Itinerary - Argentina

Andes to Salt Flats

Day 1: Arrive Salta 

Your redspokes North Argentina tour begins in Salta. You will be met at Salta International Airport and transferred to our joining hotel. Once you have checked in we will have group introductions, a bike fitting, and a chat about the tour. The city is known as ‘the beautiful Salta’ for its colonial architecture, balmy weather and scenic natural surroundings, this evening we can enjoy a walking tour through our vibrant surroundings.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Salta to Cachi

Departure from Salta on a van, transfer of 2-3 hours up to a viewpoint called Los Artesanos, where we will start cycling along Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop Hill) up to Cachi village. We will have some wonderful viewpoints such as Piedra del Molino (“Millstone”) and Los Ojos del Cóndor (“The Condor Eyes”) - we will hopefully see one or more condors! We’ll go on cycling along La Recta de Tin Tin (The straight line of Tin Tin), visiting Los Cardones National Park and then another panoramic  viewpoint, “Mirador del Camino del Inca” (viewpoint of the Incas’ Route) and then final cycle to Cachi, a small white‑washed village, framed by Andean peaks and known for its night skies so clear you can easily spot the Milky Way.  An overnight stay in a pleasant northern typical hotel.

Cycle Distance: 58 km paved road
Ascent Cycle: 272 m; Descent Cycle  1,164 m
Accommodation: Hotel (B/L)

Day 3: Cachi to Seclantas

After breakfast, we’ll cycle along the legendary Ruta Nacional 40, also known as “La Ruta de los Artesanos.” Along the way, we’ll stop at El Colte, where local weavers display their looms and time‑honored techniques right beside the road—a living tradition passed down through generations. From there, it’s a gentle, wavy ride to Seclantás (starting altitude: 2,531 m; arrival: 2,100 m), with almost no steep climbs. For those who’d like to stretch their legs further, there’s an optional trek to the Cuevas de Acsibi. We’ll end the day at a charming rural hotel, perfectly placed to soak up the valley’s peaceful atmosphere.

Cycle Distance: 33km gravel road 
Ascent Cycle: 354m; Descent Cycle 538m
Accommodation: Hotel (B/L) 

 Day 4: Seclantas to Angastaco

We will have an early breakfast and then begin cycling along a long road taking in the small villages and vastness of the landscape along the way.  We go back on our steps for a few kms to Seclantás little village and, from there along a very picturesque road towards Angastaco. The aridity of the land
and the small villages give a vast framework to the landscape. Accommodation in the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys. Our cycling will end near Angastaco, which intrigiuingly translates as ‘Eagle of the Carob Tree’

Cycle Distance: 62km gravel road  
Ascent Cycle: 735m; Descent Cycle 947m
Accommodation: Hotel  (B,L)

Day 5: Angastaco - Cafayate

After breakfast, we start cycling, stopping at different points of interest with beautiful views of the formidable scenery of "La Quebrada de las Flechas" (The Arrows Ravine), up to the ancient Nuestra Señora de la Merced Chapel. There we will have a coffee stop and continue our cycle south of the Calchaquí Valley, visiting the small, ancient village of San Carlos (the second oldest village in Argentina and a place of Spanish resistance in the wars for independence). An undulating gravel road with a few slopes  brings us to our lodging and dinner in a tranquil place.

Cycle Distance: 75km  45 paved road + 30 gravel road
Ascent Cycle: 492m; Descent Cycle 761m
Accommodation: Hotel  (B,L)

 Day 6: Cafayate area: Sacred Valley of The Quilmes 

Breakfast and we cycle southwards up to the Sacred City of The Quilmes (a monumental archaeological site). Guided tour, in collaboration with the indiegenous community of Quilmes, then lunch and a return by vehicle.  We return to the same lodgings as the previous night. 

Cycle Distance: 54km 47 paved road + 7 gravel road 
Ascent Cycle: 394m; Descent Cycle: 165m
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)

Day 7: Cafayate to Salta

After breakfast and a short transfer, we set off on an unforgettable ride through the spectacular Las Conchas River Valley. As we cycle through this dramatic landscape, we’ll pass some of the region’s most iconic rock formations – including La Yesera, the towering natural walls of El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheatre), and the mysterious Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat).

Our journey ends at the atmospheric, long-abandoned Alemania railway station – a quiet relic of the past nestled in the wilderness. From here, we transfer back to Salta and return to the comfort of the downtown hotel we enjoyed earlier in the tour.

Cycle Distance: 62km paved road 
Ascent Cycle: 362m: Descent Cycle: 707m
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)

Day 8: Rest Day in Salta

Today we have a day off the bikes on redspokes North Argentina tour. There is plenty to enjoy in Salta, from colonial architecture to beautiful natural landscapes.  Moving in a clockwise direction around the 9th July Square you will find neo-classical Cathedral Basilica de Salta, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Cabildo (former city town hall, now a museum) and the neoclassical Museum of High Mountain Archaeology, which houses Inca artefacts including 500 year old Incan Ice children.  Within walking distance of the Square is Saint Francis Church and the city's three pedestrian streets:  Alberdi,  Florida  and Caseros. 

