Itinerary

This section begins in Salta with its stunning colonial architecture and friendly roadside cafes. Spinning out of town, the cyclists will find themselves pedaling through the picturesque Valles Calchaquies, passing by small villages and weaver’s workshops.
A rest day in the town of Cafayate allows the riders time to explore the red rocks of the Quebrada de las Conchas and the Garganta del Diablo as well as local wineries like Finca Las Nubes which specializes in the Torrontés varietal. Heading south on historic Ruta 40 the landscape shifts from Triassic badlands to mountainsides striped with rocks of green, yellow, red, brown, purple, white and pink.

The route continues south, weaving through the Valle Calchaquí, past dry riverbeds and scrubland with views of far-off, snow-covered mountains. Refreshments are available in the picturesque tiny village of Hualfin, surrounded by red rock walls.
Approaching Belén, known as one of the best places to purchase a poncho, the scenery changes as the riders enter the Quebrada del Complejo Termal, a red sandstone gorge formed through geothermal activity.
The views are spectacular as the road follows a valley flanked on the west by the Sierra de Famatina range and to the east by the Sierra de Velasco. This is one of the highest areas of the Andes with some mountains reaching up to 6,000 m above sea level. Next up is the Wild West mining town of Chilecito surrounded by a sea of cardon cacti.

The route now bends to the west and passes through a spectacular gorge, the Cuesta de Miranda, on the way to the city of Villa Union. Beautifully situated amidst the intense red mountain ranges of the Sierra de Famatina and the Sierra de Maíz, it is famous for delicacies like Vino Patero (foot-stepping wine) and dried fruits.
Dry, hilly landscapes dominate the next stretch with the oasis town of San José de Jáchal providing a welcome break. The road passes through San Juan, the provincial capital and site of a 1944 earthquake that killed more than 10,000 people, and skirts the sand desert near Lavalle, the only desert or that kind in South America. Before long the famous vineyards of Mendoza begin to appear.

After a rest day sampling a glass or two of Mendoza’s famous Malbec, the cyclists will spin west towards the Andes. The road climbs up to almost 4000 m in the shadow of Cerro Aconcagua, at 6922 m, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere.
This is wild high country and the riders can expect gusting winds, chilly temperatures and, if clear, incredible views. The border crossing into Chile, one of the highest in the world, is at 3200 m.
Once across the pass the cyclists will enjoy a twisting ride down the other side of the mountain range on a series of switchbacks, keeping an eye out for the area’s soaring condors.
A couple stages later, the riders will pedal into the country’s capital Santiago with its 19th century neo-classical architecture and winding side streets.

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

Lodging

South American Epic section 7

9 Nights in hotels
10 Nights of camping, bring your own camping gear
Note:
We advise booking at least 1 additional night at tour accommodation before the tour, to be able to attend rider briefing and have assistance from tour bike mechanic in setting up your bike.

Included:

• Accommodation the night before first cycling day and the night of last cycling day are included in entry fee.
• 9 nights hotels
• 10 Nights of camping, bring your own camping gear
• Most dinners, Most breakfasts, All roadside lunches, Afternoon soup on riding days
• Experienced chef
• Vehicle to carry your bags
• Experienced tour leader
• Sweep rider
• Security as needed
• Bike mechanic
• Medic
• Local support

Not included:

• Airfare to and from the tour
• Gratuity guides

Pricing / Tour dates

Tour price 2026: $ TBA pp Single fee, double occupancy rooms on hotel nights, we pair each rider with others of same gender.
Tour date 2026:
09 Oct – 26 Oct

Conditions

Deposit 25%
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

Challenging
Longer days, harsher environments (temperature, winds) and terrain (rough dirt, gravel roads at times, more significant climbing) become a larger factor. More surprises await you.
Gear / equipment:
Two duffel bags (max 110L each)
Basic spare bike parts
Tent and camp gear