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MOUNTAIN BIKING ON THE ANDEAN STEPPE 9 days cycling through the Andean Steppe
DEPARTURE DATES: April and throughout the year for private departures
This is one of Argentina’s most varied region, offering spectacular contrasts - from blood red mountain ranges to deep green cloud forest; from silent, spiritual Andean steppe to sunny, grape-laden vineyards; from ancient, arid deserts to the surreal, blinding white of high altitude salt flats; from bustling indigenous markets to sleepy colonial villages. The beauty and character of this remarkable region can really be experienced first hand. We use a highly experienced local support team, and lodge in a network of charming small hotels and guest houses, and the cycling is all on dirt tracks or little used asphalt roads. We can see guanacos and condors, amongst other wildlife.
Day 1: The tour begins at 2pm in the hotel with a comprehensive introductory meeting briefing from the guide and tour leader and then a walking tour of Salta, including the cable car up San Bernardo Mountain (ticket included). Overnight in Salta. Day 2: This morning starts with a three hour drive up the Cuesta del Obispo, until we get to Piedra Del Molino at 3348 metres. Here the bikes are set up for the ride - at first crossing the high altitude puna and then down the beautifully, hauntingly quiet route of Los Colorados, enjoying a great 20km descent into the Calchaquies Valley through striking red rocks. We then hop on the vehicles to complete the journey into Cachi. Overnight in the village of Cachi. (45 km on dirt roads). BL Day 3: After reaching Seclantas in the minibus, the journey continues on the bikes along the Calchaquies Valley on undulating dirt roads to the sleepy andean village of Molinos, taking the little used route through El Churcal. There may be the chance to visit the Colomè vineyard in the afternoon, one of the world’s highest vineyards. Overnight Molinos. (30 km on dirt roads).
Day 4: Today involves cycling through the uniquely stunning Quebrada de las Flechas – the Valley of the Arrows - and down to San Carlos, where there is the option of continuing on two wheels through the vineyards and down into Cafayate. Overnight in Cafayate. (47 km biking on dirt roads, optional 28km extension on asphalt roads) B Day 5: One of the highlights of the trip today, the renowned Valley of the Shells (la Quebrada de las Conchas). The vehicles complete the journey back to Salta – the circuit of the Calchaquies Valley completed. Overnight in Salta. (65 km on asphalt roads) B Day 6: Another scenery change today – cloud forest! Starting from the colonial village of La Caldera, 22 km from Salta, the route begins on the little used country road that winds through the Cornisa., pedalling through peaceful cloud forest and into Juyjuy province, before boarding the bus and continuing north. Three nights based in Maimará. (40km on asphalt road) BL Day 7: An exhilarating and demanding descent from Abra Del Condor down into Iruya, a beautiful pre-Colombian village perched deep in a gorge makes for an excellent day today. After enjoying lunch (not included), and exploring the village on foot, the group heads back past Humahuaca in the minibus to the hotel in Maimará (35 - 40 km on dirt roads) B Day 8: From the salt flats and back today: a 99-curve, 2000 metre descent into Purmamarca from the most surreal of all landscapes – the magnificent Salina Grande salt flats. The group arrives in Purmamarca to enjoy the sun setting over the world famous Seven Colour Mountain. There is an excellent local market to stock up on presents and reward all that hard work! (53 km on asphalt roads) BL Day 9: Services end with a transfer to either Juyjuy or Salta airports, or to downtown Salta. B
Includes: Two experienced English speaking cycling guides; support vehicle, all constantly linked by radio communication. Tents and camping furniture and equipment are supplied (except sleeping bags).  Includes all transfers mentioned in the itinerary, all breakfasts (B) plus lunch and dinner whilst camping; snacks (cereal bars, nuts) and soft drinks while pedaling. Kallpa coordination throughout. Does not include: Bike hire, sleeping bag, flights, tips, laundry, insurance, visas, optional tours, dinners, and alcoholic drinks. Meal and Hotel information Hotel breakfasts are continental breakfasts; lunches are pack lunches to take during the ride, or lunch in a local restaurant (not included). Travelers should allow approx U$D 10-15 for dinner each night and US $5-10 for lunches not included. Accommodation is in tourist class hotels in double room basis. Cycling information The tour reaches a maximum altitude of approx. 4200 metres above sea level and although most cycling is flat or downhill, cyclists must be made aware that high altitudes are reached on some days, and cyclists do need a base fitness level. However, cyclists do not need to carry any of their luggage as they will be accompanied at all times by the support vehicles and all cycling is optional - cyclists can choose to travel in the support bus on any day they wish! If passengers bring their own bikes they will be responsible for making sure they have any specialist spare parts required for their bike (bear in mind that spare parts for disc brakes and rear suspension are very hard to find in Argentina!) General information It is best not to carry a lot of money in travelers’ checks as shops in Argentina avoid accepting them. US dollars cash is accepted and there are ATMs in most of the night stops. Credit cards like VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted in Salta and other towns. Suggested clothing and other equipment: “Camel-back” water hydration backpack or water bottle, 3-4 cycling shirts, hard soled cycling shoes (hired bikes are generally not SPD compatible), several pairs of cycling socks, sun cream, windproof jacket, rain trousers, sun visor or cap, Gore-Tex anorak, thermal shirt, fleece, T-shirts, cycling shorts are all essential. It can get cold at night and the weather is unpredictable. ALL PAX MUST HAVE PROOF OF ADEQUATE TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER THAT SPECIFICALLY COVERS MOUNTAIN BIKING.
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