For those of you who enjoy hiking you can explore an old Inca Trail or we can offer an excursion to a family farm. Salta has a cable car which offers splendid views of the city or you can climb over 1000 steps up San Bernardo Hill for spectacular views of the city and the entire valley.

The three blocks in Balcarce Street to the train station are now the centre of night life in Salta, with restaurants, pubs and cafés on both sidewalks and concerts every night. You could spend the evening at a traditional Peña (folk concert). Regional music features guitars, sheepskin drums, violins, and of course local gauchos (cowboys) you can even participate, clapping along to the criolla music, a mix of Spanish and indigenous styles and a part of daily life here. 

Accommodation: Hotel (B)

Day 9: Salta to Tilcara

After breakfast, we begin a scenic transfer lasting around three to three and a half hours as we make our way to Tilcara. Once there, we’ll experience the unique atmosphere of the Pucará de Tilcara, an extraordinary archaeological site built by the Tilcaras, the earliest known indigenous inhabitants of the region. Set at a strategic vantage point above the Humahuaca Ravine, the site offers both historical insight and stunning views that evoke a deep sense of connection to the past. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and settle into a welcoming lodge surrounded by the serene beauty of the surrounding hills.

 Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)

 Day 10: Tilcara to Purmamarca 

Today we visit one of Argentina’s most breathtaking and colourful natural wonders – the Hornocal. Be sure to have your camera ready for some spectacular photo opportunities!

After breakfast, we’ll transfer by vehicle (1.5 hours) to reach the Hornocal viewpoint. From here, we’ll set off on a scenic 2.5-hour trek through this stunning landscape.

Following the hike, enjoy a thrilling downhill ride by bike all the way to Humahuaca village, continuing onward to the charming town of Uquía.

We’ll then transfer by vehicle to Purmamarca, where you can relax and take in the vibrant mountain scenery. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant in the heart of town, and we’ll spend the night in a hotel surrounded by the region’s iconic colourful hills.

Cycle Distance: 36km 24 gravel road + 12  paved road 
Ascent Cycle: 376m ; Descent Cycle: 1,553m
Accommodation: Hotel  (B,L)

Day 11: Purmamarca:  Salt flats and the Lipan Steep

After another early breakfast we transfer to the famous Salinas Grandes (The Big Salt Plain) a 12 hectare dried out saltwater lake on the Puna.  We cycle through a seemingly infinite sea of salt framed by a strikingly contrasting blue sky. We will have a picnic lunch at the heart of the salt flat, then transfer by vehicle for a while before we begin a dramatic cycle down the Lipan Steep which drops from 4200m to 2200m over 30km to reach Purmamarca. We’ll return to the same hotel as the previous night to relax and reflect on a spectacular day.

Cycle Distance: 40km 6 on salt + 34km paved downhill 
Ascent Cycle: 16m; Descent Cycle: 1,856m
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)

Day 12: Purmamarca to Termas de Reyes

We begin this morning with a vehicle transfer to avoid busy roads. From Yala we set off on the bikes cycling to the Yala Lagoon in the Potrero de Yala Provincial reserve area. The lagoons comprise of six lakes which are a habitat to many species of bird and other wildlife.  We ride on to Termas de Reyes hot springs. They are known as 'Springs of Kings' because indigenous chiefs travelled here to bathe in the mineral rich waters which were believed to have magical properties. 

Cycle Distance: 30km 25 gravel road and 5 paved road  
Ascent Cycle: 1,012m; Descent Cycle:683m
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L)

Day 13: Termas de Reyes to Salta

Today’s adventure returns us to Salta via one of the region’s most exciting cycling routes – a narrow cornice path winding through dense jungle. We begin with a transfer to the small village of El Carmen, close to the start of El Camino de la Cornisa (The Edge Route) – a paved, single-track road less than four metres wide that threads its way through the lush rainforest. We’ll follow this winding trail southward, enjoying dramatic views and the thrill of riding through such unique terrain. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant near the village of La Caldera, before transferring by vehicle to Salta. Tonight’s accommodation is once again at our familiar downtown Salta hotel. We will celebrate the end of the tour and our achievements with a farewell dinner together. 

Cycle Distance: 45 km paved road

Ascent Cycle: 564m;  Descent Cycle:355m

Accommodation: Hotel (B,L, D)

Day 14: End of our tour of North Argentina

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Salta Airport for your flight home. As we say goodbye to the vibrant landscapes and rich culture of northwest Argentina, we hope you leave with lasting memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for this remarkable corner of the world. 

Note: distances in kilometers for cycling are approximate and are not mandatory as there will be a support vehicle with you at all times.