Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta

4.9Based on

Carbon neutral

13 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

San Pedro De Atacama, Chile

Ends

Salta, Argentina

Highlights

Cycle Chile and Argentina’s most beautiful landscapes: salt flats, rainforest and desert

Visit the El Tatio geysers at sunrise – the most beautiful time to visit!

Pedal to the Valley of the Moon to discover an otherworldly landscape

Challenge yourself to cross the mountainous Jama Pass from Chile into Argentina

Ride the extraordinary salt flats at Salinas Grandes

Cycle among the cactus groves of Los Cardones National Park

Itinerary

If you crave cycling through some of Earth’s most surreal landscapes, the Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta tour is a journey like no other. This 13-day small-group bicycle adventure spans the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert, Chile, to Salta, Argentina, guiding you through salt flats, winding ravines, and rainforests via tranquil roads seldom traveled by others. Highlights include the lunar vistas of Moon Valley and the vibrant town of Salta la Linda. With challenging terrain and minimal traffic, this tour is tailored for experienced travelers seeking both solitude and exhilarating scenery. The unique selling point: experiencing wildly contrasting environments—from the world’s driest desert to lush rainforests—all from the saddle, making this trip an unforgettable odyssey for passionate cyclists.

day 1 - Adventure starts San Pedro de Atacama

The adventure begins in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Chilean welcome over a group dinner.

There’s no cycling today, so take time to rest your legs before our two-wheel adventure begins in earnest tomorrow.

Want more time in San Pedro? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals:Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)

day 2 - Cycle to the Valley of the Moon

This morning, we get on our bikes for the first time and go on an acclimatisation ride. We depart the town of San Pedro and cycle to the Valley of the Moon. Here you feel as if you have landed on another planet, it is often compared to Mars with its red rock formations and dunes. Afterwards, there is an option of cycling towards El Mirador de Ckari, near Piedra del Coyote, before returning to San Pedro.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)

day 3 - Visit El Tatio geysers; afternoon ride to San Isidro's Chapel

We have a very early start as we depart our hotel 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 13,125ft (4,000m) above sea level. Departing early gives us an opportunity to watch sunrise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world. On arrival, we enjoy breakfast in this beautiful setting, providing us the perfect way to warm up. On our return to San Pedro, we see beautiful sites and stop in the village of Machuca, an Atacameño village of 20 houses built from clay, straw and cactus wood. We 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 well-known landmarks, including a winding canyon known as Devil’s Throat.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)

day 4 - Cross border into Argentina; cycle alongside Jama salt flats; transfer to Susques

Today is a long travel day, so we rise early to say goodbye to Chile and cross via the Jama Pass (14,025ft/4,275m) into Argentina (approximately 2hr 30min). We stop along the way at viewpoints to stretch our legs and take photos, including a pause at lagoons in Los Flamencos National Reserve. Once we clear immigration, we continue our transfer to the town of Jama (approximately 2hr 30min). In Jama, we have lunch before we get on our bikes and cycle alongside the Jama salt flats. We then have another transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to Susques, our destination for the night.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Pastos Chicos (or similar)

day 5 - Transfer to Salinas Grandes; scenic picnic lunch; downhill ride to the Humahuaca Gorge and the Hill of Seven Colours

Departing Susques, we transfer (approximately one hour) to the small community of Cerro Negro. We unload the bikes and cycle towards the Salinas Grandes saltpans. Here, we can ride on salt before stopping for our picnic lunch. After lunch, we have a short transfer to the viewpoint of Abra de Potrerillos (13,680ft/4,170m). From here, we enjoy a fast, downhill ride with amazing views of coloured hills and rock formations until we arrive in Purmamarca, where we will lodge. There is an optional track that allows us to admire the famous Hill of Seven Colours.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Others:Colores de Purmamarca (or similar)

