Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta 13D12N (Salt Flats, Rainforest & Desert), Fully Guided

Your Chilean odyssey begins in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, a vibrant hub nestled within the world's driest desert. As dusk settles around 6 pm, you will have the pleasure of meeting your tour leader and fellow adventurers for the first time. During this welcome gathering, we will share introductions and look ahead to the incredible journey that awaits. Following this, your tour leader will extend a warm Chilean welcome as you indulge in a group dinner, a perfect opportunity to forge new friendships.

Today is a day of arrival and anticipation; there is no cycling planned, allowing you ample time to settle in and rest before our two-wheeled exploration begins tomorrow. Should you wish to immerse yourself further in the unique charms of San Pedro before the tour officially commences, additional pre-tour hotel nights can be arranged, please contact us.

Nestled in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll stay at Hotel Pascual Andino, offering an intimate escape, where rustic elegance meets desert charm in its seven exclusive rooms. Here, you can unwind in the tranquil courtyard, seek serenity with a revitalizing massage, or refresh your spirit in the cool waters of the swimming pool after a day of exploration.

Approx. 47km (29miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 530m (1739 ft)

This morning, we mount our bikes for the first time for a gentle acclimatisation ride into the heart of the desert. Leaving the charming town of San Pedro behind, we will pedal our way towards the ethereal landscapes of the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna). As we enter this geological wonder, you'll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to another planet; the valley is renowned for its otherworldly lunar-like terrain, with striking red rock formations, towering sand dunes, and salt-encrusted caves that create a scene often compared to the surface of Mars.

After immersing ourselves in this unique environment, you will have the option to extend your exploration by cycling towards El Mirador de Ckari. This viewpoint, located near the famous Piedra del Coyote (Coyote Stone), offers breathtaking panoramic vistas over the Salt Mountain Range and the vast desert plains below. Having soaked in the views, we will cycle back to the comfort of our hotel in San Pedro.

Approx. 23km (14 miles), 2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 235m (771ft)

An early start awaits as we depart from our hotel, journeying towards the magnificent El Tatio Geysers. As the third-largest geyser field in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, this remarkable landscape sits at an altitude of 13,125ft (4,000m). Our pre-dawn departure ensures we arrive in time to witness a spectacular sunrise over one of the planet's most significant geothermal fields, watching as towering columns of steam dance in the crisp morning air. Here, in this breathtaking setting, we will pause for a delightful breakfast, allowing the warmth of our meal and the surrounding beauty to envelop you.

Our return journey to San Pedro offers its own collection of beautiful sights. We will stop in the village of Machuca, a traditional Atacameño settlement where just 20 houses, crafted from clay, straw, and cactus wood, offer a glimpse into the region's ancestral heritage. After returning to town for lunch, the afternoon invites a short, scenic ride to San Isidro’s Chapel, a simple yet beautiful adobe church. Along the way, we will pause at notable landmarks, including the dramatic, winding canyon known as Devil’s Throat, before cycling back to our hotel.

Approx. 35km (22 miles), 2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 45m (148 ft)

Today, we bid farewell to Chile and embark on a grand journey into Argentina. Rising early, we make our way towards the Jama Pass, a dramatic high-altitude crossing at 14,025 feet (4,275m). The scenic drive, lasting approximately two and a half hours, is an adventure in itself, and we'll pause at strategic viewpoints to stretch our legs and capture the breathtaking landscapes with our cameras. One such stop will be at the crystalline lagoons within Los Flamencos National Reserve, a protected sanctuary famed for its resident flamingo populations and stark, ethereal beauty.

After smoothly navigating the border crossing, we continue our transfer for another two and a half hours until we reach the town of Jama. Here, we'll enjoy a well-deserved lunch before the day's cycling begins. Mount your bike for an unforgettable ride alongside the vast, brilliant-white expanse of the Jama salt flats, a landscape that stretches to the horizon. Following our ride, a final transfer of about an hour and a half will bring us to Susques, a historic high-altitude town that serves as our resting place for the night.

You’ll stay at Hotel Pastos Chicos, nestled in the heart of the Puna de Atacama. Here, you can unwind in comfortable, regionally inspired rooms and savour authentic Andean cuisine at the hotel's restaurant, all while surrounded by the stark, captivating beauty of the high-altitude landscape.

Approx. 71km (44 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 25m (82 ft)

Departing from the historic high-altitude town of Susques, a one-hour transfer brings us to the small community of Cerro Negro. Here, we'll begin our cycle towards the magnificent Salinas Grandes, one of the largest salt flats in Argentina. You'll have the unique opportunity to ride directly on the vast, crystallised surface before we pause for a scenic picnic lunch amid this surreal landscape.

After lunch, a short transfer takes us up to the breathtaking viewpoint of Abra de Potrerillos, situated at an elevation of 4,170 meters (13,680 feet). From this vantage point, we embark on an exhilarating, primarily downhill ride, descending through a landscape painted with incredible views of multi-hued hills and dramatic rock formations. Our ride concludes in the charming village of Purmamarca, nestled at the base of the world-renowned Hill of Seven Colours. An optional track offers a closer look at this spectacular geological marvel before we settle into our lodge for the evening.

Tonight, you will find your haven at Colores de Purmamarca, a hotel where rusticity and comfort harmoniously blend at the foot of the magnificent Hill of Seven Colours. Settle into a tranquil space that offers not just splendid views but also a heated swimming pool and solarium, inviting you to unwind in the heart of this enchanting landscape.

