Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta
Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta
Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta
13 Days Starting in San Pedro de Atacama and ending in Salta
Visiting: San Pedro de Atacama, Moon Valley Amphitheater, El Tatio, San Isidro Chapel, Jama, Susques Department, Humahuaca, Purmamarca, El Carmen, Salta, Cafayate, Quilmes Ruins access, Calchaqui Valley, Molinos, Seclantás, los Cardones National Park, Buenos Aires
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MAQ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 16
Physical rating:
Moderate / Challenging
Age range:
16 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$6298
$5879 (USD)
Operator discount: -$253
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$166
Tour Overview
This trip 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 and finishing in 'Salta la Linda', this trip takes us through many roads in which you will see very little traffic and no other cyclists. This 'once in a lifetime' journey includes cycling through salt flats, ravines, a serpentine-like road through a rainforest and in the driest desert in the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Atacama; Transfer To Hotel.
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Altiplanico or similar
Meals Included: No Meals
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.
Day 2 : Cycle To Moon Valley.
Location: Moon Valley Amphitheater
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Altiplanico or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 cycle to some salt caves, before
heading back to San Pedro town.
Day 3 : Visit El Tatio Geysers; Afternoon Ride To San Isidro's Chapel.
Location: El Tatio, San Isidro Chapel
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Altiplanico or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. In the afternoon we have a short
ride to San Isidro’s Chapel, stopping along the way at famous landmarks
like the Devil’s Throat.Â
Day 4 : Cross Border Into Argentina; Cycle Alongside Jama Salt Flat; Transfer To Susques.
Location: Jama, Susques Department
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pastos Chicos or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is a long travel day so we will get up early in order to say goodbye to
Chile and cross via the Jama Pass (4275m) into Argentina (approx. 2.5
hours). We will be making some stops along the way at viewpoints to stretch
our legs and take some photos during the journey, including a stop at some
lagoons in Los Flamencos National 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 we get on our bikes and cycle alongside the Jama Salt
Flats. We then have another transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to our destination
for the night, Susques*.*
Day 5 : Transfer To Salinas Grandes; Scenic Picnic Lunch; Downhill Ride To The Humahuaca Gorge And The Hill Of Seven Colours.
Location: Humahuaca, Purmamarca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa de Adobe or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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. After lunch we have
a short transfer to the viewpoint of Abra de Potrerillos (4170m). From here
we will 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. After taking some photos we have a short ride to our hotel
located just outside the town of Purmamarca.
Day 6 : Transfer To El Carmen; Cycle Through Rain Forest; Transfer To Salta.
Location: El Carmen, Salta
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Design Suites or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 on a paved
road through a rainforest heading south towards Salta. This was the route
that joined the two main and largest cities in the province, Salta and Jujuy.
This is definitely one of the most spectacular cycling stages as you will
encounter a serpentine road surrounded by lush rainforest on either side. 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.
Day 7 : Free Day In Salta.
Location: Salta
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Design Suites or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8 : Transfer To Abandoned Train Station; Cycle Along Las Conchas River.
Location: Cafayate
Accommodation: Grace Cafayate or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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. Â
Day 9 : Cycle To The Sacred City Of Quilmes; Guided Tour And Transfer Back.
Location: Quilmes Ruins access
Accommodation: Grace Cafayate or similar*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we cycle towards the Sacred City of Quilmes. These are
Calchaquà native ruins, from a tribe who once lived amongst the CalchaquÃ
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.
Day 10 : Â Ride To The Calchaqui Valley; Transfer To Molinos Passing The Valley Of Arrows.
Location: Calchaqui Valley, Molinos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hacienda de Molinos or similar*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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)Â 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.Â
Day 11 : Cycle Using The Old National Route 40 Route To Cachi.
Location: Seclantás
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Cortijo Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 Calchaquà 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.
Day 12 : Cycle In Los Cardones National Park; Downhill Stage Along 'Bishop's Hill'; Final Transfer To Salta.
Location: los Cardones National Park, Salta
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Design Suites or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 13 : End Salta Airport.
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Land
only portion of the trip ends at Salta airport.Â
What's Included
-
Meals
12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 0 dinners.
* All breakfasts and 9 lunchesÂ
* 12 nights hotels all en suiteÂ
* Tour leader throughout
* Airport transfers (if booking incl. flights)
* Local bike hire
What's Not Included
-
Travel insurance
-
Airport transfers for Land Only bookings
-
Single accommodationÂ
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 (2 beds) for non-couples and whilst we cannot always guarantee, double rooms (1 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 9 lunches included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style, and lunches will either be at
convenient restaurant stops during our rides or packed lunches. There is a
variety of good quality 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
that you advise us of any dietary requirements before you travel so that we
can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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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.
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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.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes,Airport transfers (if booking incl. flights)
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 16 years old people can go on this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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
Dates & Availability
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Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 10, 2025 - May 22, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus 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.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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