28 April to 1 May 2024
BIKING TRIP TO THE NORTHERN REGION
BIKING TRIP TO THE NORTHERN REGION
Details
DAY 1: SALTA-PURMAMARCA
We leave by car on the "old route 9" from Salta to San Salvador de Jujuy (also called "camino de cornisa"). At "La Caldera" we start pedalling this route which, although it still has traffic, has been displaced by the new Route 9 which is much less winding and narrow than the one we will be using. The road begins to climb gently for the first few kilometres. Once at the top, we start to descend and the landscape transforms, offering us a web of trees, ferns and lianas (yungas jungle). After crossing this incredible cornice road, overcoming the slope at 1520 m.a.s.l. we arrive at the border between the provinces of Salta and Jujuy and then finish at the "La Cienaga" dam, having covered a little more than 40 km. Lunch, loading of bikes in the trailer, transfer by van to Purmamarca.
Total distance 41.6 km. Type of road: Pavement.
DAY 2: PURMAMARCA TO THE GREAT SALT FLATS
In the morning, after breakfast, we leave by car to visit one of themost surreal places on earth: the Salinas Grandes, in the territory of Jujuy. We drive thirty-four kilometres up the "Cuesta de Lipán" to the pass at 4170 m.a.s.l. and when we reach the solitary puna, where the sighting of vicuñas and llamas is a daily occurrence, we continue downhill to the incredible salt flats. There we can pedal and learn about the processing and extraction of salt. Lunch, loading of the bikes and a new ascent by vehicle of the Cuesta de Lipán from 3400 m.a.s.l. towards the pass at 4170 m.a.s.l. Eight kilometres before arriving at the pass, we will have our first experience of cycling at altitude and begin our bike ride to Purmamarca, initially a steep ascent and then enjoying an incredible descent to Purmamarca. Once in the village, we will cycle around "Los Colorados", a three kilometre trail behind the "Cerro de los siete colores" (hill of the seven colours). We recommend visiting the church, the handicraft market and taking a picture of the "Cerro de los siete colores" early the next day.
Distancia total 80 km Tipo de terreno: Asfalto y salinas.
DAY 3: PURMAMARCA TO IRUYA
We depart by vehicle from Purmamarca through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, declared "Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO, passing through Tilcara, Tumbaya and Humahuaca. Start cycling 14km further on in Chaupi Rodeo towards the "Abra del Condor" at 3900m above sea level. Before reaching the highest point we will have lunch and then continue climbing up to the pass, which is also the border between Salta and Jujuy. There we start a fabulous descent through a narrow, zigzagging road, surrounded by centenary pircas and passing through villages like "Colanzuli", which are dedicated to agriculture in terraces and to the breeding of goats, sheep and llamas. The natural setting of ravines, walls, dry rivers and imposing hills is impressive. Lodging in "Iruya", an incredible pre-Columbian village, which, because of its location on a hill, has very narrow and steep cobbled streets. Visit to the village and its church.
Total distance 21 km. Type of terrain: Gravel
DAY 4: IRUYA TO SALTA
From Iruya, after breakfast, we leave by vehicle again towards the "Abra del Cóndor" (Condor Pass), riding 19 km uphill on the traditional road. Two kilometres before the pass we take the bikes off the trailer to start the ascent and then the descent towards the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The road takes us between zig-zags from 4000 m.a.s.l. to 3000 m.a.s.l. on Route 9 itself. After lunch, we load the bikes on our trailer and head towards Salta city, stopping in Tilcara to visit its picturesque village.
Total distance 30 km. Type of terrain: Gravel
SPECIFICATIONS
Equipment:
- Venzo Raptor bikes, 29 wheel size S M and L (hydraulic disc brakes, shadow system derailleur).
- Gloves
- Knee and elbow pads
- Fluorescent vest
- Lycra collars to protect you from the cold in case of bad weather
- Helmet
"Ask for HD video of the whole experience " Filmed with 3 go pro
* Each of our bikes is in perfect maintenance condition and is checked before and after every ride.
Includes:
- Round trip transfers from the city of Salta.
- Instructive talk with the security measures.
- Lunch on day 2 in Salinas Grandes de Jujuy.
- Mechanical assistance and guide throughout the tour.
- Assistance in support vehicle.
- Photo session of the whole trip.
- Entrance by bicycle to the Salinas Grandes with a local guide.
What to bring?
Come prepared with a handbag with a double change of clothes to change into if necessary.
We recommend:
Comfortable cycling tights or shorts for pedaling (optional tights or long pants depending on the weather).
Extra short sleeve t-shirt and waterproof/windbreaker jacket.
Optional - long sleeve t-shirt.
Comfortable cycling shoes.
Warm jacket.
Sunscreen.
Sun hat.
Clear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust during pedaling.
Medical assistance insurance.
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