Our Tours.
Adventure Northwest Argentina
Welcome to the great and colourful northwest of Argentina! This two week adventure tour through the gorgeous Andes of Salta and Jujuy is an unforgettable adventure for anyone who looks for fun, sun, good rides, interesting culture and a lot of remote mountain scenery.
The motorbike rides take us through the most stunning areas of northwest Argentina, on one side to the deep valleys with their bizarre and colourful rock formations, breathtakingly steep and curvaceous mountain passes and traditional villages, and on the other side to the high altitude desert planes of the Puna with it´s wide open planes, dazzling white salt lakes, remote lagoons and towering volcanoes.
This trip can be done in a 4 x 4 off road vehicle, too!
Day 1
You will be picked up at the airport in Salta and brought in the Hotel from where the tour starts next day. After an introduction to the bikes and the tour and some general information about Salta, you have the rest of the day at your free disposal.
Day 2
We leave Salta southwards through the fertile Lerma Valley, which narrows into the canyon of the Quebrada de Cafayate. This beautiful canyon is striking for its red sandstone formations, weathered by wind and water to bizarre shapes.
Through the sandy planes of the Calchaqui Valley we ride into the town of Cafayte. After lunch we carry on to the ancient ruins of Quilmes, ride up the "Small Hell Pass" and dive down into the lush and green valley of Tafí, a village beautifully built around a small lake.
Day 3
We leave Tafí to El Mollar where we visit the Mehir Park before riding down through tropical cloud forests to the sugar cane fields of the lowlands of Tucuman. After lunch we climb up the stunning gravel pass of Los Alisos to get to the sleepy town of Andalgala.
Day 4
Directly behind the town of Andalgala there's a steep and windy pass up into the mountains. Way into these mountains there is a Rodochrosite Mine - typical Mineral for Argentine Jewelleries - where we have lunch. In the afternoon we'll get to the famous 40 Road again and ride into Cafayate, the wine capital of Salta, where we spend the night in a lovely Hotel.
Day 5
Today's ride takes us along the Calchaquí River, through narrow gorges and broad valleys. We snake through the rough landscapes of the "Valley of Arrows", the beauty of this remote valley almost tops the famous Quebrada de Cafayate. Lunch at a pleasant wine estancia, overnight stay in the picturesque mountain town of Cachi, overshadowed by mountains over 6000m high.
Tour details
Duration:
13 days / 12 nights
Distance:
about. 2500km, 50% gravel roads
Route:
Participants:
4 - 10 riders
Dates:
please see our tour calender
Level of experience:
The trip is suitable for any experienced motor-biker with some basic off-road experience.
Prices
| on BMW F650 GS: | 4900 US$ |
| on BMW F800 GS: | 5200 US$ |
| on BMW R1200GS: | 5600 US$ |
| on BMW R1200 Adv.: | 5990 US$ |
| pillion/passenger: | 2900 US$ |
| single room surcharge: | 600 US$ |
Climate & Season
The climate of the Calchaquí valleys is very pleasant: they receive little rain, because the rain clouds coming from the east are blocked by the first mountain ranges. Temperatures are moderate even in winter, although at night it can get quite cold. The Puna (high plains), on the other hand, are characterised by a harsh climate: temperatures regularly drop below zero at night (even in the summer), but in the daytime temperatures rise to 20-30°C. Dry winds are common, and even in the rainy season rainfalls are rare. The altitude (around 4000m) intensifies the effects of the ever-present sun (don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!).
Day 6
We´ll be crossing the National Park Los Cardones with it´s forest of thousands of Cactuses. Crossing the Cuesta del Obispo we´ll snake down from the Calchaquí Valley desert into the lush green Lerma Valley to reach Salta.
Day 7
This very intense day takes us on a twisting tarmac road through densely wooded into the picturesque Quebrada de Humahuaca canyon, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
The road then winds over the 4000m high pass Abra del Condor to the remote mountain town of Iruya, lying in a narrow part of a deep valley, surrounded by colourful mountains and bizarrely eroded rock walls.
Day 8
Hike into the mountains to a wonderful look out point, from where we'll stunning views over the valley of Iruya.
In the afternoon you are free to explore the traditional village of Iruya with it's unique charm.
About 5 hrs hiking, 600 m of altitude difference.
Day 9
Crossing the Abra del Condor, we reach the main road to keep heading north into the desert planes of the Puna and to the Bolivian border. Overnight stay in remote village of Yavi, where we visit the historic church, the cave paintings of Las Cuevas and nearby rock carvings.
Day 10
We set out to the most extreme north western corner of Argentina to admire the overwhelming view of the Angosto Canyon ant to explore the beautiful landscapes of the national monument, Laguna Los Pozuelos, a lagoon at 4000m altitude, home to unique flora and fauna.
Then we carry on to the Quebrada de Humahuaca to stay the night in the lively village of Tilcara.
Day 11
We visit the Ruins of Tilcara before climbing the twisty tarmac road crossing the Cuesta de Lipan (4170m). We reach the dazzling white salt lake Salinas Grandes, and after a short stretch of tarmac road we hit a gravel track which takes us through a beautiful hidden valley to the viaduct La Polvorilla of the "Train to the Clouds".
A short ride later we reach the mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres.
Day 12
Today you've got a challenging trip: we cross the highest pass in Argentina, the 4895m high Abra El Acay! Snaking up the mountainside to the pass to enjoy the stunning views from 5 km above sea level before diving into the Calchaquí Valley, challenged by some river crossings and hairpin bends.
Going down the Cuesta del Obispo we arrive in Salta late afternoon.
(Alternative ride if the pass is closed will lead us along the tracks of the legendary "Train to the Clouds" through the colourful valley Quebrada del Toro.)
After this adventure tour we will enjoy our well deserved good bye dinner on invitation of Horizonte Tours.
Day 13
We will bring you to the airport to catch your flight. You will take awesome impressions, great memories and a Horizonte present with you on your way back home.
Adventure Northwest Argentina