A ride back in time to discover the legacy of the ancient Incas and the Spanish conquistadores, set against the backdrop of the magnificent peaks of the Andes.
A journey that starts from the famed vineyards following the strangely shaped desert landscapes to finally climb to the dramatic mountain passes as you make your way to the driest desert on earth.
Day 1
Mendoza - Tupungato
Arrive to Mendoza , airport.
You will be met by a MotoAmigos representative at the airport and then taken in a private bus to a beautiful winery in the famous Tupungato region where some of Argentina’s best Malbec and Chardonay wines are produced.
Overnight at an exclusive vineyard in Tupungato
Day 2 295 km
Tupungato - Barreal
We leave our lodge at the Vinyard and pass through the city of Mendoza.
Shortly after we will leave the sealed road and wind our way around the bends of Villavicencio, a sinuous road which is also known as the road of the 365 bends. Along the way we may spot some typical fauna from the region such as guanacos and condors whilst climbing ever closer to the Andes Mountain range with all is spectacular views surrounding us.
Our final destination for the day is asmall village called Barreal which is located in the province of San Juan. Clean skies above greet us at Barreal which is the headquarters of the Leoncito Astronomic Center.
Overnight at Barreal, Argentina.
Day 3 395 km
Barreal - Chiflon
We’ll start the day with some amazing mountain windy roads which is dotted with small village along the way. After enjoying the curves for the first hour or so, we will eventually take us back out to the route 40 for a short while until we turn off and head towards the famous Triassic park on Talampaya. Upon arrival to our destination for the day, you’ll get to enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the swimming pool in a lovely lodge set in desert surroundings.
Overnight at El Chiflon, La Rioja, Argentina
Day 4 275 km
Chiflon - Campanas
We depart Chiflon early in the morning and ride 70km before reaching the beautiful UNESCO world heritage site, Talampaya National Park. The park has amazing rock formations and one of the world most complete Triassic fossil records.
After our visit to the park we ride a further 100km until we reach the spectacular Cuesta de Miranda which is imbued with an intense colour of red. After a few bends, the road becomes gravel and the climb itself begins. With its red earth on either side, the road continues up and down, crossing precipices that are sometime as much as 300 meters deep.
In the early afternoon, we reach the inviting Argentine lodge where we can admire excellent views over the vineyards and where we will be treated to a simple but warm service.
A bbq dinner will be held in the outdoor area of the lodge beside the vineyards.
Overnight in Campanas, La Rioja, Argentina.
Day 5 425 km
Campanas - Cafayate
Today's ride will be mostly along paved roads with some stretches of gravel. Our final destination today will be the pretty city of Cafayate in the province of Salta.
After a long days ride, you’ll arrive to a beautiful hotel in a gorgeous setting after a refreshing swim or shower, we will all meet take a walk around the gardens of the vineyard and enjoy some exquisite Argentine empanadas (Argentinean meat pies) you will be able to see how the local people bake them in a typical outdoor clay oven. At the same time, we will also sample some of the best local wines.
Overnight in Cafayate, Salta, Argentina.
Day 6 160 km
Cafayate - Cachi
A large part of our day will be ridden on well maintain gravel/dirt road which is one of the most picturesque sections of the famous route 40. The formation of the rocks is forever changing … all set inside an insanely colourful ravine called Quebrada de las Flechas. Along the way you will see some beautifully restored colonial cottages and homesteads, but this is just an appetiser before reaching the undeniably gorgeous village of Cachi.
Overnight at Cachi, Argentina
Day 7 340 km
Cachi - Purmamarca
This marvellous journey begins with more unbelievable landscapes until we reach the capital city of the province, Salta. Beyond Salta and for the next 100km the landscape changes drastically and we now find ourselves riding though a forest like mountain ridge which is abundant with serious motorcycle friendly corners which never seem to end.
As we approach the 300km mark, the scenery changes again as we reach Argentina’s most colourful town, Purmamarca, which is famous for its Seven Color Mountain.
At dawn, the market stalls that arise around the square start to unfold fabrics and shawls woven of alpaca and sheep wool. The richness of the fabrics may be seen from the weaving, the dyeing and the designs.
Overnight in Purmarmarca, Argentina.
Day 8 410 km
Purmamarca - San Pedro de Atacama
Leaving Purmamarca, we take National Route 52 that takes us to the International Jama Pass through the well-known ̈Cuesta de Lipan ̈. Combined with the infinity of the curves of the ̈Cuesta de Lipán”, this landscape is one of the most beautiful natural sceneries in the Argentine Northwest.
