Argentina Northwest Biking

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 ingredients at the Estancia.

Distance: 65 km
Terrain: flat to start and then uphill (shuttle available)

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.

Distance: 65 km
Terrain: morning ride is mostly downhill, afternoon ride is on rolling hills, on paved secondary roads

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.

Distance: 24 km
Terrain: mostly flat with some rolling hills, on paved secondary roads

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.

Distance: 34 km or 65 km
Terrain: rolling hills, on paved roads

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.

Distance: 34 km
Terrain: mostly downhill, on paved secondary roads

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.

Distance: 34 km or 40 km
Terrain: downhill and flat, 75% on paved roads, 25% on the salt flats

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.