ABRA DEL ACAY CHALLENGE

Day 1 : The first day finds us riding along the famous tracks of the Train to the Clouds, starting in a green and leafy landscape of the yungas jungle, and as we enter the Quebrada del Toro, we will see how the landscape changes after each curve to get our senses used to the Puna landscapes, with thistles and countless colours that reflect the hills.

We will be able to see the imposing engineering work of the C 14 branch,with its different stations and viaducts

Distance covered : 30 km
Type of terrain: Railway tracks, pavement and gravel.
Noche en San Antonio de los Cobres.

Day 2: After breakfast, we start the ascent by vehicle to the highest point (Abra del Acay) at 4850 m.a.s.l., one of the highest road passes in the world. This is perhaps the most extreme and impressive day of the whole trip, as descending from this height, experiencing the lack of oxygen, and the imposing heights with their precipices and ravines make every minute of the journey worthwhile.

We descend to La Poma along the famous Ruta 40, where we will be able to visit the old town, destroyed by an earthquake, and dine on local trout.

Distance covered: 60 km
Type of terrain : Ripio
Night in La Poma

Day 3: After breakfast, we start cycling from La Poma, all along the way we will be accompanied by the Calchaqui River, the river we saw born in El Abra del Acay. Today is full of landscapes and iconic spots such asthe twin volcanoes, the Devil's Bridge with its tunnels full of stalactites, the Inca Graneros and El Cajón. If you pay attention, you are likely to see a giant hummingbird along the way.

Distance covered: 40 km
Type of terrain: Ripio
Overnight in Cachi or Payogasta

Day 4: Early in the morning, we drive 60 km by vehicle to Piedra del Molino (highest point of Los Cardones National Park) at 3457 masl. After handing over the equipment, we start descending the legendary Cuesta del Obispo. The first 22 km are the most scenic views of the Noa Argentino, we have lunch at the foot of the Cuesta, and then we take a 10 km Trail through the Quebrada de Escoipe, to finish in a 12 km long cycling with curves and counter curves, ups and downs.

Arriving again in the Yungas jungle (the jungle we left on the first day of the tour).

Distance covered: 40 km
Type of terrain: gravel, path and pavement.
End of the route and return to Salta city at 18 hs approx.