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 Estancia Colomé. 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 From Salta, bike through amazing high-altitude valleys, canyons and subtropical forests
on dirt and paved roads 
Varied vegetation - from algarrobo (carob) trees to lush bromeliads and ferns - lines our route Got on your dancing shoes? Join in learning the chacarera or malambo folkloric dances.
Days 3-4 Experience gaucho culture and its horse riding, farming, yerba maté drinking, wine and folklore
From an 11,000-foot summit, descend past giant cardón cacti through Los Cardones National Park Watch for llamas and guanacos The hilly ride to the quaint town of Payogasta offers views of the snowcapped Nevado de Cachí After taking in a treadle loom demonstration, it's time for live Andean music In the beautiful Cachí Valley, learn to make empanadas in adobe ovens with a local family.
Days 5-6 Remote haciendas appear like a mirage amid the rugged landscape
A challenging ride ends at Estancia Colomé, set amid some of the world's highest-altitude vineyards and a favorite of Andrew Harper Explore the 96,000-acre property on two wheels, then tour its impressive bodega and renowned James Turrell Museum.
Days 7-8 Savor acclaimed wines from the Cafayate region
Ride along the famed Ruta 40, which stretches the length of Argentina Pedal amid multicolored canyons with otherworldly landforms like the Toad and Devil's Throat and the Castles.
Trip Highlights
- Ride through amazing high-altitude valleys, canyons, subtropical forests and a cactus national park
- 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
- Remote haciendas that appear like a mirage amid the rugged landscape
Premiere Inns
House of Jasmines (2 nights): This romantic "120-year-old house exudes understated charm," according to Hideaway Report. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Sala de Payogasta (1 night): Set on a 19,500-acre ranch and vineyard, a traditional hacienda-style hotel with views of snowcapped peaks. (spa)
Hacienda de Molinos (1 night): This 18th-century hacienda was once home to the last governor of Salta appointed by the King of Spain. (pool)
Estancia Colomé (2 nights): An exclusive boutique hotel and wine estate with a contemporary art museum showcasing works by James Turrell. (pool)
Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa (1 night): A former Colonial mansion surrounded by vineyards and extensive gardens. (pool, spa)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 13, 26 miles
- 200 - 450 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 46, 63 miles
- 1200 - 2640 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 9, 37, 51 miles
- 1420 - 5870 elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 29, 50 miles
- 950 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 22, 25 miles
- 900 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Optional activities (e.g., hiking, horseback riding)
Day 7
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 20, 26, 38, 50 miles
- 350 - 2250 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 17, 29 miles
- 600 - 1300 feet 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 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