day 6 - Transfer to El Carmen; cycle through rainforest; transfer to Salta

We start the morning with a transfer (approximately one hour) to the small town of El Carmen. Today’s ride feels completely different as we cycle on a paved road through a rainforest heading south towards Salta. This route joins the two main cities in the province, Salta and Jujuy, and is one of the most spectacular cycling stages we encounter: a serpentine road with lush rainforest on either side. We stop for a picnic lunch near the town of La Caldera before boarding a transfer to our destination for the next two nights, the beautiful city of Salta.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Others:Design Suites Salta (or similar)

day 7 - Free day in Salta

Spend today at leisure and enjoy exploring beautiful Salta. We recommend visiting the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) in the town centre, where you can see one of three mummified children from the Inca civilisation, who were sacrificed at the Llullaillaco Volcano. Please ask your tour leader to organise your visit. We can also arrange a bird-watching trip to Finca Cielo Verde.

Meals:Breakfast

Others:Design Suites Salta (or similar)

day 8 - Cycle up Bishop’s Hill; explore Los Cardones National Park

Kick off with a transfer (three hours) to Los Artesanos viewpoint, where we hop on our bikes and ride up Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop’s Hill).

Enjoy wonderful viewpoints along the way, such as Piedra del Molino (Millstone) and Los Ojos del Cóndor (the Condor’s Eyes), where we will hopefully see soaring condors.

Next, we cycle into the high desert of Los Cardones National Park, stopping at the Mirador del Camino del Inca (the Incas’ Route Viewpoint) before finishing in the village of Cachi.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:El Cortijo Hotel Boutique (or similar)

day 9 - Ride the old National Route 40 to Molinos

This morning, we cycle the RN40 – the Artisans’ Route – stopping at El Colte, where loom weavers display their work on the side of the path. From there, we ride to Molinos, following the same road, a wavy route with gentle slopes. We finish at our accommodation for the night – an 18th-century hotel on the Incas’ Route.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Hacienda de Molinos Hotel (or similar)

day 10 - Ride to the Calchaquí Valley

Begin with a transfer (2hrs) to our starting point for today, in front of the Nuestra Señora de la Merced Chapel, just after Payogastilla. Then head south towards the Calchaquí Valley, riding for 10.5mi (17km) on hard gravel and stopping to visit San Carlos, the second-oldest village in Argentina. Continue cycling to our accommodation in the middle of vineyards, where we can relax after a rewarding ride.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (or similar)

day 11 - Cycle to the Sacred City of Quilmes; guided tour and transfer back

Cycle to Quilmes this morning, Calchaquí ruins from an indigenous community that once lived among the Calchaquí mountains. Enjoy a guided tour before lunch, then transfer (approximately one hour) back to Cafayate.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (or similar)

day 12 - Cycle alongside the Conchas River to an abandoned train station; final transfer to Salta

After breakfast and a short transfer we start cycling towards and along the Conchas River valley, home to imposing rock formations, such as El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheatre) and La Garganta del Diablo (The Devil's Throat). We finish our ride at an abandoned railway station, Alemania (Germany); from there, take a transfer (approximately two hours) to our final accommodation.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Others:Design Suites Salta (or similar)

day 13 - Adventure ends in Salta

The adventure draws to a close today and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals:Breakfast

Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodation

Meals

All breakfasts, nine lunches and one dinner

Transport

All transport and listed activitiesGroup arrival and departure transfers available

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Others

Local bike hire

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta

4.9

based on 11 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 212+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 809 customer reviews from

Anonymous

I had an easy experience booking a tour with bookmundi. The website is very intuitive and easy.

1 week ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta that you might like.

Torres del Paine - Full Circuit Trek

4.8(9 reviews)

If Patagonia’s wild beauty calls to you, the Torres del Paine - Full Circuit Trek delivers an epic, strenuous adventure across Chile’s most dramatic landscapes. Over 11 days, this self-guided trek challenges fit, thrill-seeking travelers and young adults to explore remote, less-visited corners of Torres del Paine National Park—think jagged peaks, roaring rivers, and windswept plains straight from a fantasy novel. Enjoy the camaraderie of a small group, top-notch mountain guides, and the freedom to focus on spotting condors or reveling in jaw-dropping vistas. The tour’s unique advantage is its comprehensive circuit route, offering access to areas few visitors see while maintaining a sense of accomplishment and wonder at every turn. This is the ultimate trip for trekking enthusiasts seeking adventure at the ends of the earth.

