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. Pedal along routes of contrasting landscapes, varying from stark altiplano to verdant subtropical forest. Journey through the dramatic and colorful canyons of Quebrada de las Flechas and Quebrada de Cafayate, and along the way, you'll 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.
Day 1 Bordo
Meet in Salta 
Warm up your legs on a ride near our first hotel in the pueblo of Bordo Indulge in an authentic Argentine asado
Day 2 Outskirts of Salta
A landscape of tobacco plantations and pine and algarrobo forests changes to subtropical primary forest as you bike past huge trees filled with bromeliads, ferns and serenading birds 
Join in learning the chacarera or zapateo folkloric dances of the Salta region Enjoy the warm and luxurious atmosphere of the welcoming House of Jasmines hotel with its wide selection of spa services
Days 3-4 Cachi
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 Cachi Visit with a local family and watch empanadas bake in adobe ovens Visit a master weaver for a treadle-loom and wool-dyeing demonstration Explore the quaint town of Cachi
Days 5-6 Molinos
A challenging ride ends at Estancia Colomé, a remote paradise set amidst some of the world's highest-altitude vineyards Explore the extraordinary property (96,000 acres) by mountain bike or on horseback 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
HISTORIC HACIENDAS: Premiere Inns
Estancia El Bordo de las Lanzas (1 night): One of Argentina’s most historic estancias, this working farm and inn boasts an idyllic setting in a fertile valley just 35 miles outside of Salta.
House of Jasmines (1 night): Over 100-years old, this inn is a faithful reflection of the stately Colonial home it once was. Private and impeccable, this hotel is rated one of the “50 most romantic places in the world” by Travel + Leisure.
La Merced del Alto (2 nights): A new luxury hotel with amazing views of the Cachi Valley, gourmet cuisine, a swimming pool and spa, and proximity to the charming town of Cachi.
Estancia Colome (2 nights): This exclusive boutique hotel and wine estate features a contemporary art museum and comes highly recommended by Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report.
Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa (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
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 12 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 26, 45 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 28, 35, 42 miles
- 0 - 2500 elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 15, 24 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 33, 43 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 11, 18 miles
- 250 - 1000 elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 13, 29, 42 miles
- 1000 - 2000 elevation gain
Day 8
- Level 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 38, 50 miles
- 0 - 1000 elevation gain
Our biking routes follow dirt and unpaved gravel roads; 58% of the time we'll be riding on paved roads over very hilly terrain.
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| 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 |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 9/15-22Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/6Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-20Price: $4498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 4/25-5/2Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/23-30Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/25-8/1Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/8-15Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/12-19Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/26-10/3Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/10-17Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Excellent! Challenging cycling and amazing guides, beautiful terrain, great accommodations! All the hotels had plenty of hot water which is important to me and they were all clean and staff was friendly.- 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.- Trip Development Coordinator, South America