Explore Argentina by Bike: Rainforest, Ravines, Salt Flats, and the Andes
Join redspokes on an unforgettable cycling holiday in Argentina, where breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures combine to create the ultimate biking adventure. Ride through lush rainforests, dramatic ravines, the expansive Andean puna, and the dazzling white salt flats of the Salinas Grandes, all set against cobalt blue skies. This remarkable region, steeped in indigenous heritage, colonial charm, and a thriving wine tradition, offers a truly unique experience for cycling enthusiasts.
Begin in Stunning Salta
Your Argentina cycling adventure starts in Salta ‘la Linda’, a picturesque colonial city renowned for its stunning architecture and dramatic scenery. From Salta, we ride through the Calchaquíes Valleys, cycling along the striking Quebrada de las Conchas, a sandstone gorge carved during the Cretaceous Period.
Discover Cafayate’s Vineyards
Arriving in Cafayate, Argentina’s second-most famous wine region after Mendoza, you'll find an idyllic town surrounded by vineyards. With its growing reputation for outstanding wine, this is a perfect place to pause and enjoy the scenery.
Ruta 40 and Ancient Indigenous Culture
We then follow Argentina’s legendary Ruta 40, cycling south to the Sacred City of the Quilmes. Discover the fascinating history of ancient indigenous cultures and marvel at the Arrows Ravine, where towering 20-metre rock walls frame the winding road.
Picturesque Cachi and Los Cardones National Park
The tour continues to Cachi, a town known for its adobe clay houses, cobbled streets, and the world’s highest-altitude bodega at nearly 2,500m. From here, we loop through Los Cardones National Park, tackling the Piedra de Molino pass and then descending the thrilling zig-zagging Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop Hill), with its stunning rock formations and valley views. Keep an eye out for wild condors as you soak up the panoramic vistas of the Enchanted Valley below.
From World Heritage Landscapes to Salt Flats
After a rest day in Salta, we head north to the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca, exploring local indigenous communities and visiting the mesmerising Cerro Siete Colores (Seven Colours Hill). Leaving the colourful mountains behind, we transition to the serene rainforest and ride on to the extraordinary Salinas Grandes salt flats. Experience the surreal beauty of this seemingly endless white landscape set against vivid blue skies.
Thrilling Descents and Thermal Springs
Descending from the high-altitude Lipan Steep, we navigate dramatic switchbacks from 4,200m to 2,200m over 30km, reaching Purmamarca, a charming village at the foot of the Andes. Our journey continues to the Yala National Reserve, home to tranquil lagoons and diverse wildlife. The tour concludes with a relaxing visit to the Termas de Reyes hot springs, known as the ‘Springs of Kings’, where indigenous leaders once bathed in the rejuvenating mineral waters.
A Cycling Holiday Like No Other
redspokes' Argentina cycling holiday combines challenging routes, Andean culture, and unforgettable landscapes. With clement weather, rich history, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, this adventure is perfect for those seeking a truly extraordinary biking experience.