Our Tours.
Northern Patagonia: Desert, Water, Wine - From Salta To Bariloche
On this 11 days tour we'll be driving from subtropical Salta in northern Argentina through the dessert areas of Catamarca and San Juan, through the wine region of Mendoza and the Mapuche-Indian areas of Neuquen to the paradisiac lake district of Bariloche, the door to Patagonia.
This trip can be done in a 4 x 4 off road vehicle, too!
Day 1
You will be picked up at the airport in Salta and brought in the Hotel from where the tour starts next day. After an introduction to the bikes and the tour and some general information about Salta, you have the rest of the day at your free disposal.
Day 2
We leave Salta southwards through the fertile Lerma Valley, which narrows into the canyon of the Quebrada de Cafayate. This beautiful canyon is striking for its red sandstone formations, weathered by wind and water to bizarre shapes. Through the sandy planes of the Calchaqui Valley we ride into the town of Cafayate, the wine capital of Salta, where we spend the night.
Day 3
We visit the impressive pre Inca ruins of Quilmes, and now on the legendary Ruta 40 we keep heading south on tarmac and gravel roads through the sparsely populated planes of Catamarca to get to the town of Belen.
Day 4
On good tarmac road we'll reach Chilecito to have lunch and visit the museum before crossing the rocky pass Cuesta de Miranda to stay in the village of Villa Union.
Day 5
Today we'll visit the National Park of Talampaya impressing us with it's spectacular canyon and diverse fauna and flora. We'll carry on to reach the Nature Park Ischigualasto (Valley of the Moon) with it's naturally carved bizarre rock formations which can be visited on the bikes. Overnight stay in Valle Fertil.
Day 6
On tarmac road through bush land and wine plantations we pass San Juan and drive into Mendoza City, the wine capital of Argentina.
Day 7
Day at leisure to explore the beautiful city and the wineries and have a gourmet lunch in a very pleasant garden restaurant. Or optional ride to the Aconcagua (approx. 390 km).
Day 8
On our way south on the Ruta 40 along the Andes we'll pass fruit plantations, lakes and the volcano Diamante. By cossing the Diamond River we get into northern Patagonia.
Overnight stay in pleasant Malargüe.
Tour details
Duration:
13 days / 12 nights
Distance:
about. 3200km, 20% gravel roads
Route:
Participants:
4 - 10 riders
Dates:
please see our tour calender
Level of experience:
The trip is suitable for any experienced motor-biker with some basic off-road experience, who can stand some long days riding and an eventual rain.
Prices
| on BMW F650 GS: | 5600 US$ |
| on BMW F800 GS: | 5990 US$ |
| on BMW R1200GS: | 6400 US$ |
| on BMW R1200 Adv.: | 6800 US$ |
| pillion/passenger: | 3500 US$ |
| single room surcharge: | 600 US$ |
Climate & Season
This tour crosses half a continent. We'll be going from the southern tropic circle down to 42° latitude. We'll be crossing 3 climatic zones: subtropical, dessert and temperate zone.
That implies we have to be prepared for anything from tropical heat with thunderstorms over dry and hot desserts over rainy and muddy forest to cold and windy mountain regions. Some raingear and warm clothes are as necessary as sun protection and shorts.
Day 9
We'll carry on through basaltic dessert areas into Neuquen and follow a valley high above the river to reach the little village of Chos Malal.
Day 10
We'll enter the volcanic landscapes of Copahue, Caviahue and Pehuenia, with their snow capped volcanoes, and shining lakes seamed by unearthly Araucaria forests, and we'll enjoy the evening of the idyllic shores of lake Aluminé.
Day 11
On the Pehuenia Circle today we´ll enjoy an endless amount of Araucaria trees and lakes and rivers on our way to San Martín de los Andes on the shores of Lake Lacar.
Day 12
Today we'll enter the lake district of Bariloche on the Road of the Seven Lakes, and reach the beautiful situated capital of northern Patagonia.
Day 13
We will bring you to the airport to catch your flight. You will take awesome impressions, great memories and a Horizonte present with you on your way back home.
Adventure Northwest Argentina