Day 1

Arrival in Salta

Welcome to Argentina. You arrive in Salta, at the foot of the eastern Andes. This elegant city in northern Argentina has preserved remarkable colonial architecture. As you walk around the Cabildo, the cathedral or the San Francisco church, you already feel the Andean atmosphere. This first evening allows you to acclimatise before entering the vast landscapes of northwestern Argentina. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Salta - Iruya

You take Route 9 heading north. The first winding sections immediately set the rhythm. The Quebrada de Humahuaca reveals its colourful landscapes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Further on, a 50 km track leads you to the Condor Pass at 4,000 m. The altitude makes itself felt and the landscape opens up. You reach Iruya, a village perched on the mountainside. A true sense of isolation. Overnight on site.

290 km

Day 3

Iruya - Cusi Cusi

If you set off early, you may spot condors soaring above the canyon. You then ride towards the Bolivian border. The altiplano unfolds, mineral, vast and silent. At 3,800 m, Cusi Cusi marks the entrance to the “Valley of the Moon”. You explore an almost unreal landscape, between sculpted rock formations and the dry high altitude light. Simple overnight stay, close to local life.

240 km

Day 4

Cusi Cusi - Humahuaca

You join the legendary Route 40 via a scenic track before returning to asphalt. Vast open spaces dominate. After a break in Abra Pampa, you descend towards Humahuaca. You discover its cobbled streets and colonial heritage. A more relaxed stage, ideal for recovery after the high altitude tracks.

240 km

Day 5

Humahuaca - Purmamarca

You climb towards the Mirador del Hornocal. One hour of track takes you up to 4,350 m facing the Mountain of 14 Colours. The light shifts and the mineral layers appear clearly. Back on Route 9, you stop at the Pucará de Tilcara, a pre Columbian site overlooking the valley. You end the day in Purmamarca.

120 km

Day 6

Purmamarca - San Antonio de los Cobres

You cross the Cuesta de Lipán at 4,170 m before reaching the Salinas Grandes. Riding across this vast white expanse offers a rare sense of freedom. After Susques, you rejoin Route 40 and head onto a wide desert plateau above 4,500 m. The Tuzgle volcano accompanies your journey. Overnight in San Antonio de los Cobres.

260 km

Day 7

San Antonio de los Cobres - Cachi

You continue along Route 40 to the Abra del Acay pass at 4,850 m, the highest point of the journey. The horizon stretches endlessly. The descent of more than 100 km requires precision and focus. You reach Cachi in the late afternoon after an intense and demanding day.

145 km

Day 8

Cachi

You take time to explore Cachi and the Calchaquí Valley. Colonial architecture, archaeological museum, high altitude vineyards, the atmosphere is peaceful. A quieter day to recover before the next stages.

Day 9

Cachi - Cafayate

You ride along Los Cardones National Park before taking a track towards the Brealito lagoon. The landscapes rise around you, shaped by wind and time. You then reach Cafayate, the wine capital of northern Argentina. A balanced stage between riding and discovery.

200 km

Day 10

Cafayate - Andalgalá

You visit the Quilmes ruins, a testament to a pre Hispanic civilisation. Further on, the Capillitas mine reveals rhodochrosite, the emblematic stone of the region. A winding 45 km track leads you to Andalgalá. The terrain varies and the riding remains demanding.

230 km

Day 11

Andalgalá - Tafí del Valle

You tackle the Chilca track, clinging to the mountainside with views over the Catamarca desert. The landscapes change dramatically as you cross Aconquija National Park. The mountains turn greener and the bends follow one another. A technical and contrasting stage all the way to Tafí del Valle.

220 km

Day 12

Tafí del Valle - Salta

You reach Cafayate and then cross the Quebrada de Las Conchas. The canyon reveals spectacular rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion. The colours change with the light. You return to Salta at the end of the day. Last night in Argentina.

310 km

Day 13

Departure from Salta

Depending on your schedule, you enjoy Salta a little longer before the transfer to the airport. You leave with the full experience of northwestern Argentina, altitude, tracks, Andean culture and Route 40.