Approx. 28km (45 miles), 2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 564m (1850 ft)

The day begins with an hour-long transfer to the small town of El Carmen, which serves as the starting point for our cycling adventure. Prepare for a stark contrast to previous days as we pedal south towards Salta on a smooth, paved road winding through a verdant rainforest. This scenic route, connecting the provinces of Salta and Jujuy, offers one of the most spectacular cycling stages of our journey, a serpentine road flanked by lush, subtropical vegetation. We'll pause for a delightful picnic lunch near the charming town of La Caldera before a final transfer brings us to our destination for the next two nights: the beautiful colonial city of Salta.

Retire for the evening at the elegant Design Suites Salta, where you can unwind in the heated pool and spa after a long day of cycling. Nestled in a prime location opposite Plaza Belgrano, this hotel offers a tranquil retreat with a sophisticated art gallery and a rooftop bar boasting panoramic views of the city.

Today is yours to spend at leisure, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the enchanting colonial city of Salta. We suggest a visit to the compelling Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM), located in the heart of the city. Here, you will find the remarkably preserved remains of three Inca children, discovered at the summit of the Llullaillaco Volcano, who offer a poignant insight into ancient sacrificial rituals. Should you wish to visit, your tour leader will be happy to assist with the arrangements. Alternatively, for those with a passion for nature, we can arrange a captivating bird-watching excursion to the serene Finca Cielo Verde.

Approx. 58km (36 miles), 4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 670m (2198 ft)

Your day begins with a scenic three-hour transfer to the Los Artesanos viewpoint, the starting point of our cycling adventure. From here, we will begin our ascent up the winding road of Cuesta del Obispo, also known as Bishop’s Hill. As we climb, you will be rewarded with a series of magnificent vistas, including Piedra del Molino (Millstone) and Los Ojos del Cóndor (the Condor’s Eyes), a spectacular viewpoint where we hope to witness the majestic Andean condors soaring on the thermals.

Our journey then continues into the vast, arid landscapes of Los Cardones National Park, a high desert realm dominated by towering candelabra cacti. We will pause at the Mirador del Camino del Inca (the Incas’ Route Viewpoint) to absorb the immense beauty of this ancient trail before concluding our ride in the tranquil, whitewashed village of Cachi.

Your resting place for the evening is the enchanting El Cortijo Hotel Boutique, an oasis of colonial charm nestled in the heart of Cachi. Here, you can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool, indulge in regional delicacies at the on-site restaurant, or simply lose yourself in the breathtaking vistas of the Calchaquí Valleys from the hotel's serene gardens.

Approx. 52km (32 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 355m (1165 ft)

This morning, our journey takes us along the famed RN40, also known as the Artisans’ Route, a path celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. We will cycle to the small village of El Colte, an enclave where local artisans continue the timeless tradition of loom weaving. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness their craft firsthand as they display colourful ponchos, blankets, and tapestries along the roadside. From there, we continue our ride towards the historic town of Molinos, following a gently undulating road that winds through the serene valley landscape.

Our ride concludes at our unique accommodation for the night: Hacienda de Molinos Hotel, a beautifully restored 18th-century hacienda that once served as a home for the last governor of Salta, nestled directly on the ancient Inca route. Indulge in authentic regional cuisine at the hotel's acclaimed restaurant, take a refreshing dip in the serene courtyard pool, or simply unwind with a glass of local wine as you soak in the timeless ambiance of the Calchaquí Valley.

Approx. 45km (28 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 160m (525 ft)

Our day begins with a two-hour transfer to our starting point, the quaint Nuestra Señora de la Merced Chapel, situated just beyond Payogastilla. From here, we will pedal south into the breathtaking expanse of the Calchaquí Valley. Our route covers 17km (10.5 miles) of hard-packed gravel, leading us to San Carlos, the second-oldest village in Argentina, where you can immerse yourself in its colonial history and tranquil atmosphere.

After our visit, the journey continues as we cycle onward to our final destination: an inviting retreat nestled amidst sprawling vineyards at Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort. Here, you can unwind and reflect on the day's rewarding ride in serene comfort. Nestled at the foot of the majestic San Isidro hill, this colonial-style hotel invites you to indulge your senses amidst sprawling vineyards. Here, you can surrender to serenity with a dip in the pool overlooking the Calchaquí Valley, or delight your palate with regional cuisine and the estate's own exquisite wines.

Approx. 56km (35 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 390m (1280 ft)

This morning, we will cycle to the Sacred City of Quilmes, the magnificent pre-Inca ruins that were once home to the Quilmes people, an indigenous community that fiercely resisted Incan and Spanish invasions from their fortress among the Calchaquí mountains. After exploring the sprawling stone settlement on a fascinating guided tour, we will pause for lunch before a one-hour transfer back to our hotel in Cafayate.

Approx. 62km (39 miles), 4-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 425m (2838 ft)

After a final breakfast in Cafayate, a short transfer will bring us to the starting point of our day's ride. We will cycle into the breathtaking Quebrada de las Conchas, a stunning canyon carved by the Conchas River. Here, the landscape is defined by its striking red rock formations, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Our journey will take us past some of the valley's most iconic geological wonders, including the colossal natural amphitheater known as El Anfiteatro and the awe-inspiring chasm of La Garganta del Diablo (The Devil's Throat). Our cycling adventure concludes at Alemania, a hauntingly beautiful abandoned railway station that stands as a silent relic of a bygone era. From this evocative final stop, a comfortable two-hour transfer will convey us to our hotel in the vibrant city of Salta.

Your unforgettable journey through Argentina's landscapes concludes today, leaving you with memories to cherish as you begin your return home. Enjoy one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible cycling journey across two extraordinary countries.

Should the allure of Salta tempt you to linger, please contact us to seamlessly extend your stay and continue your exploration.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.