Across the Andes.
This 7th section begins in Salta with its stunning colonial architecture and friendly roadside cafes. Spinning out of town, the cyclists will find themselves pedalling through the picturesque Valles Calchaquies, passing by small villages and weaver’s workshops. A rest day in the town of Cafayate allows the riders time to explore the red rocks of the Quebrada de las Conchas and the Garganta del Diablo as well as local wineries like Finca Las Nubes which specializes in the Torrontés varietal. Heading south on historic Ruta 40 the landscape shifts from Triassic badlands to mountainsides striped with rocks of green, yellow, red, brown, purple, white and pink.
Recreational, Road bike, Mountain bike
19 days
1590 km / 988 mi
$ 5,250.-
Red rock formation of the Calchaqui Valleys
San Juan – Argentina’s 2nd city of wine production
Cross the Andes into Chile
Exploring Santiago, Chile’s capital city backdropped by the high Andes
Deposit $170.- pp.
Gallery
Details
Type
Recreational, Road bike, Mountain bike
Duration
19 days
Level
Easy = untrained, normal physical condition Moderate = regular cyclist, good condition Challenging = experienced, well trained
Challenging
Support
Guided = with cycling guide(s) - support van Self Guided = individual - directions+maps
Guided
Daily distance
100-120 km / 62-75 mi
Total distance
1590 km / 988 mi
Lodging
Deluxe = 4-5 star hotel or excellent B&B Basic = 1-2 star hotel/motel or B&B Camping = tent, sports hall or campus
Camping, full board
Luggage transport
Daily luggage transfers
Bicycle
Not included
Dates
11 Oct 2024 - 28 Oct 2024
Limited space available
Start
Salta, Argentina
Finish
Santiago, Chile
Airport at start
Salta, Martín Miguel de Güemes SLA
Airport at finish
Santiago SCL
Prices *Please note the prices are subject to change depending availability*
Price per person / please note the prices are subject to change depending availability
Across the Andes.
This section begins in Salta with its stunning colonial architecture and friendly roadside cafes. Spinning out of town, the cyclists will find themselves pedalling through the picturesque Valles Calchaquies, passing by small villages and weaver’s workshops. A rest day in the town of Cafayate allows the riders time to explore the red rocks of the Quebrada de las Conchas and the Garganta del Diablo as well as local wineries like Finca Las Nubes which specializes in the Torrontés varietal. Heading south on historic Ruta 40 the landscape shifts from Triassic badlands to mountainsides striped with rocks of green, yellow, red, brown, purple, white and pink.
The route continues south, weaving through the Valle Calchaquí, past dry riverbeds and scrubland with views of far-off, snow-covered mountains. Refreshments are available in the picturesque tiny village of Hualfin, surrounded by red rock walls. Approaching Belén, known as one of the best places to purchase a poncho, the scenery changes as the riders enter the Quebrada del Complejo Termal, a red sandstone gorge formed through geothermal activity. The views are spectacular as the road follows a valley flanked on the west by the Sierra de Famatina range and to the east by the Sierra de Velasco. This is one of the highest areas of the Andes with some mountains reaching up to 6,000 m above sea level. Next up is the Wild West mining town of Chilecito surrounded by a sea of cardon cacti.
The route now bends to the west and passes through a spectacular gorge, the Cuesta de Miranda, on the way to the city of Villa Union. Beautifully situated amidst the intense red mountain ranges of the Sierra de Famatina and the Sierra de Maíz, it is famous for delicacies like Vino Patero (foot-stepping wine) and dried fruits. Dry, hilly landscapes dominate the next stretch with the oasis town of San José de Jáchal providing a welcome break. The road passes through San Juan, the provincial capital and site of a 1944 earthquake that killed more than 10,000 people, and skirts the sand desert near Lavalle, the only desert or that kind in South America. Before long the famous vineyards of Mendoza begin to appear.
After a rest day sampling a glass or two of Mendoza’s famous Malbec, the cyclists will spin west towards the Andes. The road climbs up to almost 4000 m in the shadow of Cerro Aconcagua, at 6922 m, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. This is wild high country and the riders can expect gusting winds, chilly temperatures and, if clear, incredible views. The border crossing into Chile, one of the highest in the world, is at 3200 m. Once across the pass the cyclists will enjoy a twisting ride down the other side of the mountain range on a series of switchbacks, keeping an eye out for the area’s soaring condors. A couple stages later, the riders will pedal into the country’s capital Santiago with its 19th century neo-classical architecture and winding side streets.
* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.
Level: challenging
Longer days, harsher environments (temperature, winds) and terrain (rough dirt, gravel roads at times, more significant climbing) become a larger factor. More surprises await you.
Included:
Accommodation the night before first cycling day and the night of last cycling day are included in entry fee.
9 nights hotels, double occupancy rooms on hotel nights, we pair each rider with others of same gender
10 Nights of camping, bring your own camping gear
Most dinners, Most breakfasts, All roadside lunches, Afternoon soup on riding days
Experienced chef
Vehicle to carry your bags
Experienced tour leader
Sweep rider
Security as needed
Bike mechanic
Medic
Local support
Pre-tour information bulletitins
Pre-tour rider discussion forum
Not included:
Bring your own bike, For this section, we recommend a touring bike with 45-50c tires.
Airfare to and from the tour
Gratuity guides
We advise booking at least 1 additional night at tour accommodation before the tour, to be able to attend rider briefing and have assistance from tour bike mechanic in setting up your bike.
Map & Routes
Map
Satellite
Bicycle
For this section, we recommend a mountain or touring bike with 45-50c tires.
For more information see PDF file below
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