- Cycle through a desert, ravines and a rainforest
- Visit two South American countries
- Enjoy excursions to salt flats and the Tatio geysers
Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta
13 Days
Excluding Flights
15 Days
from
Cycling
Activity Level
Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Superior
Itinerary
San Pedro de Atacama Salta London London
Depart London
Arrive San Pedro de Atacama; transfer to hotel.
Those on our group flights will arrive to Calama airport today, after connecting in Santiago de Chile. There will be a group transfer from the airport to our start hotel in the nearby town of San Pedro. For those people who have booked Land Only and made their own travel arrangements, you are welcome to meet the group transfer should you wish (and have informed us in advance). Otherwise the meeting point is at the start hotel in San Pedro anytime in the afternoon/evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)
Start San Pedro de Atacama; transfer to hotel
The adventure begins in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. We check into our hotel and have a welcome briefing this evening, a good chance to meet the group and ask any questions you may have.
Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)
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, we cycle to salt caves, before returning to San Pedro.
Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Pastos Chicos (or similar)
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 at the Hill of Seven Colours. After taking photos, we have a short ride to our hotel just outside the town of Purmamarca.
Accommodation: Casa de Adobe Hotel (or similar)
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.
Accommodation: Design Suites Salta (or similar)
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.
Accommodation: Design Suites Salta (or similar)
Transfer to abandoned train station; cycle along the Conchas River
Following breakfast, we transfer (approximately two hours) to the abandoned Alemania village and train station. After exploring, we get on our bikes and cycle along the Conchas River. We pass many interesting rock formations, with names such as the Amphitheatre and Devil’s Throat. Today is our longest ride but we end in the tranquil wine-producing town of Cafayate.
Accommodation: Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (or similar)
Cycle to the Sacred City of Quilmes; guided tour and transfer back
This morning, we cycle towards the Sacred City of Quilmes. These are Calchaquí ruins, from an indigenous community that once lived among the Calchaquí mountain range. It is considered the largest pre-Columbian settlement in Argentina. We have a guided tour of the ruins before lunch and then a transfer (approximately one hour) back to Cafayate. En route, we stop at Las Arcas de Tolombon Winery for a wine tasting.
Accommodation: Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (or similar)
Ride to the Calchaqui Valley; transfer to Molinos passing the Valley of Arrows
After breakfast, we cycle towards the Calchaqui Valley passing through the old town of San Carlos, one of the oldest towns in Argentina. After lunch, we take a transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to Molinos with stops at the best locations to get great photos. Everywhere you look you will see horizontal rock formations that appear to have been fired at Earth from space. We also pass a few sleepy small towns and hamlets along the way.
Accommodation: Hacienda de Molinos Hotel (or similar)
Cycle using the old National Route 40 to Cachi
After breakfast, we cycle straight from our hotel and head on the old National Route 40 to Seclantas. This is a very scenic route alongside the Calchaquí River. When we arrive at El Colte, we stop and appreciate art produced by loom weavers. Afterwards, we carry on cycling until we arrive at our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: El Cortijo Hotel Boutique (or similar)
Cycle in Los Cardones National Park; downhill stage along Bishop's Slope; final transfer to Salta
For our final day of cycling, we have a short transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our starting point in Los Cardones National Park. The name comes from the hundreds of cardon grande cacti growing throughout the park. From here, we have our final biking stage, downhill along the mesmerising Bishop’s Slope. The last leg of our journey is completed with a transfer back to Salta.
Accommodation: Design Suites Salta (or similar)
End 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.
End Salta; flight to Buenos Aires; arrive in time for our flight to London
On our final morning, we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Buenos Aires. We will arrive in time for the evening flight to London. If not travelling on the international group flight, please be aware that you will probably not be back in Buenos Aires until after 3pm. The land only portion of the trip ends in Salta.
Arrive London
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Average daily distance: 32mi (51km)
- Total distance: Approximately 320mi (516km)
- Number of cycling days: 10
- Vehicle support: 100 percent
- Terrain and route: Approximately 67 percent paved, 33 percent unpaved roads. Some large elevation gains; mixed cycling terrain; variable weather conditions and some remote locations
The set itinerary is not technical; however, most of this tour is spent at high altitude and sometimes we cycle above 9,845ft (3,000m), where the air is noticeably thinner. Because of this, we recommend you have good fitness levels for this trip.
