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BIKE THE ANDES TOUR ITINERARY - 29 DAYS

Day 1: Mendoza
Depart Auckland on your Lan Chile flight direct to Santiago. As you cross the international date line you gain a day so you will arrive in Santiago on the same day – amazing. Here you will connect with your onward flight to Mendoza, Transfer to your hotel.

Mendoza, nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range,famous for nearby Mount Aconcagua, for its Malbec wines and for being the cradle of the heroic deeds of Liberator General San Martín, Father of this nation, it is one of the most beautiful and neat cities in the country. The climate in Mendoza is moderate-temperate, though its mountains provide a certain degree of aridity. Argentina is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world and the city of Mendoza itself is the hub of the Argentinean wine industry. The city life and busy plazas are surrounded by thousands of bodegas (wineries) that lie on the outskirts of town with over 350,000 acres of vines.

Day 2: Mendoza
This is a full day excursion into the mountainous landscape of Mendoza Province. The journey begins along route Nº7 going by Potrerillos Dam, Uspallata, las Bovedas, Mt Tunduqueral and the Ghost City of Paramillos. After arrival at Cruz de Paramillos and after our guide gives technical and security explanations, mount your bike for some uphill then a 29 km descent through the historical 365 curved road down to the Villavicencio Hotel, which opened its gates in 1940 and closed again in 1978. Well-off families from all round the country and from abroad would stay at the hotel to spend an entire season and enjoy the hot springs and their healing properties.Board our vehicle to begin the way back to Mendoza.

33km of dirt and paved roads.

Day 3: Mendoza-Salta
A late morning start to tour around some of the bodegas (wineries ) by bike firstly to the Nieto y Senetiner Winery which produces superb Malbecs . Then bike to the Chacueta area, enjoying the scenery of the Andes riding along the Mendoza River Canyon . Enjoy a late leisurely lunch of Argentinian speciliaties then bike back to our lodge .Time to freshen up before travelling by overnight bus ( fully reclining aircraft type seats , bus equipped with video & toilet on board)

53 km of dirt & paved roads

Day 4: Salta
Our bus journey continues north this morning through vast olive , lemon and grape plantations to Salta . Transfer to our hotel . Afternoon at leisure .

The Hispanic architecture of the city makes it stand out  from the other cities in the country. The colonial spirit from the times of the foundation remains in its houses, streets, hundred-year-old monuments and narrow sidewalks surrounded by the mountains nearby.  Winter is warm and dry, with records of an annual average temperature of 22ºC.

Day 5: Salta
Half day bike excursion to the  Quebrada El Toro .For thousands of years was used by groups of people to move, so there are many archaeological sites.This circuit begins in the village of Campo Quijano known as The Andes Portal, which arrive in vehicle. The circuit runs the first part of the gorge, an area with deep canyons and lush vegetation in summer.
Crossing the Bridge Known part of the route of the famous Train to the Clouds, understanding how this marvel of engineering work and knowing some stations now abandoned as Rio Blanco and El Alisal.Arrive at a beautiful waterfall called "Chorro Blanco then  make a downhill of 6 km to the point where  the vehicle to return Salta.
35km of paved and dirt roads
This afternoon explore Salta at your leisure , the Museum is excellent !

Option – Train to the Clouds

It leaves from the train station at the city of Salta and ends its route at La Polvorilla Viaduct.
The railways reach a height of 4,200 meters above sea level, turning this train into one of the highest in the world.
The train offers meals onboard, translator services, and medical assistant for any passenger that may be affected by the lack of oxygen caused by the height. The trip lasts approximately sixteen hours, from seven am until midnight or later. The train runs 217 km. and passes through 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals, and 2 zigzags.
There are two stops throughout the trip: one at San Antonio de los Cobres station, and the other one at La Polvorilla viaduct.

Day 6: Salta- Cachi
Travel  to the south of the city to  the village that produces Virginia tobacco, El Carril, and from there, we enter in the Escoipe Gorge. After climbing the Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop Slope), we arrive at the Piedra Del Molino (3,348 m)
After being amazed by the views atop, we'll get on our bikes and descend over the wonderful Camino de los Colorados (the Red Road), the name coming from the eroded slopes surrounding us, exposing all shades of red - a fantastic sight. We´ll also cycle through the Cardones National Park named after the huge cactus that grows everywhere and that is protected here. We'll arrive in Cachi , sleeping in a cozy hosteria.

50 km of dirt roads:Elevation gain: 230m Uphill 1390m downhill.

