Salta and route 40
We propose a motorcycle trip in Argentina, in the north of the country around Salta. A mix of dirt roads, or ripio as they say there, and tarmac in good condition.
Lunar landscapes and ochre colours that will remind many riders of the passes of Ladakh in the Himalayas, and stretches of open space closer to the Mongolian steppe. All of it with Argentine beef and wines that we taste along the way.
National Route 40 is more than a road for riders crossing northern Argentina. It is a long north-south axis. Over 5,000 km, it crosses 11 Argentine provinces, from the Bolivian border to Patagonia.
From Salta to Cafayate the road winds through coloured valleys and high desert plateaus. Some sections ask for attention and stamina. Each kilometre, each bend and each straight of Route 40 opens another view.
About 1500 km. 60% tarmac, 40% dirt.
Day 1 Arrival of the group's different flights in Salta (1,187m). Your flight should arrive in and leave from Salta. Transfer to the hotel. Afternoon meeting with the group at the hotel and briefing on the country and the travel programme. Dinner in the centre of Salta. Night in Salta.
Day 2: Salta - Iruya (2,780m). From Salta we ride to Iruya. We pass through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a region listed as World Heritage for its landscape and cultural value. We ride through this mountain and canyon country. The views will remind many of the Himalayas and the passes of Ladakh. Night in Iruya.
Day 3: Iruya - Purmamarca (2,192m). We continue through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, with its mountain views and rock formations. You can also see the Hill of Seven Colours in Purmamarca. Night in Purmamarca.
Day 4: Purmamarca - Salar de Salinas Grandes - San Antonio de los Cobres. (3,775m). After 65 km we reach the Salar de Salinas Grandes, first riding a road with rock formations and canyons. We stop at the salt flat and eat 70 km later in Susques. First stretch on Route 40: 120 km of gravel to San Antonio de los Cobres. This is the day when some people may get a headache from the altitude. Night in San Antonio de los Cobres.
Day 5: San Antonio de los Cobres - Cachi (2,280m). We start the day climbing the Abra del Acay, the highest pass on Route 40 at 4895 m. The road winds through an unusual landscape. We descend towards Cachi, looking at the mountains and valleys around us. Night in Cachi.
Day 6: Cachi - Parque de los Cardones - Cachi (2,800m). Today you can stay in Cachi without the motorcycle, or ride to Los Cardones National Park, 45 km away, known for its giant cacti. Return to Cachi in the afternoon. Cachi is known for its cobbled streets, colonial church and quiet streets. Night in Cachi.
Day 7: Cachi - Cafayate (1,683m). Zigzagging roads take us through changing country, from canyons to vineyards. We arrive in Cafayate, where dry ground sits next to cultivated fields.
Day 8: Cafayate (Rest day) (1,683m). A rest day in Cafayate, visiting wineries and tasting local wines. Time in this quiet town, among vineyards and mountains. Night in Cafayate.
Day 9: Cafayate - Salta (1,187m). On the last stage we leave Cafayate and ride back to Salta. The rolling roads give a last look at the Calchaqui valleys and their rock formations. We ride through the Quebrada de las Conchas, known for formations such as the Toad and the Friar. Arrival in Salta, we leave the motorcycles and have a last dinner with the group. Night in Salta.
Day 10 Departure of international flights. Transfer from the hotel to the airport. End of the trip and of our services.
Duration of the trip: 10 days, 9 hotel nights (day 1 to 9 included).
Arrival and meeting in Salta. (Salta is well connected with Buenos Aires, with several daily flights).
About 1500 km. 60% tarmac, 40% dirt.
Companions who want to join can ride a motorcycle or travel in the support vehicle.
Himalaya motorcycle
For this trip we propose the off-road Royal Enfield Himalaya 400cc, or the Classic 500cc if you prefer.
The price includes
• Motorcycle hire for the whole trip, Royal Enfield Himalaya or Classic 500cc
• Hotels with breakfast, nights 1 to 9 included. (6 nights in higher-category hotels, 4 nights in 3* hotels)
• Shared twin rooms with breakfast (single room extra) 1*
• Breakfast, water and tea during the road trip.
• Spanish-speaking guide who knows the route, motorcycle mechanic.
• Van and driver for luggage and roadside assistance (from 4 participants).
• Spare parts, tools, first-aid kit.
• Petrol, maintenance and repairs, third-party insurance for the motorcycles.
• Hotel-airport transfers both ways on arrival and departure in Salta.
The price does not include:
• The international flight to Argentina.
• Travel assistance insurance. Mandatory 2*
• Visa for Argentina (Spanish and other European citizens do not need a visa)
• Bank charges (if you pay by credit card)
• Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs or alcoholic drinks.
• Entrance tickets to monuments.
• Tips for tour staff or hotel and restaurant staff.
• Dinners, lunches and any other service not listed under "the price includes".
• Transport on free days or days without a motorcycle.
• 500 € deposit for the motorcycle hire. Returned at the end of the trip if the motorcycle has no damage.
Climate and clothing during the trip.
During the tour season the Salta region is often above 25°. In the mountains it is cooler, around 18° to 20°, with sunny days. When we cross the passes the weather, usually dry and sunny, can change quickly, with lower temperatures or rain. There will be hot days, some cold, and possibly some damp ones. Above 2500 m the sun is strong and there is little shade on the road. High sun protection, sunglasses and gloves are recommended.
Motorcycle gear:
Helmet, motorcycle jacket, gloves, boots and a motorcycle rain suit (two-piece is best. If there is a bit of wind the waterproof jacket is enough to stay warm). It does not usually rain in Salta at this time of year, but the weather is unpredictable.
This is an intermediate-level trip.
The Royal Enfield Himalaya
Our Royal Enfield fleet for this trip is made of 410cc off-road Himalaya models, 5-speed gearbox, disc brake and electric start.
1*- Registrations are taken in strict order of booking date. If you book at the last minute, you may have to take a single room if there is no one else to share a twin. The earlier you book, the more chance you have of a twin room.
2*- It is mandatory to take out travel assistance insurance that covers motorcycle use, if you do not already have one with your credit card or your car or motorcycle insurance. This type of insurance covers medical costs abroad and repatriation by plane in case of illness or accident.
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