.


Legado Mitico, Salta

Located in the very center of historic Salta, this boutique luxury hotel was a renovation of a former school house by the architect owners. Friendly and distinctive, with just 11 large guest rooms and a comfortable ambience.


Manantial del Silencio, Purmamarca-Jujuy

Boasting a glorious setting, with a clever combination of understated elegance, this estancia has white washed adobe, high ceilings made of cane, stone floors; there is a dining room, spa and swimming pool.