Essential Information - Argentina

Before booking your holiday with us, please check the status of your chosen tour. We strongly advise against booking any flights or making other travel arrangements until the tour is marked as Guaranteed. 

To confirm your place, simply pay the deposit. This deposit can be refunded at any time until the tour status changes to "Guaranteed". Your final balance will be due 56 days before the tour start date. 

When you book, you are agreeing to our booking conditions – please take a moment to read them in full. 

Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. As bookings come in, the status will update from Available, to 2 More to Guarantee, and finally to Guaranteed once the minimum is met. You can always check the current status on the ‘Dates and Prices’ section of the tour page.

Please note: For groups of fewer than four participants, the guide will lead the tour from the support vehicle rather than riding with the group on a bike. This ensures both guiding and logistical support can still be provided. 

Tour status definitions: 

✅ Guaranteed – The tour is confirmed and open for booking. 

✅ Guaranteed – Limited – Confirmed to run, but only a few spaces left. 

⏳ Available – 2 More to Guarantee – Tour is open but needs just 2 more bookings to confirm. 

🟢 Available – Open for booking but not yet confirmed to run. 

📩 Contact – Please get in touch if you're interested in this tour. 

❌ Fully Booked – This tour is no longer available. 

Once a tour is marked Guaranteed, you can confidently go ahead with booking your flights and making travel plans. We don’t cancel trips once they reach guaranteed status, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances. 

🚐 Support Vehicle – Full vehicle support throughout the tour

🏨 Accommodation – Comfortable local stays each night

🍽️ Meals – Most meals included (see Trip Notes for details)

🚰 Snacks & Water – Refreshments provided during cycling days

✈️ Airport Transfers – Provided on the first and last day of the tour

🧑‍🏫 Local Guides – Experienced, English-speaking professional guides

🛫 International Flights – Not included in the tour price

🚴 Bike Hire – Available as an optional extra (see Trip Notes)

🛂 Visa Fees – If applicable, these are your responsibility

🍷 Alcohol & Personal Snacks – Not included

🛍️ Personal Spending – Souvenirs, extra drinks, and optional activities

💵 Tips for Guides & Crew – At your discretion (see Money Matters for guidance)

✈️ Travel & Arrival Information 

The tour begins in Salta (SLA). Please plan to arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary. Your departure flight should be scheduled for the final day of the tour from San Salvador de Jujuy (JUJ) .

We understand that redspokes travellers come from across the globe. Regardless of your arrival time on the start date, airport transfers are included, and you’ll be taken directly to the joining hotel.

Note: If you arrive before midday, your room may not be immediately available, and you may need to wait while it is prepared.

If you wish to arrive early or extend your stay, we are happy to help arrange additional accommodation and airport transfers at extra cost and subject to availability.

✈️ Please note: International flights are not included in the tour price.

For flight options and pricing, check out www.kayak.com or www.opodo.co.uk

💵 Currency Exchange

Argentina: The official currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS).

What to Bring: US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and often preferred for exchange. Ensure that any USD notes you bring are clean and undamaged.

Where to Exchange: Currency exchange is available at banks and official exchange offices (casas de cambio). It's advisable to avoid street money changers due to the risk of counterfeit notes.

ATM Access: ATMs are available in cities and towns, dispensing ARS. Be aware that withdrawal limits and fees may vary, and some machines may have limited cash availability.

Credit/Debit Cards: Major credit and debit cards are accepted in urban areas, hotels, and larger establishments. However, in rural areas, cash is essential as card facilities may not be available.

💰 Spending Money 

The amount of spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc.  We estimate that £400 (approx. $535) will be more than enough to cover the 13-day tour.

🧭 Helpful Tips

- Cash is essential, especially in rural or remote areas where card machines may not be available.

- Notify your bank before travel to avoid having your card blocked for suspicious activity. 

- Carry small denomination notes—useful for tips, snacks, or local markets.

- Currency conversion charges can vary by card and bank, so check with your provider before departure.