Day 7: Cachi- Molinos
After breakfast,, we went to make two circuits in the surroundings of Cachi. 1) The Pailas Inside: We go along in direction of the highest mountain in the area, the Nevado de Cachi (6380 mts). We arrive at “Cachi Adentro” and we cross to the archeological site of Las Pailas. 2) Airport and Cemetery Circuit.When the tours end, we are ready to ride the 55 km that separate us from Molinos.
We transit the right side of the Calchaqui River, visiting places such as La Paya and El Colte, to the birthplace of the handcraft of Salta, The way of the Artisans.
In Seclantas, we make a stop to join forces and tackle the hill that separates us from Molinos, where we spent another night under the magical Calchaqui sky , in  a lovely restored hacienda.  

47 km of dirt roads:Elevation gain:970m Uphill, 1448 m downhill

Day 8: Molinos – Cafayate
After breakfast we make a city tour by bike of Molinos
After that, we travel by bus 40 km to the village of Angastaco, along the legendary Route 40 which stretches the length of Argentina along the spine of the Andes, from the border with Bolivia down to Ushuaia, on the southern edge of the continent.. On this journey will have the opportunity to capture the best images of agricultural production in the Calchaqui Valleys. The silence of the Valley and the scenery surrounding us will keep us awed throughout the journey
In Angastaco we start pedaling through the narrow Gorge of the Arrows (Quebrada de Las Flechas),one of the most amazing sites in the Argentine Northwest. The eroded cliffs and slopes, with the high Andes off in the distance; create an almost surreal landscape, dazzling all that come through here.
We arrived in San Carlos and continue with the bus  to the desert oasis of Cafayate, famous for its high altitude vineyards. The town of Cafayate is another trip highlight - you'll be made to feel at home by its friendly inhabitants, who still live and breathe Northwest tradition and culture.
53 km of dirt & paved  roads:Elevation gain:550m Uphill,560 m downhill

Day 9:Cafayate
This morning an optional ride  to the ruins of Quilmes.These  belonged to the Calchaquí natives who settled on the hillsides and on the mountain range called Calchaquí, from which the tribes got their name: Quilmes and Calchaquí.
This indigenous fortress is truly surprising - the Quilmes Indians resisted the Inca and Spanish invaders here for many years.
This afternoon we explore by bike the town and visit some of the wineries .

 50  km of dirt & paved  roads:Elevation gain:   2000m Uphill,1695 m downhill

Day 10 :Cafayate – Purmamarca
Cycle through the Quebrada de las Conchas, another magical canyon offering enchanting landscapes of strange rock formations and eroded slopes exposing innumerable bands of colors. Similar to the US Western deserts, there are many rock formations to discover, and the colours will change as the sun arches over and behind the canyon. We then continue by bus
through the Lermas Valley and bypass Salta north, experiencing many  changes in vegetation , to ascend into the Humahuaca Gorge region . Overnight in the picturesque  small town of Purmamarca .

50 km of paved  roads:Elevation gain:550m Uphill,560 m downhill

Day 11: Purmamarca –Tilcara
Another stunning day – we take an early morning ride around the 7 Colours Gorge with its amazing rock formations  and explore the town by bike . Then by bus to Tilcara for another ride and a visit to the archaeological museum and Indian fortess .Tilcara lies at 2,465 ml on the banks of the Grande River. Its main square, a homage to Coronel Manuel Álvarez Prado, is the meeting point for all the inhabitants of town. It is also the venue for a permanent market of local craftsmen from the entire Humahuaca Ravine, who offer visitors a wide variety of products and souvenirs. Surrounded by small restaurants, coffee-shops and handicrafts workshops, the square is the congregation point where concerts and peñas are often held.

25km of dirt   roadsL 12km circuit Purmamarca easy,13km Tilcara medium uphill

Day 12: Tilcara –Bolivia Salt Flats  
A big travelling day,firstly by bus north through the Humahuaca Gorge with the colourful formations that continue in the mountains of the Humahuaca Ravine itself to La Quiaca. We cross the border into Bolivia and connect by train to Uyuni on the edge of the salt flats.Dinner included on board the train. Transfer to our rather unique hotel
This hotel is one of the most extraordinary in the world, constructed out of blocks of salt. The Uyuni Salt lakes are a area of impressive beauty

Day 13:Salt Flats
Start the journey visiting the Train Cemetery and continue toward Colchani where you will visit the salt processing and distribution centers. Drive through the Uyuni Salt Flats and on the route visit the “Eyes of Water”, and see how people extract blocks of salt. Visit the first Hotel made of pure salt. After 1 ½ hour drive, reach the Coquesa town which is located at the base of the Thunupa Volcano, make a short hike visiting the mommies’ tomb, at least 900 years old. Continue the trip toward the Fish Island (Inkawasi) where you will find the tallest cactus in the world, walk up to the top of the island and enjoy the views of the Salt Flats of Uyuni

