Most destinations claim to be like nowhere else. Argentina is different. It's a true blend of everywhere else. Take the landscape. The Patagonian Steppe could be dropped right into Central Asia and Russia. And the Andes: as breathtaking as the Alps. Take the wines, like intense malbecs and fruity torrontés, and the high altitude vineyards of the Cafayate region. They seem handpicked from the finest in Europe. But Argentina is no copycat. It proudly displays its South American roots. And it enjoys the finer things. And so will you.
Days 1-2 Taste excellent vintages in the Cafayate wine region, home to the world's highest-altitude vineyards
Ascend from low countryside through the subtropical forest of Las Yungas Biosphere Reserve, thick with ancient trees and lush ferns Meet the challenge of a 10,000-foot pass as you pedal up to the arid Andean altiplano, studded with giant candelabra-like cacti An indigenous village and the pre-Inca settlement of Quilmes invite exploration Enjoy the lively rhythms of traditional Andean music Savor an exclusive dinner at a local family winery.
Days 3-4 Learn about the lives of Argentine gauchos and their passion for horses, music, wine and storytelling
Sure to be a trip highlight is the long spin through Quebrada de Cafayate, a brilliant canyon of undulating reds and golds punctuated with dramatically eroded rock formations Get to know our friends at their working farm and cheese workshop, which has been in the same family for more than 200 years Indulge in famous Argentine beef prepared asado on the grill Enthusiastic local school kids entertain you with a folklore performance Create and cook your own empanadas in an adobe oven Explore Salta "La Linda" ("the Beautiful"), Argentina's most stunning colonial city.
Days 5-6 Indulge at the spa or relax at the pool at the welcoming Relais & Châteaux member - House of Jasmines
Keep an eye (and ear) out for native birdlife, including four species of the falcon-like caracara, as you bike through the Yungas and tackle a big climb followed by a glorious descent to the pristine waters of Ciénaga Lake.
Trip Highlights
- Ride through amazing high-altitude valleys, canyons, subtropical forests and cactus
- Experience gaucho culture, based on horse riding, farming, maté drinking, wine and folklore
- Savor world-renowned wines from the Cafayate region
- Connect to Andean indigenous culture and sample asado, a local specialty
- Lose yourself in Salta "La Linda" ("the Beautiful"), Argentina's most stunning colonial city
Premiere Inns
Estancia Las Carreras (1 night): Set at the base of rugged Andean foothills, this country estate dates back to 1718 and features a working cheese farm and superb regional cuisine.
Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa (1 night): A former Colonial mansion surrounded by vineyards and extensive gardens. (pool, spa)
Hotel del Dique (1 night): This comfortably informal hotel is perched above Cabra Corral Lake, offering a serene setting. (pool)
House of Jasmines (2 nights): This romantic "120-year-old house exudes understated charm," according to Hideaway Report. Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 12* | 1100 | 26* | 2400 | ||||||
| 2 | 21* | 300 | 33* | 400 | 47* | 3900 | ||||
| 3 | 17 | 600 | 30* | 600 | 39* | 700 | 55* | 2100 | ||
| 4 | 29* | 1400 | 44* | 1900 | 63 | 2400 | ||||
| 5 | 21* | 1800 | 32* | 3000 | 49* | 4800 | 58* | 6200 | ||
| 6 | 10* | 800 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 10/14-19 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 11/4-9 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 11/25-30 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/15-20 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/22-27 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/29-1/3 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
2014 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 4/14-19 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 4/28-5/3 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/12-17 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-18 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 11/3-8 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 11/24-29 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/14-19 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/21-26 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/28-1/2 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
I loved this trip. What a wonderful, relatively undiscovered part of the world. The exploration, those massive mountains, the big sky and amazing stars, beautiful and friendly people, the cycling, our highly compatible group of eight, our awesome trip leaders, accommodations, delicious food and spectacular wine... it was all great! I simply couldn't have navigated this area on my own. Thanks Backroads.- Littleton, CO
Excellent! Challenging cycling, amazing guides, beautiful terrain and great accommodations!- San Francisco CA
This trip far exceeded our expectations and Northern Argentina was more beautiful than we expected. I also thought our leaders did a fantastic job of not only supporting the bike aspect of the trip but exposing us to the culture. We loved all of it. The native singer and her daughter were particularly insightful and the dancers and musicians were just plain fun. Our leaders did a fantastic job of making the group comfortable as well as interested in what Northern Argentina had to offer.- Denver, CO