And remember, your redspokes guide is there to help—you’re in good hands.

💁‍♂️ Staff Tipping

Tipping is a common way to show appreciation for your local guides and support crew. While not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated when service exceeds expectations.

At redspokes, we make it clear to our teams that tips are not an obligation, but a bonus based on performance. If you feel your guide and support crew provided excellent service, a tip at the end of the tour is a meaningful gesture.

How to Tip

We recommend tipping as a group, with the total collected and handed to your guide, who will distribute it fairly among the team.

Suggested Amount

💷 £60–£80 per person
💵 $80–$100 equivalent

Please note: Tips are not a substitute for wages. Our local teams are paid fairly and competitively—tips are simply a personal thank-you for exceptional service

For this tour we have new Specialized Rockhopper Elite, Specialized Rockhopper Sport and Specialized turbo Ebikes, VADO 3.0. They all are well maintained bikes with Shimano components and suspension forks. Spare parts (tubes, tyre, chains etc.) are included in the price of the bike rental and will be carried in the support vehicle with a tool kit and track pump.

The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. Those who prefer to use spd or clip-in pedals, are welcome to bring these with you, along with your own cycling shoes and cleats. You are also welcome to bring your own saddle.

If you are able to do a simple repair yourself then you can if you wish take a small repair kit with you as this will avoid the need to wait for assistance should the team or support vehicle be any distance away. The bikes will come with one water bottle cage fitted.

You are required to bring your own cycle helmet as this is not included as part of your bike hire and hire or purchase options cannot be guaranteed.  It is mandatory for cycle helmets to be worn at all times when cycling.  Failure to wear a cycle helmet is at your own risk and might also affect the validity of your travel insurance.

Please be aware that the hire bikes have the front brake on the right side and the back brake on the left side (as is usual  in the UK).  

Specialized turbo Ebikes, VADO 3.0
Specialized Rockhopper Expert

You will have the full support of a back-up vehicle throughout the tour — either a jeep or a minibus — providing peace of mind as you ride. The support vehicle will:

🚐 Transport your main luggage between overnight stops

🪑 Offer a lift if you need a break from cycling

🛠️ Stop roughly every 12 miles (20 km) to offer assistance and refreshments

Our tour leaders carry a comprehensive tool kit and will assist with common bike issues. All you’ll need to carry is a small daypack for essentials like a camera, snacks, or a light jacket.

If you are bringing your own bike, please make sure it’s in good working condition before the tour. We strongly recommend a full service by a professional bike shop prior to travel, as we cannot guarantee we will have the parts or tools for your particular bike.

Your comfort and safety on the road are our priority — whether you're riding or taking a breather in the van.

🚲 Bike Hire
Prefer not to bring your own bike? No problem — bike hire ande e-bike hire is available at additional cost.

🛏️ Single Room Supplement
Traveling solo and want your own space? You can opt for a private room (at additional cost and subject to availability).

🏨 Extra Accommodation
Arriving early or staying on after the tour? We can book additional nights for you at extra cost.

🚐 Airport Transfers
We can also arrange your airport transfers before or after the trip.

💬 You can add any of these options when making your booking.

🚴‍♀️ Who Travels with Us?
We welcome a wide mix of cyclists on our tours — from couples and friends to solo travellers.

🛏️ Room Sharing & Single Supplement
Our tour prices are based on twin-share accommodation.

Solo travellers are paired with another solo participant of the same gender.

Prefer your own space? You can usually upgrade to a single room for an additional charge (subject to availability).

Let us know your preferences at the time of booking — we’re here to help make your trip as comfortable as possible.

🍽️ Eating and Drinking

What's Included?

Most meals are included in your trip price, with the exception of non-cycling days and a few specific exclusions. Please refer to your detailed itinerary for full information on what's covered.

✅ All breakfasts and lunches are provided during the tour.

✅ Meals are plentiful, nutritious, and designed to keep you energized throughout the day.

✅ You'll enjoy a variety of local cuisine along with some familiar Western dishes.

