Northwest Argentina
Bike Packing Tour inspired by Years of Experience
Rick and Tanya McFerrin will guide the 14-day bicycle tour of northwestern Argentina. Beginning in the city of Salta, Argentina’s most stunning colonial city you will cycle on lesser-traveled roads winding through canyons, a cluster of vineyards, Andes mountain landscapes, and wild rivers.
March 30 – April 12, 2025
REGISTER ONLINE or contact us to learn more about an OnaVelo Bike Packing Tour
(Group size limited to 8)
Guaranteed to Go
Trip Essentials
This trip will provide a unique adventure for anyone who loves or is curious about travelling by bike. The Argentina tour is a journey of discovery. Spend two weeks experiencing the cuisine, culture and breathtaking scenery of northern Argentina from the seat of a bike.
Rick and his team only lead a few trips each year with select groups and individuals – the group size for this trip will be limited to 8.
This is an Intermediate level bike tour. It can be a bit challenging but not too difficult if you are an active person and enjoy riding. The total biking distance is 451km | 280mi. We will cycle mostly on lesser-traveled paved roads winding through canyons, a cluster of vineyards, Andes mountain landscapes, and wild rivers. There are a few sections of rough roads with gravel and sand to get to the Quilmes Ruins (10km out and back) and Calchaqui Natural on Day 9 (8km out and back). We will be staying at a mix of hotels, hostels, off-grid rustic type cabins and yurts, vineyards and home-stays.
The day-to-day itinerary is described below and includes eight days of biking and sightseeing/rest days in Salta, Cafayate, Amaiche del Valle, Tafi del Valle, and Yerba Buena.
Rick and Tanya have built and maintain strong personal connections with the people and places on this trip. You will stay in boutique hotels and guesthouses along the way. This route offers opportunities to connect with locals, go on winery and farm tours, explore the indigenous culture of northwest Argentina, or just sit by a pool and relax after a good day of biking.
Rick and his team will take care of all the details including the bicycles and gear, guides and safety, local activities, route planning, meals and snacks, accommodations as well as helping you with getting to and from Argentina.
Join us on this amazing bike tour of Argentina. Although the cycling is great, the emphasis is on fun, plugging into communities along the way and doing local activities with local people as you travel at the speed of life.
Discover Argentina
START OF TRIP: Sunday, March 30, 2025
END OF TRIP: Saturday, April 12, 2025
The trip starts in Salta, Argentina on a Sunday. Plan to arrive by mid-afternoon or evening on Sunday. If you are arriving in Salta before the start date and would like us to coordinate a place for you to stay in Salta (at your own expense) let us know. We will have two nights in Salta as a group. This will give you time on Monday to recover from the flight and get acclimated to Argentina. Our first day on the bikes is Tuesday.
END OF TRIP
The last day of biking on the trip is on a Friday. On that day, we will be biking from Tafí del Valle to Yerba Buena. This is one of the most incredible downhill rides. We will descend from Tafí del Valle into the lush, low-lying areas near the City of San Miguel de Tucuman. We typically arrive Yerba Buena by 4:00 in the afternoon. That night’s accommodation and a group dinner are included in the trip fee. We will stay in Yerba Buena at a guesthouse owned by an adventure cyclist who biked the world for more than four years.
Trip Cost: CAD$4,250 All inclusive | 14 days / 13 nights.
What is included in the cost of the trip?
The cost of the trip includes all day-to-day bike travel expenses including:
- 13 nights accommodation
- All group meals. Please read the day-to-day itinerary below to know which meals are included as “group meals”
- 8 days biking
- Sightseeing (rest days) in Salta, Cafayate, Amaiche del Valle, Tafi del Valle, and Yerba Buena
- Use of bicycles and packs
- Travel coordination to/from Argentina
- Trip leaders and basic bike mechanical service and repair
Please note:
- *Beer, wine, coctails, non- alcoholic beverages and snacks are at your own expense.
- *Meals on rest days, sightseeing days and on your own will be at your own expense. Please review the day-to-day itinerary for details.
