Argentina Biking
Vineyards & Andean Culture Off the Beaten Path
Join Backroads to experience the stunning natural beauty of northern Argentina, an evocative landscape of immense geologic variety: dramatic wind-carved rock formations, mountain passes tinted in vibrant rainbow colors, lush cloud forests and green vineyards. Along the way, we pass through adobe villages, visit with local weavers, and discover the wine regions of Salta and Cafayate, long admired by connoisseurs for intense malbec and fruity torrontés. Evenings are spent at one-of-a-kind hotels featuring spas and gourmet cuisine.
Trip Planning Links
- Ride through amazing high-altitude valleys, canyons, subtropical forests and a cactus national park
- Experience gaucho culture, based on horse riding, farming, mate drinking, wine and folklore
- Savor world-renowned wines from the Cafayate region
- Connect to Andean indigenous culture and sample asado,a local specialty
- Remote haciendas that appear like a mirage amid the rugged landscape
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Outskirts of Salta
Meet in Salta 
Ride from the Yungas subtropical forest to the agricultural plain of Salta, on both dirt and paved roads A landscape of tobacco plantations and pine and algarrobo forests changes to subtropical primary forest as you spin past huge trees filled with bromeliads, ferns and serenading birds Join in learning the chacarera or malambo folkloric dances of the Salta region Enjoy the warm and luxurious atmosphere at the House of Jasmines, with a wide selection of spa services.
Day 3 Payogasta
Shuttle to 11,000 feet in the altiplano Ride through Los Cardones National Park, abundant with giant cardón cacti Keep an eye out for llamas and guanacos A hilly ride in the countryside offers views of the snowcapped Nevado de Cachí Explore the quaint town of Payogasta.
Day 4 Molinos
Learn how to make empanadas from a local couple at their historic property Visit an artisan's home for a treadle-loom demonstration near the village of Seclantás.
Days 5-6 Colomé
A challenging ride ends at Estancia Colomé, a remote paradise set amid some of the world's highest-altitude vineyards Explore the extraordinary property (96,000 acres) by mountain bike Get a massage in your room, relax by the pool or play a game of bochas (bocce ball) Enjoy a tour of Colomé's impressive bodega, followed by a private wine tasting.
Days 7-8 Cafayate
Shuttle from Colomé to the mouth of the Quebrada de las Flechas Ride along the famed Ruta 40 toward the extensive vineyards of Cafayate Take time out at Patios de Cafayate's luxurious wine spa or shop for local handicrafts in town Pedal through the Quebrada de Cafayate, filled with otherworldly landforms called such fantastical names as the Devil's Throat, the Toad and the Obelisk Return to Salta.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
- San Francisco CAExcellent! Challenging cycling and amazing guides, beautiful terrain, great accommodations!
More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Argentina Biking
HISTORIC HACIENDAS: Premiere Inns
House of Jasmines
Outskirts of Salta (2 nights) Over 100 years old, this romantic and impeccable Relais & Châteaux inn is a faithful reflection of the stately Colonial home it once was.
Sala de Payogasta
Payogasta (1 night) Set on a 19,500-acre ranch and vineyard, this traditional hacienda-style hotel welcomes us with views of snowcapped peaks, a spa and a restaurant serving regional favorites.
Hacienda de Molinos
Molinos (1 night) This 18th-century hacienda, once home to the last governor of Salta appointed by the King of Spain, provides 21st-century comforts while preserving the ambiance of Colonial times.
Estancia Colomé
Colomé (2 nights) An exclusive boutique hotel and wine estate with a stunning swimming pool and a contemporary art museum showcasing works by James Turrel.
Patios de Cafayate
Cafayate (1 night) A former Colonial mansion, surrounded by vineyards and extensive gardens, and offering elegant guest rooms, a pool and spa.
Argentina Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 14, 23, 32 miles
- 200 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 26, 53, 69 miles
- 1100 - 2600 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 23, 32 miles
- 200 - 1600 elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 29, 50 miles
- 900 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 17, 22, 29 miles
- 900 - 2200 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Optional activities (i.e., hiking, horseback riding)
Day 7
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 28, 43 miles
- 350 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 17, 29 miles
- 600 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Our mountain biking routes follow dirt and unpaved gravel roads; much of the time we'll be riding on paved roads over very hilly terrain. The high altitude can make the routes feel more challenging.