Raid in Andean Land

We set off for the Mirador de Hornocal, spending about an hour climbing the trails to and altitude of 4,350 metres. Breathtaking views guaranteed! You’ll have front row seats to a sensational show where the sun and the peaks’ ever-changing colours play the main roles. We rejoin Route 9 and stop for a visit at Pucará de Tilcara before ending the afternoon in Purmamarca.

We take Route 52 towards Salinas Grandes and ride the famous Cuesta de Lipán. The salt flats are a wonderfully remote landscape and riding over them is a unique experience for any biker! After lunch in Susques, we get back on the legendary Route 40 and climb in altitude crossing the immense desert-like plateau. Hot springs await at the foot of the Tuzgle volcano and we end the day in San Antonio de los Cobres.

Today we continue along Route 40 and climb to the highest point of the tour, the Abra del Acay pass at 4,850 m altitude. This points marks the highest national road on the American continent! Then we tackle the strenuous 60-mile descent with an incredible backdrop, experiencing for ourselves the true magic of the Andes! We arrive in Cachi in the evening.

Spend the day exploring the charming Andean town Cachi perched at 2,500 m altitude. With cobbled streets and colonial architecture, you’ll no doubt love this picturesque town. History buffs mustn’t miss the Pío Pablo Díaz Archaeological Museum. There are also many local vineyards worth visiting. Those who prefer to rest can stroll to Plaza 9 de Julio.

When leaving Cachi, Route 40 skirts Los Cardones National Park, which stretches over 64 hectares. After a short 12-mile track to Brealito, we get back on Route 40 and follow the Calchaquí River to Quebrada de las Flechas, a rocky lunar landscape sculpted by earthquakes, erosion and the weather. Cafayate and its vineyards welcome us for the night.

We leave the vineyards behind us and continue southbound. We deviate from Route 40 and make our way to Quilmes Ruins, a sacred site with the remains of a forgotten civilisation. We pass by Capillitas, which mines rhodochrosite – or Inca Rose – deposits, a semi-precious stone commonly used by local craftspeople. We then enjoy 28 miles of twists and turns on a wild track that takes us to Andalgalá.

We start off on the wonderful Chilca track, perched on the side of a cliff with an impressive view over Catamarca desert. We then cross Aconquija National Park where, after a few miles of twisty tracks, the landscape morphs into the lush mountainous terrain of Tafi del Valle. Today is the day of a thousand hairpin turns!

Our last day of biking! We continue our journey to Cafayate and cross Quebrada de las Conchas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of around 60 miles of immense canyons carved out by oceans thousands of years ago! Expect impressive rock formations and bright colours with tones of ochre and gold, through to green, red and yellow.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to spend a few hours in Salta. You’re transferred to the international airport.