Some cycling experience is recommended.
Most of the roads are in good condition, although there can be potholes and poorer conditions in some short sections. You should be prepared for some cycling on unpaved gravel/dirt roads.
The roads are generally free of heavy traffic until we reach towns, where we are more likely to encounter other vehicles.
Note – Changes in local cycle route or distance may be necessary should our cycle team determine safety concerns due to increased commercial traffic and/or deteriorating road conditions pertaining to our originally advertised routes.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Pascual Andino, Gustavo Le Paige 150, 1410000 Antofagasta, San Pedro de Atacama
Phone: +56 55 289 5313
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Calama Airport (CJC)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 1hr 30min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Salta Airport (SLA) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen return journey to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: San Pedro de Atacama
Location end: Salta
Hotels
We spend 12 nights in a range of hotels along the route, breakfasts are included each day. Accommodation has been chosen to suit our group size and requirements. They are all cyclist friendly and strategically located for the best cycling routes possible along our Chile to Argentina route.
Worth Knowing
- We will provide twin rooms (two beds) for non-couples and, while we cannot always guarantee, double rooms (one shared bed, as available) for couples. Please request preferred room type at the time of booking.
- We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip for a supplement (subject to availability). Please ask your sales representative for details.
Trip Experts
Taiel Croce
Expert Leader: Argentina & Chile
Reviews
Add your own reviewSpectacular landscape cycling adventure
A thoroughly enjoyable and amazing experience involving some of the most varied and awe-inspiring scenery within Northern Chile and Argentina. We felt that this trip was a cost effective and immersive way of enjoying the scenery. I would re-iterate a previous comment that although the distances often don’t appear that long the combination of altitude, heat, road surface and transfers made for long and tiring days. As a result of our group size a number of the hotels were changed, notwithstanding this we were generally disappointed with the standard and cleanliness of the hotels we stayed in bar a few notable exceptions. Despite the more negatives aspects we have outlined we would definitely recommend the trip as the experience more than overcame any downside.
Most Inspirational Moment
The highlights are too numerous to mention but the stand-outs for us were the two long descents from stunning Susques down into the Humahuaca gorge and the final days biking down Bishop's slope.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ale was charming, ever cheerful and worked hard to keep our large group on track. He had great local knowledge and interesting stories that embellished our trip. Our feeling was that there were not enough staff to deal with the group in an efficient way. There were just three people including Ale to drive the 2 vans and provide stop breaks and lunch. Loading the bikes and lunch preparation was slow and time consuming meaning that we often arrived late at the final destination with little down time before our evening meal. The van that was meant to be readily available with our possessions including additional clothing was always at the back of the group which sometimes meant waiting up to 90minutes getting cold for the van to catch up for example.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We definitely benefitted from arriving a few days earlier in San Pedro to acclimatise to the altitude. We also enjoyed visiting some of the sites not covered by the trip on our own (we hired a car), namely the Altiplanic lakes and Chaxa lagoon. Some people in our group suffered from the effects of altitude for a couple of days. Sandy gravel roads were a significant feature of this trip, with one full day on gravel. Experience in off road cycling would be of benefit for these sections. The bike seats were not comfortable for us, consider bringing your own or a padded cover. The weather was unusually warm for our trip meaning that the many warm clothes we brought were barely worn, however you do need some warm clothing for the cooler nights, high altitude and the Geyser trip. Salta was a complete surprise for us. Larger, more interesting and enjoyable than we anticipated. Well worth an extra night or two stay at the end as there is lots to do in and around the city. It also felt completely safe to walk around at all times of the day and night. Argentina is currently very cheap with the blue rate being offered by credit cards and currency exchange from American dollars.