The cost of the trip is based on shared rooms. Shared rooms may be of mixed gender with two or more people per room in some locations. Private rooms are available in most places we stay for an additional cost. However, room options are somewhat limited and based on our group size and other factors.
The trip starts in Salta, Argentina, airport code SLA. The trip ends in Yerba Buena, a suburb of San Miguel de Tucuman, airport code TUC. A multi-city routing or separate one-way tickets in Argentina is required.
It can be challenging to get to Salta, Argentina and to understand the routing and ticketing. We have been booking travel to Argentina for many years and can help. Typical airfare cost from Canada or USA to Argentina and return is from CAD$1,500. Please contact us to help you make travel arrangements.
Some travel websites like flighthub.com, flightnetwork.com or skyscaner.ca will allow you to choose a “multiple city” routing so that you can review flights that fly into Salta (SLA), Argentina and depart from San Miguel de Tucuman (TUC), Argentina. LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas do have ticketing arrangements with some Canada and U.S. based airlines but not all. There are also a few budget airlines in Argentina. We have heard that Fly Bondi is not very reliable. They change departure times all the time or even cancel flights. Jet Smart is more reliable and is typically cheaper than Aerolíneas Argentinas and LAN. Regardless of what airline you fly with, you will in most cases have to fly into the international airport in Buenos Aires (EZE) and then transfer to the domestic airport (AEP) for your connecting flight to Salta. You should allow at least a 3 to 4 hour layover in Buenos Aires to make sure you have time to collect your baggage, go through customs and immigration and transfer to the domestic airport. The drive time between the airports in Buenos Aires is at a minimum 45 minutes and can take much longer depending on traffic.
Depending on your schedule, you may want to arrive in Argentina earlier than the group and/or stay later to visit other parts of Argentina or South America.
START OF TRIP
The trip starts in Salta, Argentina on a Sunday. Plan to arrive by mid-afternoon or evening on Sunday. If you are arriving in Salta before the start date and would like us to coordinate a place for you to stay in Salta (at your own expense) let us know. We will have two nights in Salta as a group. This will give you time on Monday to recover from the flight and get acclimated to Argentina. Our first day on the bikes is Tuesday.
END OF TRIP
The last day of biking on the trip is on a Friday. On that day, we will be biking from Tafí del Valle to Yerba Buena. This is one of the most incredible downhill rides. We will descend from Tafí del Valle into the lush, low-lying areas near the City of San Miguel de Tucuman. We typically arrive Yerba Buena by 4:00 in the afternoon. That night’s accommodation and a group dinner are included in the trip fee. We will stay in Yerba Buena at a guesthouse owned by an adventure cyclist who biked the world for more than four years.
Depending on your schedule, you may want fly back to Buenos Aires on Saturday from Tucuman or spend more time in Yerba Buena or elsewhere in Argentina at your own expense.
How fast will you be riding?
This is not a race! We truly mean to travel at the speed of life. Traveling by bicycle is a lot of fun, but let’s be real, there will be challenging days because of the weather, road conditions, terrain and/or group dynamics. For this ride, you should be relatively fit and comfortable with riding 65 km/day and up to 115 km/day on a long day. We would also expect that you be cooperative and attentive even in difficult situations.
You can go at your own speed – the important part is communicating with the group about your speed and expectations. As a group, we will have regular check-ins to talk about the daily plans and to manage healthy group dynamics.
From experience with groups on bike trips, most people end up riding together with others at their own speed. Faster riders can enjoy riding faster; slower riders can enjoy riding slower. Depending on the weather and terrain, an average day will be about 80 km at an average speed of around 15 km/hour. Our goal is to be in the saddle no more than about five hours a day – taking breaks about every hour for snacks, sightseeing and letting our bodies get some rest. The trip leaders will communicate with you each day about meeting points and other logistics to make sure we stay connected.
Is there a support vehicle?
There is no support vehicle. This is a self contained bike tour and you will have to carry all of your own gear.
What should I bring?
