North Argentina Rainforest, Ravines and Puna

The redspokes Northern Argentina cycling holiday takes in rainforest, dramatic ravines, the Andean puna and dazzling white salt flats, set against cobalt blue skies. Indigenous cultures, colonial influences and thriving wine production make this a wonderful area to explore by bicycle, rich in geographical, historical and contemporary charms.  

Our North Argentina adventure cycling holiday begins in Salta ‘la Linda’; a beautiful colonial city with outstanding architecture and dramatic landscapes. We cycle from Salta to Cafayate riding along the Calchaqu√≠es valleys, and biking through Quebrada de las Conchas, a dramatic sandstone gorge that dates from the Cretaceous Period. Cafayate is the second best-known wine region in Argentina after Mendoza, with a fast-growing reputation. The colonial town of Cafayate is in an idyllic location surrounded by vineyards. Our North Argentina cycling holiday continues as we ride along Argentina’s longest road, Ruta 40, cycling southwards to the Sacred City of The Quilmes, discovering ancient indigenous culture and enjoying the unique vistas of Arrows Ravine with 20m rock walls that flank the winding road. Our cycling route brings us to picturesque Cachi characterised by adobe clay houses and cobblestone streets. The town also boasts the highest bodega in the world, at an altitude just short of 2,500 m.  Looping back to cycle through Los Cardones National Park we ride the Piedra de Molino pass before we have a cycle downhill zig zagging road along the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop Hill); a twisting descent through sculpted rocks. We will hopefully see one or more wild condors and are guaranteed to enjoy the vistas of the Enchanted Valley beneath us.  We enjoy a rest day back in Salta. Next on our cycling journey we ride north to the wondrous Quebrada de Humahuaca world heritage ravine that runs towards Bolivia exploring local indigenous areas and visit the amazing Cerro Siete Colores (Seven Colours Hill). Cycling from the arid yet colourful mountains we ride to rainforest and transfer on to the high-altitude salt flats the Salinas Grandes. We cycle through a seemingly infinite sea of salt framed by a strikingly contrasting blue sky before riding the Lipan Steep descending along multiple switchbacks with dramatic views dropping from 4200m to 2200m over 30km to reach Purmamarca. Next on our North Argentina cycling adventure we ride to the Yala National reserve area. Lagoons which are habitat to many species of bird and other wildlife the cycle to Termas de Reyes hot springs. Indigenous chiefs travelled here to bathe in the mineral rich waters of the They are known as 'Springs of Kings' which were believed to have magical properties.   Our cycling holiday ends in San Salvador de Jujuy.