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
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.
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
- 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.
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 |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 9/26-10/3Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/17-24Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
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