Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta

Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta

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13 Days From

$6300

Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta

13 Days Starting in San Pedro de Atacama and ending in Salta

Visiting: Argentina, Chile

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MAQ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate & Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $6300

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This cycling adventure takes us on a journey through a part of the world that resembles no other. Starting in the popular town of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, and finishing in Salta la Linda, Argentina, we take many roads with very little traffic and no other cyclists. This once-in-a-lifetime journey includes cycling through salt flats, ravines, a serpentine road through a rainforest and in the driest desert in the world.

Highlights

  • Cycle through a desert, ravines and a rainforest

  • Visit two South American countries

  • Enjoy excursions to salt flats and the Tatio geysers

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start San Pedro De Atacama; Transfer To Hotel

The adventure begins in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. We check into our hotel and have a welcome briefing this evening, a good chance to meet the group and ask any questions you may have.



Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)

Day 2 : Cycle To The Valley Of The Moon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we get on our bikes for the first time and go on an acclimatisation ride. We depart the town of San Pedro and cycle to the Valley of the Moon. Here you feel as if you have landed on another planet, it is often compared to Mars with its red rock formations and dunes. Afterwards, we cycle to salt caves, before returning to San Pedro.



Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)

Day 3 : Visit El Tatio Geysers; Afternoon Ride To San Isidro's Chapel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have a very early start as we depart our hotel and set off towards the impressive Tatio Geysers, the third largest geyser fields in the world and the largest in the southern hemisphere. They are located at 13,125ft (4,000m) above sea level. Departing early gives us an opportunity to watch sunrise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world. On arrival, we enjoy breakfast in this beautiful setting, providing us the perfect way to warm up. On our return to San Pedro, we see beautiful sites and stop in the village of Machuca, an Atacameño village of 20 houses built from clay, straw and cactus wood. We head back to town in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we have a short ride to San Isidro’s Chapel, stopping along the way at well-known landmarks, including a winding canyon known as Devil’s Throat.



Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)

Day 4 : Cross Border Into Argentina; Cycle Alongside Jama Salt Flats; Transfer To Susques

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a long travel day, so we rise early to say goodbye to Chile and cross via the Jama Pass (14,025ft/4,275m) into Argentina (approximately 2hr 30min). We stop along the way at viewpoints to stretch our legs and take photos, including a pause at lagoons in Los Flamencos National Reserve. Once we clear immigration, we continue our transfer to the town of Jama (approximately 2hr 30min). In Jama, we have lunch before we get on our bikes and cycle alongside the Jama salt flats. We then have another transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to Susques, our destination for the night.



Accommodation: Hotel Pastos Chicos (or similar)

Day 5 : Transfer To Salinas Grandes; Scenic Picnic Lunch; Downhill Ride To The Humahuaca Gorge And The Hill Of Seven Colours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Departing Susques, we transfer (approximately one hour) to the small community of Cerro Negro. We unload the bikes and cycle towards the Salinas Grandes saltpans. Here, we can ride on salt before stopping for our picnic lunch. After lunch, we have a short transfer to the viewpoint of Abra de Potrerillos (13,680ft/4,170m). From here, we enjoy a fast, downhill ride with amazing views of coloured hills and rock formations until we arrive at the Hill of Seven Colours. After taking photos, we have a short ride to our hotel just outside the town of Purmamarca.



Accommodation: Casa de Adobe Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 : Transfer To El Carmen; Cycle Through Rainforest; Transfer To Salta

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We start the morning with a transfer (approximately one hour) to the small town of El Carmen. Today’s ride feels completely different as we cycle on a paved road through a rainforest heading south towards Salta. This route joins the two main cities in the province, Salta and Jujuy, and is one of the most spectacular cycling stages we encounter: a serpentine road with lush rainforest on either side. We stop for a picnic lunch near the town of La Caldera before boarding a transfer to our destination for the next two nights, the beautiful city of Salta.



Accommodation: Design Suites Salta (or similar)

Day 7 : Free Day In Salta

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend today at leisure and enjoy exploring beautiful Salta. We recommend visiting the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) in the town centre, where you can see one of three mummified children from the Inca civilisation, who were sacrificed at the Llullaillaco Volcano. Please ask your tour leader to organise your visit. We can also arrange a bird-watching trip to Finca Cielo Verde.



Accommodation: Design Suites Salta (or similar)

Day 8 : Transfer To Abandoned Train Station; Cycle Along The Conchas River

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Following breakfast, we transfer (approximately two hours) to the abandoned Alemania village and train station. After exploring, we get on our bikes and cycle along the Conchas River. We pass many interesting rock formations, with names such as the Amphitheatre and Devil’s Throat. Today is our longest ride but we end in the tranquil wine-producing town of Cafayate.



Accommodation: Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (or similar)

Day 9 : Cycle To The Sacred City Of Quilmes; Guided Tour And Transfer Back

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we cycle towards the Sacred City of Quilmes. These are Calchaquí ruins, from an indigenous community that once lived among the Calchaquí mountain range. It is considered the largest pre-Columbian settlement in Argentina. We have a guided tour of the ruins before lunch and then a transfer (approximately one hour) back to Cafayate. En route, we stop at Las Arcas de Tolombon Winery for a wine tasting.



Accommodation: Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (or similar)

Day 10 : Ride To The Calchaqui Valley; Transfer To Molinos Passing The Valley Of Arrows

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we cycle towards the Calchaqui Valley passing through the old town of San Carlos, one of the oldest towns in Argentina. After lunch, we take a transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to Molinos with stops at the best locations to get great photos. Everywhere you look you will see horizontal rock formations that appear to have been fired at Earth from space. We also pass a few sleepy small towns and hamlets along the way.



