The Mythical Land of the Gauchos

We head northbound towards Cachi on the legendary Route 40. This road stretches the length of Argentina for more than 3,000 miles and winds through Calchaquí Valleys along a river with the same name. Before arriving in Cachi, we pass through artisan villages, where they still use looms from the Inca era!

Spend the day exploring the charming Andean town, Cachi, perched at 2,500 m altitude and overlooking the Calchaquí Valley. History buffs mustn’t miss the Pío Pablo Díaz Archaeological Museum. There are also many local vineyards worth visiting. Those who prefer to rest can stroll to Plaza 9 de Julio.

We leave Cachi and Route 40 for the Recta del Tin Tin. This incredible perfectly straight eight-mile stretch of road crosses Los Cardones National Park. We take a detour to Camino Colorado where we can admire pink and white hills peppered with century-old cacti. We arrive in Piedra del Molino, the highest point on Route 33, which marks the start of the Cuesta del Obispo’s dizzying downhill ride. We end the day in the small village, Gauchos de Chicoana.

We are right in the land of the gauchos. Gaucho culture is still very much alive in this region and we’ll spot them perched atop their horses alongside their livestock in the Lerma Valley. We leave the traditional village and ascend the spectacular Quebrada del Toro to arrive in San Antonio de los Cobres, nestled at 3,700 m altitude.

We rejoin the legendary Route 40 and head north, crossing a vast desert-like plateau at more than 4,500 m altitude, before arriving in the remote village of Susques. From there we head to Salinas Grandes, the famous salt flats and their wonderful remote landscape. We end the day riding the breathtaking Cuesta de Lipán and arrive in Purmamarca, a small traditional Andean village, which hides a sacred seven-coloured mountain.

We visit the village’s traditional market first thing before setting off for the coloured mountain. We leave Purmamarca and visit Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Incan fortification built more than 1,000 years ago. We ride to Salta on the wonderful Camino de Cornisa on Ruta 9!

Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to spend a few hours in Salta enjoying the city centre and museums. You’re transferred to the international airport.