It is important that you have the right clothes, camping gear and essential bike components for the trip. Please contact us if you have specific questions about what to bring or not bring. We want you to be prepared. Keep in mind that you have to carry everything on your bike.
Please refer to the packing list tab on this page for an up-to-date packing list.
How do I get to and from Argentina?
Please review the [Planning Your Travel] tab.
Are there discount airlines in Argentina?
We have heard that Fly Bondi is not very reliable. They change departure times all the time or even cancel flights. Jet Smart is more reliable and is typically cheaper than Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Where will we be staying along the way?
We will be staying at a mix of hotels, hostels, off-grid rustic type cabins and yurts, vineyards and home-stays. The cost of the trip is based on shared rooms. Shared rooms may be of mixed gender with two or more people per room in some locations. Private rooms are available in most places we stay for an additional cost. However, room options are somewhat limited and based on our group size and other factors.
What should I expect?
The daily trip plan and activities are adventurous and fun. The trip is all about enjoying the bike travel experience – we will pack light, eat well, and connect with each other and the locals along the route.
All group members are part of the team. Each member of the ride team will be expected to participate in activities to support the well-being of the group, e.g. understanding the route, safety, shopping for snacks and picnic lunches, food preparation, bike mechanics, fun and games, etc….
Group activities will include:
- Green team – minimizing our impact on the places we visit and stay
- Journal team – documenting and sharing our daily activities with the group
- Hospitality team – keeping the group in good spirit
What kind of bikes do we ride and how do we carry our gear?
We have a variety of bikes for this bike packing tour. The basic idea is to have a go-anywhere bike where simplicity, durability, and efficiency is preferred. We use basic hardtail or fully rigid hybrid touring bikes and mountain bikes. For the most part, we are biking on lesser-traveled paved roads. There are some portions of the route on gravel and dirt. You are welcome to bring your own bike or to fit our trip bikes with your saddle or pedals or other accessories.
How do we carry our gear?
We use ARKEL bike packing and bicycle touring panniers. If you need panniers we can provide you with panniers when you arrive Argentina.
Can I leave a suitcase, backpack or duffle bag in Salta at the beginning of the trip?
If you have extra luggage or items that you do not plan to carry with you on the bike trip, you can leave items with our local guide in Salta and he will bring it to our end-point in Yerba Buena for after our trip.
What about food?
We will be eating at a mix of restaurants, hotels, hostels, homestays and picnicking along the road. You will have the opportunity to shop for food, snacks and drinks most days. We can accommodate most diets and you will be involved in picnic meal planning and preparation to share your favorite ideas with the group.
What vaccinations do I need before going to Argentina?
For up-to-date health information for travelling to Argentina please visit:
- Public Health Agency of Canada https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina#health
- USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/argentina
Before visiting Argentina, you may need to get vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination. Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.
To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.
Even if you have less than four weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.
The CDC and Government of Canada recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination. You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while traveling in Argentina. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Remember: No vaccine or preventive medicines are 100% effective. Advice concerning general measures to avoid illness should be sought in addition to the above information. If you become ill on return from overseas travel, see your doctor and inform him/her about your travel.
This information should not be treated as a complete and authoritative guide. The information presented is to be regarded as broad recommendations only and needs to be interpreted on an individual basis. OnaVelo shall not be liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from use of or reliance on this information.
Do I need to bring my own helmet?
YES! Everyone is required to wear a bicycle helmet while riding your bike on this trip. YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN HELMET.
What will the weather be like?
The climate in the Salta / Tucuman region is considered temperate, which means that the area experiences four distinct seasons, with none of them being very extreme. This is a destination that can be visited year round, even though the weather is different during each season. In April and November, the daily high temperatures will generally range from 80F/25C to 85F/30C. That being said, there have been trips with higher temperatures up to 95F/35C. Based on previous experience there is a good chance of some warm rain showers. The nighttime temperatures will range from 57F/14C to 68F/20C.
Will I be able to wash my clothes on the trip?
