Description

SEASON: APRIL - DECEMBER To keep in mind: • The difficulty of this itinerary is moderate. It is not required to be in good physical condition, although this excursion takes place over 3.000 MASL. (9.843 ft.) reaching a maximum altitude of 4.170 MASL. (13.681 ft.). • We recommend to bring sports bags or backpacks, instead of rigid suitcases, since they are difficult to be transported. • Recommended equipment o Mountain bike, in good mechanical conditions o Helmet, gloves and comfortable shoes o Small backpack (20lts) camelback type o Tools and spare parts (That can be taken in the excursion) o Sleeping bag (Can be rented in Tilcara) o Appropriate attire o Flashlight with extra batteries o Canteen or bottles of water (for overnight sites) o Camera and extra batteries Arrival at Salta and transfer to Tilcara by a regular bus or by a private vehicle. Accommodation. Day 2 Tilcara. B L Our bike trip starts in Tilcara. From here, we take an excursion to Juella to acclimatize to the altitude. We go through minor roads and after 9 km (5, 5 miles), we arrive at a family house in order to have lunch. After a tasty homemade meal, we walk for 1.30 hour to the Pucará de Juella, an indian fortress, where we appreciate the remains of a native village of the year 1.000 A.C. The return is by the minor road of Villa Florida until Tilcara, where we sleep. Travelled distance: 20 km (12 miles) Day 3 Tilcara / Barranca Larga. B L D The second day starts by vehicle towards north by the Humahuaca Gorge until Abra Pampa, located in the Puna region. From there, we take provincial route Nº 11 passing through Casabindo to arrive to Santa Ana where we have lunch. We continue cycling to the south by route Nº75 until Barrancas. We visit cave paintings and petroglyphs before arriving at the village where we spend the night. Travelled distance: 28 km (17 miles) Day 4 Barranca Larga / Alfarcito. B L D After a typical Puna breakfast accompanied by “rica-rica” tea and grilled tortillas, we depart towards San Francisco de Alfarcito. We start on vehicle road to reach the altitude of 4.000 MASL. (13.123 ft), on top of Alfar Mountain Range to later keep walking, passing by Liquinaste and arriving at Alfarcito. Overnight at a community lodge. Travelled distance: 22 km (14 miles) Day 5 Alfarcito / Tilcara. B L During our last day of the tour, we travel through a vehicle road from Alfarcito to the neighbouring village of Rinconadillas, parallel to Guayatayoc Lagoon. From there, we head southeast along a trail and, after 22 km (14 miles) by a plain road, we arrive at Salinas Grandes Salt Flat, riding 6 km (4 miles) on a firm salt ground. Transfer by vehicle to Purmamarca/Tilcara. Travelled distance: 25 km (16 miles) Day 6 Tilcara / Salta. B At due time, transfer to Salta by a regular bus or by a private vehicle. Then, departure to the airport, in order to board the scheduled flight.