Accommodation: Hacienda de Molinos Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 : Cycle Using The Old National Route 40 To Cachi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we cycle straight from our hotel and head on the old National Route 40 to Seclantas. This is a very scenic route alongside the Calchaquí River. When we arrive at El Colte, we stop and appreciate art produced by loom weavers. Afterwards, we carry on cycling until we arrive at our hotel for the night.



Accommodation: El Cortijo Hotel Boutique (or similar)

Day 12 : Cycle In Los Cardones National Park; Downhill Stage Along Bishop's Slope; Final Transfer To Salta

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

For our final day of cycling, we have a short transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our starting point in Los Cardones National Park. The name comes from the hundreds of cardon grande cacti growing throughout the park. From here, we have our final biking stage, downhill along the mesmerising Bishop’s Slope. The last leg of our journey is completed with a transfer back to Salta.



Accommodation: Design Suites Salta (or similar)

Day 13 : End Salta

Meals Included: Breakfast

The adventure draws to a close today and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and nine lunches

  • 12 nights hotels

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Local bike hire

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation

  • E-bike hire

Accommodation

We spend 12 nights in a range of hotels along the route, breakfasts are included each day. Accommodation has been chosen to suit our group size and requirements. They are all cyclist friendly and strategically located for the best cycling routes possible along our Chile to Argentina route.



Worth Knowing



We will provide twin rooms (two beds) for non-couples and, while we cannot always guarantee, double rooms (one shared bed, as available) for couples. Please request preferred room type at the time of booking.

We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip for a supplement (subject to availability). Please ask your sales representative for details.

Food

All breakfasts and nine lunches are included.



Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets, and lunches are either at convenient restaurant stops during our rides or packed lunches. There is a variety of tasty food on offer in the hotels and local restaurants for the evening meals that are not included in the price of the trip. Chile and Argentina traditionally have a lot of meat dishes in their cuisine; however, vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please ensure you advise us of any dietary requirements before you travel so we can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 years old people can go on this tour.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    British, most European and most other nationalities, including Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders, do not require visas. All other nationalities should contact the nearest Chilean Embassy if in doubt.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes,Airport transfers (if booking incl. flights)

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Cycling in Chile & Argentina

This was the one of the best cycling trips we’ve done and couldn’t recommend it more highly. There was so much contrast and diversity in the landscapes and terrain each day! No 2 days were the same! From high plateaus, salt flats, rainforest, rocky landscapes, river valleys, great tarmac roads and gravel tracks .... it was just breathtaking! Much of the trip was at significant altitude but the itinerary allows for appropriate acclimatisation. The whole team were great and the organisation from behind scenes was superb- especially the coffee stops and picnics!

Excellent Trip

Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The experienced guide, Ale, and helper, Claudio, bent over backwards to be helpful and hospitable throughout. Spectacular scenery. Great accommodation (except to start with in in Chile but we understand they won't be using Our Habitas again). Food (steaks!) to die for!

A fantastic trip!

We've just returned from one of our best cycling trips. The scenery was amazing and varied so much day to day - Martian landscapes, amazing rock formations, geysers, salt flats and cacti. It's hard to single out anything in particular as being a favourite because it was all stunning. The descents were magnificent too. The team were brilliant, sociable, informative and provided wonderful snacks and lunches. Riding at altitude is challenging but we expected that and the itinerary allows for appropriate acclimatisation. The only thing we hadn't realised was quite how cold it would be at 4,000+ metres! I can't recommend the trip highly enough.

Smiling in Atacama

This trip was absolutely fantastic, I really didn't want it to end. The scenery was jaw dropping with different views and a different cycling experience every day. It's hard to single out anything in particular that stands out because it was all stunning. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Brilliant variety of rides. Best trip ever!

Such a variety of cycling through such a variety of landscapes. Some of the best days riding we’ve ever done.

Fantastic scenery

Great riding, fantastic scenery and superb support staff.

An exhilarating and thought provoking trip

An action-packed journey through spectacular Andean scenery with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.

A fantastic trip with incredible varied sceneries

The trip is incredible. The scenery varies every day and you'll ride on all possible terrains: sand, rock, gravel, tarmac and every day offers a lot of fun. The landscape of the Moon Valley in Chile is surreal and the Tatio geyser excursion is a stunning experience. Chile and Argentina are lovely countries; the areas visited still haven't been reached by mass tourism and you barely see any other tourists while travelling.

Cycling in the desert

A fantastic trip, cycling with a great group of people, through some amazing scenery in Chile and Argentina. I enjoyed all of the rides although a few were tough in the dry heat at 4000 metres. Plenty of support from our tour guides Ale Moreiras and Claudio Sanuy who were happy and cheerful and helped us to navigate through any problems.

Spectacular landscape cycling adventure

A thoroughly enjoyable and amazing experience involving some of the most varied and awe-inspiring scenery within Northern Chile and Argentina. We felt that this trip was a cost effective and immersive way of enjoying the scenery. I would re-iterate a previous comment that although the distances often don't appear that long the combination of altitude, heat, road surface and transfers made for long and tiring days. As a result of our group size a number of the hotels were changed, notwithstanding this we were generally disappointed with the standard and cleanliness of the hotels we stayed in bar a few notable exceptions. Despite the more negatives aspects we have outlined we would definitely recommend the trip as the experience more than overcame any downside.

Read all 10 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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