Day 14:Salt Flats – La Paz
Travel by bus across the altiplano with a stop at Oruro before arriving in the worlds highest capital city late afternoon

Day 15: La Paz 
Morning tour of  La Paz and surroundings transports you to a mysterious past where any corner, any street, is a hidden treasure where adventure begins…a living history which can not release the pre Hispanic times with all their traditions and magic rites spread out in the streets: Native, colonial and modern areas, Indian Market, Open Air Museum of Tiwanaku, Witch Doctor's Market & breathtaking panoramas framed by the majestic “Illimani”.Also visit the mysterious Valley of the Moon on the outskirts of La Paz. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 16: La Paz –Worlds  Most Spectacular Downhill
 A 1-day DOWNHILL rides of up to 65 km in length and with as much as 4,300m  of vertical DESCENT with only a few small uphills and a couple of flat bits!
This ride takes you from high Andean passes (or in one instance the top of a 5,645m mountain) down through mountain grasslands, past grazing llamas and alpacas, alongside various types of cloud forest, and into the Amazon jungle ( 1200m ).After the ride relax at La Senda Verde Cabins and Animal Refuge, complete with rescued monkeys, parrots, a snake, and much more.
The ride is  characterised by incredible scenic and ecological variety, a thrilling challenge, and a whole lot of fun!
This trip is run by a Kiwi who is based in La Paz , great bikes and most important, fantastic safety briefing  and guides  . This trip has become one of  “the must do” excursions in South America  

Day 17:La Paz – Puno
By bus over the altiplano with views of snow-capped peaks to Copacabana. Visit by boat to the Island of the Sun, cradle of the Andean civilization -believed to be where the sun rose out of the lake – a bit of a climb but the views are worth it.  Return to Copacabana in time tor the bus through across the border into Peru to Puno 

Day18:Puno –Cuzco
Bus ride to Cuzco  along the dramatic  landscapes  of  the  highland plateau,  with occasional views of tiny Andean  villages and  herds of llamas and vicunas.We will stop at  the archaeological  site of  Pukara  (200BC-AD300)then at Raqchi,  where there is an Inca  temple  built  to worship Wiracocha,  one of the most important Inca  gods.Our last stop is at Andahuaylillas,  where there is a beautiful baroque church built at the beginning of the XVIIth century.It is very well  known thanks to its beautiful mural paintings.
Arrive in Cuzco late afternoon.

Day19:Cuzco
Take a walking tour of this lovely city .Cusco is a true experience.Lying in an exceptionally beautiful countryside 3300 metres above sea level, here you will encounter a fine blend of Spanish and Inca cultures, colourful Quechua Indian markets, Inca temples and massive stone walls which form the foundations of the city but were originally from Sacsayhuaman.  Explore the Koricancha – Inca Temple – along with some of the streets, which are lined with intricate stonework, which is sure to impress you.Afternoon free .

Day 20:Cuzco – Sacred Valley
Our bus will take you to the Laguna Huaypo near the village of Chinchero. This is the starting point of our ride today. On old Inca trails you will cross the altiplano of Chinchero until reaching the ruins of Moray (3.450 m/ 11.3189 ft). The circular terraces of Moray had been an agricultural “research laboratory” of the Inca. The Inca took advantage of the difference in temperature from one terrace to the other one (approx. 1.5 Celsius/ 34.70 Fahrenheit) and created an irrigation system by water channels for the cultivation of different crop strains. On the other side of the Urubamba Valley you will see dramatic snowcaps of the cordilleras Vilcabamba and Urubamba. After visiting the terraces of Moray nearly 20 km / 12, 4 mi Andean downhill are waiting for you! In the afternoon you will reach the salt mines of Pichingote, which have been used since pre-Hispanic times. Enjoy this extraordinary sight as well as the single trails leading you down to the Sacred Valley of the Inca. You will stay in a charming hotel which is a restored monastery  in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

35km of dirt roads:

Day 21: Sacred Valley
Leaving the Sacred Valley you will bike on a small road and reach the Lares Pass above the village of Calca on 4,400 m/ 14,44 ft. Surrounded by the snowcapped mountains of the Cordillera Urubamba you will start your mountain bike downhill on an old Inca trail back to the Sacred Valley of the Inca. This Inca trail leads you through secluded Andean communities, over Inca steps and narrow bridges, far away from beaten tracks. Return to our hotel

40 km of dirt roads.

