« Return to Normal Layout
Argentina Biking

Argentina Biking

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.

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

Ride through the beautiful Cachí Valley 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 96,000-acre property 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 with such fantastical names as the Devil’s Throat, the Toad and the Obelisk  Return to Salta.

big map

HISTORIC HACIENDAS: Premiere Inns

House of Jasmines (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 (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 (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 (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 (1 night): A former Colonial mansion, surrounded by vineyards and extensive gardens, and offering elegant guest rooms, a pool and spa.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8

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.  


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
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2011 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

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.
Deborah Golden - Littleton, CO

Excellent! Challenging cycling and amazing guides, beautiful terrain, great accommodations!

Chris Donohoe - San Francisco CA

 

Let Backroads introduce you intimately to one of Northern Argentina's most interesting regions. This hidden gem is where expansive desert canyon lands hit the lush and famous torrontés white wine valleys. The land where Estancia (cowboy) lifestyles stand strong while still honoring its ancient pre-Hispanic culture and architecture.
Michelle Muench - Trip Development Coordinator, South America