11 days

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

4.9(33 reviews)

Cycling enthusiasts with a spirit for adventure will find their paradise on the "Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina" tour. This challenging, 13-day bicycle journey leads experienced travelers through the northern edge of Patagonia, offering a spectacular mix of paved and gravel routes across active volcanoes, turquoise lakes, and ancient forests. Along the way, spot Andean condors, cross the Andes twice, and soak up the cultural influences that shape both Chile and Argentina. Stay at a cozy ecolodge, enjoy catamaran rides, and embrace the challenge of exhilarating bike ascents. The USP? The rare chance to cycle some of South America’s most scenic and diverse landscapes, all while gaining unique insight into the region’s cultural tapestry.

13 days

End of the Earth

5.0(9 reviews)

For those who dream of wild, untamed frontiers, the End of the Earth tour is a two-week adventure through Patagonia’s raw beauty. Starting and ending in Buenos Aires, this wildlife journey is crafted for experienced travelers seeking a challenge. Trek through Torres del Paine, witness the power of the Perito Moreno Glacier, and hike the dramatic landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park. The tour’s unique edge is its access to stunning campsites and the expertise of local guides, ensuring you experience Patagonia’s splendor up close. With all logistics, meals, and accommodations included, this trip epitomizes exploration at the edge of the world.

14 days

Journeys: Discover Patagonia

5.0(13 reviews)

Patagonia’s majestic landscapes call to the adventurous spirit, and the Journeys: Discover Patagonia tour delivers a fourteen-day odyssey through Argentina and Chile’s wild south. Starting and ending in Buenos Aires, this wildlife trip is tailored for experienced travelers and seniors who desire both comfort and active exploration. Traverse from Bariloche to the iconic Torres del Paine National Park, marvel at the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier, and spot penguins in the Beagle Channel. The journey culminates with a tango lesson in Buenos Aires, blending natural and cultural highlights. The USP of this tour package is its diverse modes of travel—by foot, boat, and private vehicle—offering a comprehensive and immersive Patagonian experience with all arrangements smoothly handled.

14 days

Chile & Argentina: Capital Cities & Hiking Patagonia

5.0(5 reviews)

Snow-capped peaks, staggering scenery in Torres Del Paine and the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier await major outdoors enthusiasts on this two-week epic adventure through the wilds of Patagonia. Designed for those looking to explore a corner of the world that is off the beaten path, while also indulging in the comforts of exquisite local food and unique accommodations, this trip checks all of the boxes for both an invigorating and rejuvenating experience. Stay active with mountain hikes through pristine landscapes and walk the boardwalks of Perito Moreno Glacier. Starting and ending with the culturally rich cities of Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina, you'll get a complete picture of the region's sights, sounds and flavours. Take a full-day bike excursion along vineyards from Santiago with included wine tastings, and pedal through an art-rich neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. This is Patagonia in style.

14 days

13-Day South America: Mountains & Beaches

This 13-day / 12-night travel package takes you to tour the most impressive cities in South America. We begin in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, also known as the "Paris of Latin America" and then continue our journey to Chile, with a halfway stop in Mendoza, a famous wine region. The next city on the itinerary is Santiago de Chile, one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in the country. The last stop will be in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city that offers a perfect combination of culture, nightlife, beaches and natural scenery

13 days

Peru and Bolivia Explorer

5.0(1 review)

This 13 day quest will take you from a lodge nestled in the Amazon rainforest through to The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, before an unforgettable adventure across Bolivia and it's mind bending Salt Flats. Get ready for some out-of-this-world nature, local experiences, some of the world's most iconic sights, and of course a whole bunch of new friends to share it all with.

13 days

Keep Exploring Chile

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights

Itinerary