Cycling in the desert
A fantastic trip, cycling with a great group of people, through some amazing scenery in Chile and Argentina. I enjoyed all of the rides although a few were tough in the dry heat at 4000 metres. Plenty of support from our tour guides Ale Moreiras and Claudio Sanuy who were happy and cheerful and helped us to navigate through any problems.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our early morning visit to the geysers at El Tatio. Crossing the Jama Pass from Chile into Argentina. Riding on the salt flats at Salinas grandes Descending the 42 km of the Bishop's slope.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was Ale Moreiras who was an entertaining and competent leader whose professionalism and enthusiasm were an integral part of his guiding. It was evident that Ale and his co-leader, Claudio Sanuy, enjoyed their work and both worked hard, but without fuss, to ensure the tour went according to plan. In my case my wife became affected by toothache but Ale was able to find, and take her to a dentist, who saw her on a Sunday afternoon, prescribing antibiotics which allowed her to continue the tour. We were both thankful for this and I was amazed at Ale's resourcefulness. He seemed to have contacts everywhere we went and whilst some might say this was a coincidence, I think such things don't happen without effort being made to develop a network of contacts for times of need. I think Ale was the main organiser but Claudio was equally enthusiastic and the two complemented each other very well, each with skills and contacts to support the other.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There is a reasonable distance travelled on 'gravel' but this surface is much like forest trails that can be found in England. We did not encounter large rocks to be negotiated. However, unlike trails in England a lot of these are above 3500 metres and for our trip the weather was quite hot. The heat and altitude mean that all riders must be aware of how they feel at all times. Dehydration, altitude sickness and fatigue are real issues to watch out for. Enjoy the riding, the scenery is fantastic.
Excellent Trip
Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The experienced guide, Ale, and helper, Claudio, bent over backwards to be helpful and hospitable throughout. Spectacular scenery. Great accommodation (except to start with in in Chile but we understand they won’t be using Our Habitas again). Food (steaks!) to die for!
Most Inspirational Moment
Perhaps reaching the 3,457m top on the final day after a l-o-o-o-ng (13.5 mile) climb. Other Exodus trips we've been on make more of building up to THE big climb of the trip but this was a bit low key. But this is a minor criticism. The geyser trip was amazing but it really was mega-cold (-8 degrees someone said) to start with. Salt flats were great too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ale did a great job - knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, capable. Gave good briefings. No criticisms. Claudio was excellent support.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Cycling was tougher than we expected - heat, ascents and quite a bit of gravel surface took their toll so if we did it again we'd want to be fitter (but I'd say we were 'moderately fit' which the grading specifies) . Exodus need to look at their grading system as this 'Moderate to Challenging' was much tougher than the 'Moderate to Challenging' of Kerala that we've done. Our biggest concern in advance was the altitude but this had zero apparent effect on us, except occasional shortness of breath walking around. It probably affected our cycling capability too but we weren't conscious of that factor compared to the other points above.
An exhilarating and thought provoking trip
An action-packed journey through spectacular Andean scenery with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling and climbing through Los Cardones National Park at altitude with the Cerro Malcante mountain (5070m) on the horizon, we stopped for a fabulous picnic lunch just before the main 2000m descent to the finish.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tai was excellent in every way and worked really hard with his assistants to ensure that everyone enjoyed the trip to the utmost.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We have tended to take trips where the focus is sightseeing in the destination towns and cities. On this trip scenery and wildlife are king, and we thoroughly enjoyed it for this.
A fantastic trip!
We’ve just returned from one of our best cycling trips. The scenery was amazing and varied so much day to day – Martian landscapes, amazing rock formations, geysers, salt flats and cacti. It’s hard to single out anything in particular as being a favourite because it was all stunning. The descents were magnificent too. The team were brilliant, sociable, informative and provided wonderful snacks and lunches. Riding at altitude is challenging but we expected that and the itinerary allows for appropriate acclimatisation. The only thing we hadn’t realised was quite how cold it would be at 4,000+ metres! I can’t recommend the trip highly enough.
Most Inspirational Moment
It was all brilliant.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ale Morwiras was great: enthusiastic, sociable, informative and a great organiser.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you have suitable warm clothes for the days at high altitude.
Cycling in Chile & Argentina
This was the one of the best cycling trips we’ve done and couldn’t recommend it more highly. There was so much contrast and diversity in the landscapes and terrain each day! No 2 days were the same! From high plateaus, salt flats, rainforest, rocky landscapes, river valleys, great tarmac roads and gravel tracks …. it was just breathtaking! Much of the trip was at significant altitude but the itinerary allows for appropriate acclimatisation. The whole team were great and the organisation from behind scenes was superb- especially the coffee stops and picnics!