Washing your clothes on this trip is not that convenient. There are no self-service laundry facilities along the route. On past trips, there has been an opportunity on the rest day in Cafayate and Tafi to do laundry. You can always hand wash your clothes (underwear, cycling shorts, etc.) in a bucket and hang to dry overnight or hang off your bike. If you are uncertain whether or not to bring something contact us for clarification.
What are some tips for packing?
Staying Warm and Keeping Cool: We recommend layering as the best way to stay warm and keep cool. Though we cannot guarantee perfect weather, we can guarantee that the sun may not always shine. Wear clothes that will keep you protected from the elements and feeling cool on a hot day. Always carry rain gear and start with a breathable synthetic shirt to layer under a vest, windbreaker, or fleece jacket. This will help wick moisture away from your skin and prevent you from becoming chilled or overheated. Avoid cotton fabrics while exercising–the absorbent qualities prevent wicking and insulate poorly when wet.
Should I wear padded biking shorts?
Padded shorts or cycling specific shorts are recommended to help prevent chafing and soreness after a day in the saddle.
Can I bring my own cycling shoes and pedals?
Yes. Cycling shoes that come with cleats and special pedals should only be used if you have been riding with them on a regular basis and are comfortable using them on long riding days. We encourage you to take the time to learn how to ride with them before using them on your trip.
Can I bring my own saddle?
Yes. If you have a bicycle saddle that you like and is comfortable for you please bring it. This will help prevent any soreness after a day in the saddle. Just bring the saddle. You do not need to bring the seat post.
Should I wear cycling gloves?
Many people wonder if they should bring cycling gloves. Gloves provide much-needed padding for your hands and will prevent them from getting sore and tired as the day goes on. You may also like to have closed finger gloves for cooler morning rides.
What kind of clothes should I have for rest days and when we are not biking?
Rest day and evening activities on this trip are generally very casual. Bring something to wear on rest days and in the evening that is not biking clothing.
How much spending money do I need and what is the local currency in Argentina?
On past trips, people have budgeted anywhere from $10 to $40/day for extra things like souvenirs, happy hour, wine, beer, coffees, excursions and things like that. The cost of the trip includes all group meals, accommodations, some snacks etc. Meals and activities on rest days are at your own expense.
In Argentina, they use the Argentine Peso. The symbol for the Argentine Peso is “$” and should not be confused with the Canadian or US Dollar symbol. It may be difficult to get Argentine Pesos in Canada. The Argentine Peso has devalued so much over the past years that it does not make sense for banks to have it available. It is recommended to take some US Dollar currency (new and undamaged notes are preferable). You can exchange US Dollars at the airport or at a currency exchange location in Buenos Aires or Salta when you arrive. You can also use your ATM or debit card to get Argentine Pesos when you are in Argentina from a bank machine. This comes with some fees but is generally the easiest. You can use credit cards in some places but the merchants also charge an extra fee. I typically avoid using my credit card and just get local currency for expenses.
Should I get an international phone plan or can I buy a tourist SIM card in Argentina?
You can check with your service provider about an international roaming plan for your phone. A roaming plan by the day or a monthly plan.
In the past years, we have been able to get an Argentina prepaid SIM card with up to 10GB of data for about $10. Two common providers in Argentina are Personal and Claro. SIM cards can generally be purchased in Buenos Aires or Salta at one of their stores.
Is there WiFi at the places we stay?
You can find WIFI at most places we stay as well as public WiFi in restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. However, the WiFi speed and reliability of service is no guarantee.
[Download the PDF] Packing List – Argentina
Use this packing list as a guideline to make sure you bring just what you need for on and off the bike. We want you to be prepared for your trip. If you are uncertain whether or not to bring something contact us for clarification.
Keep in mind that you have to carry everything on your bicycle. If you do not have your own panniers, OnaVelo can provide you with pannier bags before your trip departure or once you get to Salta. To keep your personal items dry inside the panniers we suggest that you pack your personal items inside waterproof stuff sacks or dry bags. You can get waterproof stuff sacks or dry bags at an outdoor sports store or order online.
There is no support vehicle on this trip. However, if you have things you want for your travels after the bike trip, you can leave a bag in Salta with our local guide and he will bring it to Tucuman for the end of the trip.