Day 22: Sacred Valley – Agua Calientes – Optional Hike Inca Trail
You will be transferred to the railway station to travel by train to Agua Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.  Explore the town, have a soak in the nearby thermal pools
For those wanting to experience the Inca Trail  take the train to KM104 where you disembark to begin the full day hike to Machu Picchu . The one-day hike from Chachabamba to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the full Inca Trail trek .Enjoy a beautiful day of moderate hiking en route to Machu Picchu. On the 9.6km hike from the trailhead at the Vilcanota River footbridge, ascend a  total of 800 m..  Just prior to reaching Winya Wayna ruins,reach a spectacular waterfall in a delightful cloud forest glade which offers the possibility of a refreshing shower on a hot day.  This  merges with the regular Inca Trail at Winya Wayna ruins.  From Winya Wayna, most hikers take 1.5 hours for the mainly level walk along the spectacular Inca Trail to the final overlook at Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun (8,859’/2,700 m).  With typical stops for lunch( included) and photography, overall walking time is 6-7 hours.  After arrival at Machu Picchu descend by bus to Agua Calientes

Day 23:Machu Picchu – Sacred Valley
Another early morning start by bus up the Hiram Bingham zig zag road to Machu Picchu  - SUDDENLY IT IS SPREAD OUT BEFORE YOU – LIKE A GIANT POSTCARD - the Lost city of the Incas.
Later this afternoon return by rail to Ollantaytambo  and transfer to your hotel

Day 24: Sacred Valley - Tres Cruces
Travel from the Sacred Valley of the Incas through to the Andean Highlands with its traditional communities. From the highest pass (4170 m) of this mountain bike tour you will enjoy the first downhill, passing wide landscapes and small Andean villages until reaching the colonial village of Paucartambo (2900 m). After climbing up to the Acjanaco-pass (3550 m), the last pass and entrance to the Manu National Park, you will reach the viewpoint Tres Cruces de Oro (3700 m). This place offers a great view over the eastern slopes of the Andes and the green canopy of the Amazon Jungle. Camp at the viewpoint.

50 km of dirt roads

Day 25: Tres Cruces – Manu National Park
Early risers will be able to observe a spectacular sunrise, being surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Vilcanota and Cordillera Urubamba. You will look over the Andes to the Amazon Rainforest that extends to the horizon. After breakfast you can enjoy a 65 km downhill, leaving about 2000 m  of difference in elevation behind you! You will observe the fascinating change from the altiplano to the Cloud Forest of the Manu National Park with its rich fauna and flora. In the early afternoon you will reach the San Pedro River. A short jungle walk will take you to the Manu Eco Lodge TAMBO PAITITI
65 km of dirt   roads:

Day 26: Manu National Park
The early morning is the best time for bird-watching and observation of other animals of the Cloud Forest. From the observation tower or the different platforms of TAMBO PAITITI itself and right above the San Pedro River you may see the Andean Cock of the Rock (national bird of Peru), Toucan, Quetzal, Tanager and Motmot as well as Woolly Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys, Tayra, Agouti, Southern Tamandua and South American Coati. The Manu Cloud Forest is also habitat of the Night Monkey, the rare Spectacled Bear, the Jaguarondi, Ocelot, Puma, Weasel, Otter, squirrels and a big family of rodents and bats. After a delicious breakfast in TAMBO PAITITI your guide will invite you to leave the Manu Eco Lodge for a hike through the Manu Cloud Forest, another observation walk will be offered in the afternoon. Of course, you may also just relax observing nature from the terrace of the lodge and other viewpoints, or you can have a refreshing bath in the San Pedro River. After dinner you may experience nature after  dark and learn more about the fauna and flora of the Manu Cloud Forest.

Day 27: Manu – Cuzco
This morning offers another opportunity for the observation of the Cloud Forest’s wildlife. After breakfast you will take the bus back to the Acjanaco Pass and may take the chance of the long and soft downhill by mountain bike to Paucartambo. After lunch, the bus will take you to the Huachuqasa Pass (4170 m) where you can enjoy the last bike ride to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will arrive in Cusco by bus in the afternoon

40 km of dirt roads.

Day 28: Cuzco
Day at leisure to explore Cuzco .
Tonight enjoy a special dinner to farewell the Andes

Day 29 :Depart  Cuzco
You will be transferred to the airport.
For those returning to NZ , depart on LAN Airlines to Lima with a connection via Santiago to Auckland where you would arrive on Thursday 17 June .
Options available to continue on from Cuzco to explore more of Peru  or extend your stay in South America