Our first stop will be at Las Salinas Grandes (salt flats). Las Salinas Grandes are considered to be the third largest salt lakes in the world, after Uyuni Salt Lake in Bolivia and Arizaro Salt Lake in Salta.
The lovely town of San Pedro de Atacama is located immediately after leaving the customs post.
Overnight at San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
Day 9
San Pedro
Non riding day
San Pedro de Atacama is considered the archaeological capital of Chile.
Today, you can have the morning off to walk around the town. Early in the afternoon, a private transfer will pick up to take you for a cocktail on the salt flats beside the amazing oasis where you can take a very refreshing swim.
Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
Day 10 510 km
San Pedo de Atacama - Uyuni
Today's destination is certainly one of the most exciting of all: El Salar de Uyuni. (Uyuni Salt Flats).
With an area of 12.000km2, and situated in the southwest of Bolivia, Uyuni is the world ́s largest salt flat. It lies at an altitude of 3.700 meters just west of the township of Uyuni and extends like a huge flat white desert.
We stay in a hotel built entirely of salt located on the edge of this enormous Salt Flat. We arrive just in time to come together on the terrace of the hotel to share a drink whilst watching a magnificent Uyuni sunset.
Lodging at Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia.
Day 11
Uyuni
Today we will enjoy riding the Uyuni salt flats.
Surrounded by mountains and volcano's, the dimensions of this vast plain of salt transmits a set of mixed feelings to the riders; surprise, novelty, admiration and enchantment, while our motorcycles glide effortlessly on the shiny hard salt crusts. A silent landscape of salt stretching in all directions bringing the riders to a powerful state of mind; for many an opportunity to experience their lifetime desired to truly feel …freedom!
Lunch will be at Incahuasi Island. Built on the remains of an ancient volcano of petrified limestone, the island hosts a forest of cactus and is located in the middle of the salt flat.
Lodging at Uyuni salt flats, Bolivia.
Day 12 300 km
Uyuni - Yavi
After an early start to the day and as we see the salt flats disappearing in our mirrors…. We ride on a newly paved road will be initially take us to Tupiza and then onto the border town of Villazon. Our scenery for the day will swing between white salt flats to arid /rocky deserts with stunning volcanic mountains in the backdrop at altitudes in excess of 4,500m. Another day to remember!
Overnight in Yavi, Argentina
DAY 13 410 km
Yavi - Salta
After a unique stay in the tiny indigenous villiage in Yavi, we’ll saddle our bikes and ride through the famous Quebrada de Huamahuaca Canyon. Huamahuaca Canyon, in Jujuy Province, was declared World Patrimony of Humanity by the United Nations Organization (UNESCO).
After a well deserved lunch in Tilcara, you’ll have a leisurely 150km ride towards our final destination, Salta. Just enough time for you to reflect on what you have done/seen/felt and experienced over the past two weeks and all those new memories that you will be taking home with you.
Overnight in Salta
DAY 14
Salta
Depart from Salta Airport
End of Tour
Total km 3520
Base price for CF 450 motorcycle or similar with shared twin room: USD $8,875
| CF 800 | USD $850 |
| Pillion Passenger | USD $3,850 |
| Single room supplement | USD $1,450 |
*Prices subject to change without notice.
Included:
- Motorcycle guide (english and spanish) for the entire tour.
- A combination of 4 and 5 star hotels and lodges, with breakfast.
- Motorcycle (CF 450 or similar)
- Transportation of the motorcycles from Cordoba - Mendoza / Salta - Cordoba Santiago.
- Storage and parking for the motorcycle.
- Insurance for third parties in Argentina, Chile and Bolivia.
- Documents for borders crossing.
- 4 x 4 Support vehicle with tools, spare parts and mechanic.
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks, provided by the company all the way.
- 3 Dinners (alcohol not included).
- All lunches on ride days.
- Private cocktail on the desert salt flats.
- Entrance fee into Talampaya National Park
- Entrance fee and guide to Isla Pescado at Uyuni Salt Flats
Satellite phone for receiving calls and emergencies.
Not Included:
- Flights.
- Visas.
- Personal items, gifts, snacks, etc.
- Alcohol.
- Motorcycle security deposit.
- Optional damage reduction insurance.
- Fuel
- Rest day activities not mentioned as included
- Any non mentioned items or services not mentioned as included.
The company requires that you take travel insurance that provides coverage against personal accidents, sickness, etc. MotoAmigos has included in the rental contract third party liability and comprehensive motorcycle insurance.
*Departure subjected to six confirmed riders.
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