Most Inspirational Moment
Every day had its own inspirational moment - the Moon Valley in the high desert, the Tatio Geysers at sunrise followed by a dip in the thermal pool, cycling on the salt flats, the 2 incredible 35km descents, the breathtaking geological features and amazing colourful rock formations.... I could keep going on!! One really special moment was being entertained by local musicians in the incredible amphitheatre - a fallen cavern created by an ancient waterfall.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ale was first class! He was a great leader and went over and above the call of duty every day. He also had great knowledge of the political and local history - fascinating sensitive and charming. Also the support team were fantastic.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for altitude- much of the trip is at significant altitude but the trip allows for acclimatisation. Also bring clothing for all temperatures- above 4000m it is quite chilly and it’s well below freezing visiting the Geysers at dawn! Others on our trip have recommended a good saddle or padding for the rutted gravel and a good camera is a must!
Fantastic scenery
Great riding, fantastic scenery and superb support staff.
Most Inspirational Moment
Salt plains, geysers and hill of 7 colours. Two awesome downhill rides.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ale was excellent- not only in role of trip leader, but also in imparting knowledge of local history and politics. Very organised and helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Walking boots or shoes recommended for sand dune and geyser walk. Trip rating of 4 feels right. None of us had significant altitude symptoms. The only climbing at altitude was on the last day of the trip, when we had acclimatised. The 30% non tarmac was on sandy/gravelly/corrugated roads which needed some care for the uninitiated. The birdwatching/ barbeque option for the day off in Salta was hugely enjoyed by the 10 of us who chose this.
Brilliant variety of rides. Best trip ever!
Such a variety of cycling through such a variety of landscapes. Some of the best days riding we’ve ever done.
Most Inspirational Moment
The ride through the rain forest; riding on the pampas.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant - your tour leaders are always good, but Ale was exceptional and inspirational. The support staff were brilliant too!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t be fooled by seemingly short distances - most of the rides are at high altitude, so pace yourself.
Smiling in Atacama
This trip was absolutely fantastic, I really didn’t want it to end. The scenery was jaw dropping with different views and a different cycling experience every day. It’s hard to single out anything in particular that stands out because it was all stunning. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting on the bike every day and discovering that once again the scenery was superb and different.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Leader and crew were a brilliant team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be sure to have your own comfortable saddle or a gel seat cover because the corrugated gravel roads can be hard on your tail end! You might also want to take a buff or something you can use to cover your mouth as some of the days can be quite dusty. The cycling looks like short distances, especially at the start but the roads/terrain and altitude mean it is still quite challenging.
A fantastic trip with incredible varied sceneries
The trip is incredible. The scenery varies every day and you’ll ride on all possible terrains: sand, rock, gravel, tarmac and every day offers a lot of fun. The landscape of the Moon Valley in Chile is surreal and the Tatio geyser excursion is a stunning experience. Chile and Argentina are lovely countries; the areas visited still haven’t been reached by mass tourism and you barely see any other tourists while travelling.
Most Inspirational Moment
Riding through the hill of seven colours in Purmamarca.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The guide we had on our trip has been working with Exodus for many many years and is very knowledgable of the area as well been born in Argentina. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone had the best time and gave us tips to ride on different terrain, as sand for instance and I felt I've learnt a lot by the end of the week.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just book and go!
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Friday
05 Apr 2025 04 Apr 2025
Thursday Friday
17 Apr 2025 18 Apr 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 5 220 € Book with 1 305 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +984 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
10 May 2025 09 May 2025
Thursday Friday
22 May 2025 23 May 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 5 100 € Book with 1 275 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +984 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
16 Aug 2025 15 Aug 2025
Thursday Friday
28 Aug 2025 29 Aug 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 5 040 € Book with 1 260 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +984 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
06 Sep 2025 05 Sep 2025
Thursday Friday
18 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 5 220 € Book with 1 305 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +984 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
04 Oct 2025 03 Oct 2025
Thursday Friday
16 Oct 2025 17 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 5 135 € Book with 1 283 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +984 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
01 Nov 2025 31 Oct 2025
Thursday Friday
13 Nov 2025 14 Nov 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 5 220 € Book with 1 305 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +984 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta
13 Days
Excluding Flights
15 Days
from