Taste of Argentina

On the Argentina tour, you'll have the opportunity to experience the country's rich and diverse culinary heritage, especially in the northwest region. Expect flavors influenced by Andean, Spanish, and indigenous traditions, including:

🥩 Asado (Argentine barbecue) – A cultural staple, featuring expertly grilled meats like beef, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage).

🌽 Humita and Tamales – Corn-based dishes wrapped in husks and filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.

🧀 Empanadas Salteñas – A regional favorite from Salta; these are baked or fried pastries filled with spiced beef, potatoes, egg, and sometimes olives.

🥔 Locro – A hearty stew made with corn, beans, potato, and meat, often served during festivals or cooler months.

🍷 Argentine Wine – Especially from nearby Cafayate, known for its Torrontés white wine and bold reds like Malbec and Cabernet.

Dietary Requirements

If you have any special dietary requests, please let us know at the time of booking.

🥦 Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other diets can usually be accommodated.

📢 Advance notice is essential to ensure we can meet your needs.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants and must cover you for the entire duration of the tour.

Your policy must include protection for:

• Personal injury and medical expenses

• Death and repatriation

• Emergency rescue (including helicopter or aircraft evacuation)

• Loss or theft of luggage and equipment

• Trip cancellation or curtailment

• Damage to or breakage of hired equipment (any such costs must be paid directly to our local agents at the time of the incident and reclaimed from your insurer)

Please make sure your insurance policy does not include exclusions for any activities involved in your tour, such as cycling or adventure travel.

We strongly recommend taking out your travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case of cancellation before the trip begins. 

All insurance claims must be made directly through your provider.

We select accommodation based on comfort and character, rather than luxury. Expect clean, friendly lodgings that give you a genuine feel for the region.

Twin-share rooms are standard and included in your tour price.

If you're travelling solo, we’ll pair you with another traveller of the same gender.

Prefer your own space? A single supplement is available on most tours (see Dates & Prices for details).

🏨 What to Expect
Comfortable hotels throughout the trip

Many rooms include en-suite bathrooms

Some hotels offer air conditioning

🔧 Recommended Bike Setup
For this Patagonia tour, we recommend using a mountain bike for maximum comfort and performance:

Gearing: A low gear ratio is essential (e.g. 22-tooth front cog with an 11–32/34 rear cassette) to handle steep climbs.

Suspension:

Front suspension helps with potholes and rough gravel roads.

Full-suspension is acceptable but can be tiring on paved sections.

Handlebars: Flat bars with bar ends are great for additional hand positions on climbs.

Touring bikes: Possible, but must have:

Strong wheels

Wide tyres (minimum 37mm)

Low gearing

Recommended wheels: 36-spoke hand-built with quality rims like Sun Rhyno, Mavic, or Rigida.

🛞 Tyres
The terrain includes washboard tarmac and rough gravel tracks. The best tyre choice is:

Schwalbe Marathon XR – Durable, with solid tread for gravel and smooth enough for tarmac.

🧰 What to Bring for Your Bike
We recommend a full pre-trip service at a professional bike shop. Check:

Wheel spokes

All bearings (greased)

Gear and brake cables

Chain condition

Quick-release clamps

Tyres and rims (not worn)

New inner tubes

Pack these essentials:

Multi-tool

Tyre levers

Pump

Spare inner tubes

Spare spokes

Disc/brake pads

Chain links

Bike-specific spares (e.g. fluid, bleed kit)

📦 Transporting Your Bike
Your bike must fit within your airline luggage allowance.

A boxed bike usually weighs 15–20kg.

Excess baggage fees may apply.

Hard case or cardboard box:
→ Sent directly to the tour end-point. Your guide will help arrange this.

Flexible bike bag:
→ Can be stored and carried with the group throughout the tour.

You must hold a valid passport in order to travel.  Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return from any overseas destination. 

Visa and entry requirements for most countries can and do change from time to time and so we strongly recommend that you consult the government travel website for where your passport was issued.