Climate:
The climate in the Salta / Tucuman region is considered temperate, which means that the area experiences four distinct seasons, with none of them being very extreme. This is a destination that can be visited year round, even though the weather is different during each season. On this trip, the daily high temperatures will generally range from 70F/20C to 85F/30C. That being said, there have been trips with higher temperatures up to 95F/35C, Based on previous experience there is a good chance of some warm rain showers. The nighttime temperatures will range from 57F/14C to 68F/20C. For the few nights we are in the mountains, the night time temperatures may be cooler and in the range of 40F/5C. It is important to have layers to keep you comfortable during the day and warm in the mornings and evenings.
Other Considerations:
Washing your clothes on this trip is not that convenient. There are no self-service laundry facilities along the way and very few laundromats use a clothes dryer so it takes time to have your clothes washed. On past trips, there has been an opportunity on the rest day in Cafayate and Tafi to do laundry. You can always hand wash your clothes (underwear, cycling shorts, etc.) in a bucket and hang to dry overnight or hang off your bike.
Tips for Packing:
Staying Warm and Keeping Cool: We recommend layering as the best way to stay warm and keep cool. Though we can’t guarantee perfect weather, we can guarantee that the sun may not always shine. To keep you protected from the elements and feeling cool on a hot day, always carry rain gear and start with a breathable synthetic shirt to layer under a vest, windbreaker, or fleece jacket. Avoid cotton fabrics while exercising–the absorbent qualities prevent wicking and insulate poorly when wet.
Cycling Clothing: To ensure your comfort on the bike, it is important to wear the appropriate clothing. Padded shorts or cycling specific shorts are recommended to help prevent chafing and soreness after a long day in the saddle. As well, we encourage you to wear a cycling jersey or a breathable synthetic shirt. This will help wick moisture away from your skin and prevent you from becoming chilled or overheated.
Many people wonder if they should bring things like cycling gloves and cycling shoes. Gloves provide much- needed padding for your hands and will prevent them from getting sore and tired as the day goes on. Cycling shoes that come with cleats and special pedals should only be used if you have been riding with them on a regular basis and are comfortable using them on long riding days. We encourage you to take the time to learn how to ride with them before using them on your trip.
Evening Clothing: The evening activities on this trip will be casual. Bring something to wear in the evening that is not biking clothing.
Packing List
Documents and spending money
- Passport and a copy of your passport for backup
- Travel documents: flights, proof of travel insurance covering Covid related occurrences
- Credit card(s) and a copy of the card numbers and phone numbers listed on the back
- Cash – US$ Dollar or Euros can be easily exchanged at banks or money exchanges in Argentina
- Cash Argentina Pesos ARS$ (optional). The economy in Argentina is and has been in flux over the past many years. There are several exchange rates for converting foreign currency in Argentina Pesos. Contact us for more details on how best to get Argentine Pesos.
Suggested clothing and gear packing list
- 2 Dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks for packing into panniers – 20L to 30L dry bags/sacks available at outdoor stores or order online
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, brush, contact solution, razors, shaving cream, soap, shampoo, conditioner, feminine product, toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- 5 Underwear: change daily and wash as necessary along the way
- 2 T-shirts or cycling jersey: quick dry, lightweight material
- 2 long sleeve type shirt layers. One that that you would be comfortable wearing on the ride and one for after cycling, out to eat, or walking around town
- Long pants or cycling pants: lightweight, quick dry type pants that you can wear while cycling or for evening activities
- 2 short pants or cycling shorts: biking shorts or whatever you are comfortable cycling in
- 5 pair socks
- Bathing suit
- Rain jacket: lightweight – for warm rain
- Rain pants (optional): lightweight pants that you can cycle in
- Gloves and toque (stocking hat): there can be cool mornings and evenings in the mountains
- Pajamas or something comfortable to sleep in
- Closed-toe shoes/sandals: something to wear when you are not cycling – wet conditions may exist
- Sunglasses: good to have eye protection while riding
- Phone/Charger/Adapters: Argentina plugs are different from in the USA/CANADA. You will need a Type C and/or Type I adaptor for your electronic devices
Bike Specific Items
- Bike shoes: sturdy pair of closed-toe shoes for cycling
- HELMET: DON’T FORGET YOUR HELMET!
