A motorbike trip in Argentina to discover the essentials. Come and discover northwest Argentina on a Royal Enfield, covering almost 1,000 miles on stunning scenic roads and the legendary Ruta 40, part of the Dakar Rally series! Setting off from Salta, explore Argentina’s most beautiful region between the lands of the Gauchos and Inca ruins during a 11-day motorcycle tour. Experience an unspoilt part of Argentina with vast open spaces, plateaux perched at 4,500m altitude, salt flats and llamas from Calchaquí Valleys to lakes hidden amid Quebrada’s fertile lands.

11 days - 1012 miles

D1 / Arrive in Salta (1 200m)

Salta is located in a fertile valley at the foot of the eastern Andes and is the second largest city in north Argentina. Nicknamed “Salta la Linda” (Beautiful Salta), this Argentine city boasts the best preserved colonial architecture. Overnight stay at a hotel in the city centre.

D2 / Salta - Tafi Del Valle - 195 miles

Our first day with the bikes! We start our adventure heading south 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! Then the landscape totally transforms before us as we ride through Tafí del Valle’s lush mountains.

D3 / Tafi Del Valle - San Pedro Colalao - 140 miles

Today we are in Tucumán province, the greenest stretch of our tour! We start by descending through an old-growth forest on a small winding road called “Ruta del Indio” and reach rolling plains and sugar cane fields. Then, we take a small road in search of our hotel: a real Gaucho experience awaits!

D4 / San Pedro Colalao - Cafayate - 88 miles

We leave San Pedro Colalao and cross the Cumbres Calchaquíes Provincial Park, one of the most unspoilt regions in Argentina. Between these 4,000 m altitude peaks appears the impressive Calchaquí Valley. We stop at Mirador de los Valles Calchaquíes viewpoint to take in the stunning views over the valley! Cafayate welcomes us with its high-altitude vineyards. This charming town is home to several wineries, artists and craftspeople.

D5 / Cafayate - Cachi - 101 miles

We head northbound towards Cachi on the legendary Route 40. This road stretches the length of Argentina for more than 3,000 miles and winds through Calchaquí Valleys along a river with the same name. Before arriving in Cachi, we pass through artisan villages, where they still use looms from the Inca era!

D6 / Cachi

Spend the day exploring the charming Andean town, Cachi, perched at 2,500 m altitude and overlooking the Calchaquí Valley. 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.

D7 / Cachi - Chicoana - 82 miles

We leave Cachi and Route 40 for the Recta del Tin Tin. This incredible perfectly straight eight-mile stretch of road crosses Los Cardones National Park. We take a detour to Camino Colorado where we can admire pink and white hills peppered with century-old cacti. We arrive in Piedra del Molino, the highest point on Route 33, which marks the start of the Cuesta del Obispo’s dizzying downhill ride. We end the day in the small village, Gauchos de Chicoana.

D8 / Chicoana - San Antonio de Los Cobres - 101 miles

We are right in the land of the gauchos. Gaucho culture is still very much alive in this region and we’ll spot them perched atop their horses alongside their livestock in the Lerma Valley. We leave the traditional village and ascend the spectacular Quebrada del Toro to arrive in San Antonio de los Cobres, nestled at 3,700 m altitude.

D9 / San Antonio de Los Cobres - Purmamarca - 162 miles

We rejoin the legendary Route 40 and head north, crossing a vast desert-like plateau at more than 4,500 m altitude, before arriving in the remote village of Susques. From there we head to Salinas Grandes, the famous salt flats and their wonderful remote landscape. We end the day riding the breathtaking Cuesta de Lipán and arrive in Purmamarca, a small traditional Andean village, which hides a sacred seven-coloured mountain.

D10 / Purmamarca - Salta - 141 miles

We visit the village’s traditional market first thing before setting off for the coloured mountain. We leave Purmamarca and visit Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Incan fortification built more than 1,000 years ago. We ride to Salta on the wonderful Camino de Cornisa on Ruta 9!

D11 / Salta airport

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

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The Mythical Land of the Gauchos

Simon, motorbike trip designer

11 days - 1012 miles