For UK nationals, please visit the gov.uk website for up to date information about entry requirements for Argentina.  The website also provides vaccination advice as well as the option to sign up for Alerts so that you are aware if requirements have changed. 

We strongly recommend that you consult your GP or a local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before departure for advice on general health precautions for travel to Argentina.

You should also review guidance from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or equivalent authority in your country, such as the CDC (USA), Travelvax (Australia), or Public Health Agency of Canada.

🌍 Northern Argentina – Andes & Salt Flats (Salta & Jujuy Region)

This region has a high-altitude Andean climate . Cycling conditions are generally good year-round, but each season has its own flavour:

☀️ March to October – Best Cycling Season

Clear skies, dry air, and comfortable daytime temperatures (15°C–25°C / 59°F–77°F).
Nights can be cold at altitude, sometimes dropping close to freezing.
These months are the most stable and ideal for cycling across the salt flats and high passes.
🌱 November to March – Summer / Rainy Season

Warmer temperatures (20°C–30°C / 68°F–86°F).
Short afternoon rains or storms are more common, especially in January–February.
Roads can be muddy or washed out in rural areas, but the landscapes are green and dramatic.
🚴 Highlights for Cyclists

Crossing the Salinas Grandes salt flats (between Salta & Jujuy) — surreal scenery, especially in the dry season.

Your packing list may vary depending on personal preference and seasonal weather. This guide is a general outline to help you prepare—please tailor it to your needs. This tour runs in May, August and September, which means you'll encounter mild to cool temperatures, especially in the highlands. Be prepared for cold mornings and evenings, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10–20°C (50–68°F) depending on the altitude.

Essential Cycling Gear 

🚴Cycle Helmet (mandatory  and to be worn at all times when cycling)

🕶️ Sunglasses

🚰 Water bottles or Camelbak (hydration system)

🧤 Fingerless cycling gloves 

🚴 Padded cycling shorts

🧥 Waterproof/Windproof cycling jacket (breathable material)

🧣 Buff or neck gaiter

Clothing

This is a flexible guide – adjust based on your preferences and expected weather:

Layering Essentials:

👕 Base layer tops

🧥 Fleece jacket or pullover

🧥 Down jacket (for colder nights/mornings) 

🧦 Lightweight and heavyweight socks

🧢 Warm fleece hat

🧤 Warm gloves

🏞️ Outdoor Clothing

🩳 Trekking shorts

👖 Lightweight trousers

👕 T-shirts (lightweight and quick-drying)

👔 Long-sleeved shirts

👙 Swimming costume (optional - for hotel pools or natural springs)

🧰 Personal Medical Kit (Recommended)

Our guides carry first aid supplies, but we advise bringing your own compact first aid kit which should include: 

💊 Paracetamol / Ibuprofen (or whatever you prefer)

💩 Anti-diarrhoeal (eg. Imodium)

💧 Rehydration Salts (eg. Dioralyte)

🧴 Antiseptic Cream / Wipes

🍬 Throat Lozenges

🩹 Plasters (Band-Aids)

👃 Nasal Spray &

👁️ Eye Drops

💤 Earplugs

✋ Hand Sanitiser / Anti-bacterial Gel

 ✅ Insect repellent (important in rural areas)

Energy & Electronics 

⚡ Energy bars, gels, or snacks

💧 Electrolyte/Recovery drink powders

📸 Camera

🔌 Universal travel adapter plug (Argentina uses Type C and Type I plugs – 220V)

📱 Mobile Phones & SIM Cards in Argentina

Bringing a mobile phone? Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Unlocked phone required to use local SIM cards.

🪪 SIM cards can be purchased easily at airports, kiosks, or mobile shops - popular providers: Claro, Movistar, and Personal (approx. $2–$5 USD)

📶 Coverage is good in cities and towns, but patchy or unavailable in remote rural areas or national parks.

📱 eSIM is also available from some providers (check compatibility before travel).

🔋 Tip: Bring a portable power bank to stay charged during long cycling days.

Argentina's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and I (three flat pins) – 220V, 50HzV, 50Hz