- Personal water bottles for the bike (2 water bottle cages per bike)
OPTIONAL BIKE SPECIFIC ITEMS
- Your own saddle/seat (only bring the seat, not the seat post)
- Your own pedals
- Cycling gloves
- Bike computers, mirrors, bar ends or other components specific to the way you ride
Other Items
- Prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications that you require
- Tablets (if using) e.g. Electrolytes, Vitamins, Hydration Supplements, Immune Support etc.
- Phone, Camera, USB drive, extra HD card, battery charger, adapters for Argentina electrical style plugs (Type C and Type I for Argentina plug adaptors)
- Pens: for writing in the group journal and your personal journal
- Bandana or wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks (COVID protocols change quickly, please bring a mask(s) for public spaces if required)
- Ball cap/visor
- Picnic plate, cup and utensils for road-side picnic lunches or snacks.
Gear provided by OnaVelo
- Bicycle
- Panniers for carrying your personal items while on the bike trip
- Other necessary tools and equipment for bicycle maintenance
- Basic First Aid kit (bring your own over-the-counter medications or supplements that you require, e.g. Tylenol, ibuprofen, vitamins, sports tablets, etc.)
Day-to-Day Itinerary
The adventure begins just by traveling to the city of Salta, Argentina. Most flights are routed through Buenos Aires, but in recent years, there have been other more direct flights into Salta from major airports in South America. We have been booking travel to Argentina for many years and can help coordinate your flights.
The trip starts in Salta and ends in San Miguel de Tucuman. Depending on your timing, you may want to visit Buenos Aires or other parts of Argentina or South America before or after the scheduled bike trip. We can give you some suggested places to visit and help with your plans.
We will meet in Salta, Argentina (SLA) on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Plan to arrive by mid-afternoon on Sunday. If you are arriving in Salta before the trip start date and would like us to coordinate a place for you to stay in Salta (at your own expense) let us know.
We will have two nights in Salta. This will give you time on Monday to recover from the flight and get acclimated to Argentina. Our first day on the bikes is Tuesday.
Notes
- We can help coordinate your travel plans
- The group meeting point in Salta will be detailed in your trip registration package
- Pre-trip information sessions will be scheduled prior to your departure
- Lodging: 2 nights. We are staying the first two nights in Salta. After a long day of travel, you can enjoy a shower, food, and refreshments
- Meal included: Group dinner at a restaurant in Salta
- Snacks and meals in transit to Salta are at your own expense
- Private rooms available for an additional cost
- Wifi | Pool | Lounge
We will spend the first part of the day getting your bike and gear set up and fitted for the trip. In the afternoon there will be time for sightseeing in Salta. Salta is the capital city of the province. It is situated in one of the most fertile and scenic areas of this region. The Colonial architecture of the city is some of the best in the country.
Notes
- We will provide you with pannier bags once you get to Salta.
- There is no support vehicle on this trip. However, if you have things you want for your travels after the bike trip, you can leave a bag in Salta with our local guide and he will bring it to Tucuman for the end of the trip.
- Lodging: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel and a group dinner in Salta
- Lunch on your own at your own expense
- Private rooms (limited) available for an additional cost
- Wifi | Pool | Lounge
The route out of Salta is on highway 68 through beautiful countryside and small traditional villages with colonial main squares. We will stay at a B&B near the town of Colonel Moldes. We can relax in the hammocks or poolside at the end of our first-day riding.
