Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta

Depart London

Day 2

Those on our group flights will arrive to Calama airport today, after
connecting in Santiago de Chile. There will be a group transfer from the
airport to our start hotel in the nearby town of San Pedro. For those people
who have booked Land Only and made their own travel arrangements, you are
welcome to meet the group transfer should you wish (and have informed us in
advance). Otherwise the meeting point is at the start hotel in San Pedro
anytime in the afternoon/evening.

*Accommodation: Hotel Altiplanico or similar*

Day 3

This morning we get on our bikes for the first time and go on an
acclimatisation ride. We will depart the town of San Pedro and cycle to the
Valley of the Moon. Here you will feel as if you have landed on another
planet, as it is often compared to Mars due to its red coloured rock
formations and dunes. Afterwards we will ride a bit further to visit some
salt caves, before heading back a different way to San Pedro town.

*Accommodation*: Hotel Altiplanico or similar

Day 4

Today is a very early start as we depart our hotel in San Pedro 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 4000
meters above sea level. Departing early gives us an opportunity to watch the
sunrise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world. On
arrival we will enjoy breakfast in this beautiful setting, providing us with
the perfect way to warm up.  On our way back to San Pedro we will see
beautiful sites and stop off in the Village of Machuca, an atacameño
village of 20 houses which are built from clay, straw and cactus wood. We
will head back to town in time for lunch, before a short ride scheduled in
the afternoon. Departing in the afternoon to San Isidro’s Chapel, stopping
along the way at famous landmarks like the Devil’s Throat. 

*Accommodation*: Hotel Altiplanico or similar

Day 5

Today is a long travel day so we will get up early in order to say goodbye to
Chile and cross into Argentina (approx. 2.5 hours), via the Jama Pass
(4275m). We will be making some stops at viewpoints to stretch our legs and
take some photos during the journey, including some lagoons in Los
Flamencos Reserve. Once we clear immigration, we will continue our transfer
to the town of Jama (approx. 2.5 hours). In Jama we will have lunch before
getting on our bikes and cycle alongside the Jama Salt Flats. Then we have
another transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to our destination for the night,
Susques*.*

*Accommodation*: *Hotel Pastos Chicos or similar*

Day 6

Departing Susques, we transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the small community of
Cerro Negro. Here we will unload the bikes and start cycling towards the
Salinas Grandes Salt Pans. Here you will have the opportunity to experience
riding on salt before making a stop for our picnic lunch. Afterwards we will
transfer to the viewpoint of Abra de Potrerillos (4170m). From there we will
then enjoy a fast-downhill ride with amazing views of the surrounding
coloured hills and rock formations until we arrive at the famous Hill of
Seven Colours. From here we have a short ride to our hotel located just
outside the town of Purmamarca.

*Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Adobe or similar*

Day 7

We start the morning with a transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the small town of El
Carmen. Today’s ride will feel completely different as we cycle through a
rainforest on a paved road heading south towards Salta. This was the route
that joined the two main cities in the province, Salta and Jujuy. This is one
of the most spectacular cycling stages as you will encounter a
serpentine road surrounded by lush rainforest on either side of the road. We
will stop for a picnic lunch near the town of La Caldera before boarding a
transfer to our destination for the next 2 nights, the beautiful city of
Salta.

*Accommodation*: *Hotel Design Suites or similar*

Day 8

Spend today at leisure and enjoy exploring beautiful Salta. We recommend you
visit the high mountain archaeological museum (MAAM), located in the centre
of town. Here you will find three mummies of children from the Inca
civilization, who were sacrificed at the Llullaillaco Volcano. Only one of
the mummies is on display at any one time, as they are changed every 6
months. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it. We
can also organise a bird watching trip to Finco Cielo Verde.

*Accommodation: Hotel Design Suites or similar*

Day 9

Following breakfast, we transfer (approx. 1 hour), to the abandoned Alemania
village and train station. After exploring this fascinating village, we will
get on our bikes and start cycling along the Conchas River. We will pass many
interesting rock formations which have over the years received names like the
Amphitheatre and the Devil’s Throat. Today is our longest ride but we end
in the tranquil town of Cafayate, which is renowned for its wine
production.  

*Accommodation: Grace Cafayate or similar*

Day 10

This morning we cycle towards the Sacred City of Quilmes. These are
Calchaquí native ruins, from a tribe who once lived amongst the Calchaquí
mountain range. It is considered as the largest pre-Colombian settlement in
Argentina. We will have a guided tour of the ruins before having lunch and
then transfer (approx. 1 hour) back to Cafayate. On route we will stop at Las
Arcas de Tolombon Winery for some wine tasting.

*Accommodation: Grace Cafayate or similar*

Day 11

After breakfast we set off on our bikes towards the Calchaqui Valley passing
through the old town of San Carlos.  This is one of the oldest towns in
Argentina. After lunch we will take a transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to
Molinos but will be stopping off at the best locations to get great photos.
Everywhere you look you will see horizontal rock formations which look like
they have been fired at Earth from space. We will pass a few sleepy small
towns and hamlets along the way. 

*Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda de Molinos or similar*

Day 12

After breakfast we will start cycling straight from our hotel and head on the
old National Route 40 to Seclantas. This is a very scenic route as we will be
cycling along the Calchaquí River. When we arrive to El Colte, we will stop
and appreciate some of the art displayed by the side of the path produced by
loom weavers. Afterwards we will carry on cycling until we arrive at our
hotel for the night.

*Accommodation: El Cortijo Hotel or similar*

Day 13

For our final day of cycling we will have a short transfer (approx. 30
minutes) to our starting point in Los Cardones National Park. The name comes
from the hundreds of cardon grande cactus which are everywhere throughout
the park. From here we will 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: Hotel Design Suites or similar*

Day 14

On our final morning, we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to
Buenos Aires. We will arrive in time for the evening flight to London. If not
travelling on the international group flight, please be aware that you will
probably not be back in Buenos Aires until after 15:00. The land only portion
of the trip ends at Salta airport.

Day 15

Arrive London