Notes
- Lodging: La Posada de Juan, Dique Cabra Corral – 1 night
- Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel in Salta, a picnic lunch or empanadas, tomales and humitas at a resturant on the route, and a traditional Argentine asado (BBQ) group dinner at La Posada de Juan
- Private rooms available for an additional cost
- Wifi | Pool | Lounge
The biking route on this day will be gradually climbing with rolling hills. It will be a shorter day than the first and we will arrive at our destination by early-afternoon. The road will be fairly quiet today as we head toward the Quebrada de Conches. The scenery includes tall mountains to our west, desert like landscapes with cactus and blue sky and small towns and villages along the route. At the end of the day, there will be an optional ride to the town of Alemania. Alemania is an artisan village in an abandoned railroad town along the river. We will stay in rustic cabins at an artisan cheese farm where you can taste homemade cheese, desserts, and local wines.
Notes
- Lodging: Posta De Las Cabras – 1 night. Shared rooms in four cabins on the property. Note: this property is a bit rustic and the cabins may feel a bit like roughing it due to limited water supply and maintenance related issues out of our control.
- Meals included: Breakfast at La Posada de Juan, for lunch a charcuterie board when we arrive at our destination with homemade cheese, salami and other regional foods, and a group dinner at Posta De Las Cabras
- Wifi (limited)| Lounge
Bike from Alemania to Cafayate. Wake up and watch the sun light up the mountain sides before reaching the river valley. We will get on the road early to start the gradual climb through the Quebrada de las Conchas. This is a spectacular ride through some of the country’s most impressive rock formations with layers of stunning colors and unusual shapes creating a visual feast along this winding route. The small town of Cafayate is our destination. The town, located in the center of the Calchaquí Valleys, is surrounded by rivers, sand dunes and vineyards.
Notes
- Lodging: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast at Posta De Las Cabras, a picnic lunch along the route, group dinner at a restaurant in Cafayate
- Pool | Lounge | WiFi
Enjoy the day off the bikes. Spend the day exploring Cafayate. Check out Cafayate and local attractions: wineries, shopping, artisans, golf or waterfall hiking.
Notes
- Lodging: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
- Lunch and dinner on your own at your own expense
- Pool | Lounge | WiFi
It is a very pleasant ride from Cafayate to Albarossa Winery especially after a rest day. Along the way, there will be an option to visit the ruins of Quilmes, archaeological site in the Calchaquí Valley. The site was the largest pre-Columbian settlement in the country, occupying about 30 hectares. The area dates back to ca 850 AD and was inhabited by the Quilmes people; it is believed that about 5,000 people lived here during its heights. The 10km road to and back from the the Quilmes ruins is gravel with sand and rocks.
Notes
- Lodging: Albarossa Winery – 2 nights
- Meals included: Breakfast at El hotel, a picnic lunch along the route, and a group dinner at Albarossa Winery
- Pool | Lounge | WiFi
One of our local guides has a small winery and farm not far from the Albarossa Winery. We take a day trip to visit Santiago’s farm and vineyard. Santiago will lead us on a hike to explore his land and potentially to some indeginous ruins in the area. We will return mid-afternoon for another evening at Albarossa.
Notes
- Lodging: Albarossa Winery
- Meals included: Breakfast at the winery, lunch at the farm visit, and a group dinner at the winery. Please note, if you do not do the ride to the farm visit, lunch will be on your own at your own expense
- Pool | Lounge | WiFi
Today we will be the first day of the slow accent up toward the summit of Infernillo. Before lunch we will visit the Pachamama Museum in Amaicha de Valle. This is a monumental stone project that houses geology, anthropology and art exhibits.
Amaiche del Valle is one of the oldest indigenous communities in Northwestern Argentina. Today, its residents devote themselves both to ancient activities that were handed down from generation to generation that have bonded them to the land and to develop products like pottery, looms, wine, cheese and alfajores.
Lunch will be in Amaicha at a restuarant. From Amaicha de Valle it is a steady 6km climb on a paved road and then 4km of rough road with gravel and sand to get to where we are staying at Calchaqui Natural.
For dinner we will enjoy a traditional Argentine BBQ.
Notes
- Lodging: Calchaqui Natural, off-grid, solar powered retreat with rooms and yurts – 2 nights
- Meals included: Breakfast at Albarossa, lunch at a restaurant in Amaiche del Valle, and a group dinner at Calchaqui Natural
- Wifi (limited)
We are taking an extra day at Calchaqui Natural to relax or go on backcountry hikes in the mountains to explore the natural landscape of this mountain retreat.
Notes
- Lodging: Calchaqui Natural, off-grid, solar powered retreat with rooms and yurts
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch at Salas and a group dinner at Calchaqui Natural
- Snacks on your own at your own expense
- Wifi (limited)
The first part of the day will be climbing to the summit at 3,040 m (10,000 feet). Because the pass is surrounded by mountains, the pass looks deceivingly low. It is not all up hill as there are a few spots where the road descends and then climbs again. We will arrive in Tafí de Valle by mid-afternoon. Our host will have a charcuterie board and snacks ready for us when we arrive. We will stay at the Casa Molino home stay as guests of a local friend and pasta maker.
Notes
- Lodging: Casa Molino home-stay – 2 nights
- Meals included: Breakfast at Calchaqui Natural, a picnic lunch or snacks along the route, and a group dinner at Casa Molino.
- Private rooms available in town at your own expense if desired
- WiFi
This lovely hill town, set in a green valley with fabulous vistas of the surrounding mountains, is where people from Tucumán traditionally head to take refuge from the summer heat. Tafí makes a fine spot to hang out for a rest day; it offers crisp mountain air, hiking options, memorable estancias, and a laid-back scene. There are many options for you to relax or go fishing, horseback riding, visit a cheese farm or explore on your own.
Notes
- Lodging: Casa Molino home-stay
- Meals included: self-serve breakfast at Casa Molino
- Lunch and dinner on your own at your own expense
- Private rooms available at your own in expense in town if desired
- WiFi
Bike from Tafí del Valle to Yerba Buena. This is one of the most incredible downhill rides (about 55km / 34mi of downhill). We will descend from Tafí del Valle into the lush, low-lying areas near the City of San Miguel de Tucuman. The landscape will change from high alpine desert to lush green, forested areas. This will be our longest day of riding but well worth the effort. We will pass by some sugar cane processing plants, lemon orchards and other farms. We will travel on a quiet road that skirts the base of the mountain range we descended the day before. Tonight we will stay in Yerba Buena at a guest house owned by an adventure cyclist who biked the world for more than four years. It will be one of our last nights in Argentina so we will probably want to go out to eat and enjoy the Argentine cuisine.
Notes
- Lodging: Casa Calchaqui, Yerba Buena, San Miguel de Tucuman
- Meals included: Self-serve breakfast at Casa Molino, lunch at a restaurant along the route in Familia , and a group dinner at a restaurant in Yerba Buena
- Lounge | WiFi | Small pool
For some of the group, this will be their departure day back home. Others will stay in Argentina for a few more days or weeks. Rick and our local hosts can help you with additional travel plans to Buenos Aires or other places of interest.
Notes
- Meal included: Breakfast at Casa Calchaqui
- We can help coordinate your travel plans
Travel with a Team of Local Friends and Expert Guides
This trip is all about meaningful connections that have been built over the past 25 years by Rick and Tanya McFerrin. They were initially drawn to northern Argentina when visiting there on a 2-year bike trip around the world from 1998-2000. Soon after their return home, they started leading bike tours in Argentina with small groups. Over the years they have worked with locals to create meaningful experiences and connections for an amazing adventure. Rick has been leading this trip almost every year since 2003 and has said it is one of his favorite places to travel by bicycle – great riding, wonderful people, awesome food and wine, and beautiful landscapes. It is incredible. Join the ride!
This trip is slotted somewhere between the extremes of do-it-yourself bike packing and a high-end, supported bike touring adventure.
Local friends in Argentina and expert guides will take care of all the details including the bicycles and gear, guides and safety, local activities, route planning, food and snacks, accommodations as well as helping you with getting to and from the destination. For many people, this will be their first bike travel experience. These bike packing tours are designed for people who are relatively fit and enjoy an active travel adventure.
Great People. Amazing Experiences.
REGISTER ONLINE or contact us to learn more about an OnaVelo Bike Packing Tour