Explorer
ARGENTINA – ALTITUDE WITH ATTITUDE | 27.10-6.11.2027
Available
Choose your options:
Reserve your spot on the trip by paying the deposit or making the full payment.
The booking fee is 25%.
On the “CART” page you will find the amount due and choose the transaction currency – EUR, PLN, or USD.
START:
END:
NUMBER OF DAYS AND NIGHTS:
NUMBER OF RIDING DAYS:
TOUR TYPE:
TYPE OF ROADS:
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
MIN./ MAX. NUMBER OF BIKES:
MOTORCYCLE:
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
SALTA, RUTA 40, ABRA DEL ACAY AND THE YUNGAS
Eight riding days. Seventy percent gravel. One continuous route climbing from the vineyards and red-rock canyons of northern Argentina to the stark Altiplano at almost 4,900 metres.
From 27 October to 6 November 2027, this supported motorcycle tour starts and finishes in Salta. The programme includes 11 days, 10 nights and 8 riding days on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles, crossing some of the most varied and spectacular riding terrain in South America.
Leaving Salta, the route runs through green valleys towards Cabra Corral before entering the red-rock landscapes and high-altitude vineyards of Cafayate. From there, Ruta 40 leads through Quebrada de las Flechas and the Calchaquí Valleys to Cachi, where the mountains close in and the road begins its long climb towards Abra del Acay.
Beyond San Antonio de los Cobres, the horizon opens into the vast Argentine Puna and the white expanse of Salinas Grandes. The route continues towards Humahuaca, the multicoloured ridges of Hornocal and the remote mountain roads around Caspala. Finally, the dry highlands give way to a dramatic descent into the dense, subtropical Yungas near San Francisco before the journey returns to Salta.
ROUTE
Salta → Cabra Corral → Cafayate → Cachi → Abra del Acay → San Antonio de los Cobres → Salinas Grandes → Humahuaca → Hornocal → Caspala → San Francisco → Salta
FROM RED CANYONS TO THE HIGH ALTIPLANO
Few motorcycle routes change character this often.
Within eight riding days, you will pass vineyards and sandstone canyons, follow remote sections of Ruta 40, climb to almost 4,900 metres, cross windswept plateaus and descend into green cloud forest. The road, the altitude and the landscape are constantly changing.
The riding includes fast, open gravel, corrugations, loose stones, sandy sections, mountain switchbacks and long stretches at high altitude. This is adventure riding rather than hard enduro. The challenge comes from the combination of changing surfaces, wind, altitude and consecutive full days on the motorcycle.
ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN 450 AND ROUTE SUPPORT
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is made for terrain like this. Its manageable dimensions, upright riding position and off-road capability inspire confidence on loose mountain roads while remaining comfortable on longer paved sections.
It is equally at home on the sweeping gravel of Ruta 40, the high-altitude roads of the Puna and the tighter mountain sections around Caspala and the Yungas.
A MotoBirds tour leader accompanies the group throughout the expedition. Your main luggage travels in the support vehicle, which also provides basic mechanical assistance along the route. You ride with only the essentials on the motorcycle and can concentrate on the road ahead.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
- 11-day supported motorcycle expedition starting and finishing in Salta
- 8 riding days on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- Approximately 70% gravel and unpaved roads
- Riding the legendary Ruta 40 through the Calchaquí Valleys
- The red-rock landscapes of Quebrada de las Conchas and Quebrada de las Flechas
- Cafayate and its high-altitude vineyards
- The colonial mountain town of Cachi
- Climbing towards Abra del Acay at approximately 4,900 metres
- Crossing the vast landscapes of the Argentine Puna
- Riding beside the white expanse of Salinas Grandes
- Humahuaca and the multicoloured ridges of Hornocal
- Remote mountain roads around Caspala
- The descent from the Altiplano into the subtropical Yungas
- Small group limited to 11 motorcycles
- MotoBirds tour leader and luggage support vehicle
WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?
This tour is designed for confident motorcyclists who want a genuine gravel expedition without the technical difficulty of hard enduro.
Previous off-road experience is helpful but not essential. However, riders should have good general motorcycle control and be prepared to ride on gravel, corrugations, loose stones and occasional sandy sections.
The technical difficulty is rated 6/10. No individual section is extreme, but the altitude, changing weather, loose surfaces and consecutive full riding days require concentration, stamina and a sense of adventure.
Northern Argentina does not need exaggerated promises. Ruta 40, Abra del Acay, Salinas Grandes, Hornocal and the Yungas already make the case. The Himalayan 450 gives you the right motorcycle from which to experience them — and the group is limited to just 11 bikes.
DETAILS OF THE TOUR
HIGHLIGHTS:
EIGHT RIDING DAYS. FROM THE YUNGAS TO THE HIGH ALTIPLANO.
The strength of this northern Argentina motorcycle tour is the constant change of landscape. Green valleys give way to vineyards and red-rock canyons, Ruta 40 climbs into the high Andes, and the open Puna eventually drops into subtropical forest.
- Starting and finishing the motorcycle tour in Salta
- The green valleys and mountain roads around Cabra Corral
- Quebrada de las Conchas and its red sandstone formations
- Cafayate and one of the world’s highest wine-growing regions
- Ruta 40 through Quebrada de las Flechas and the Calchaquí Valleys
- The colonial mountain town of Cachi
- The high-altitude climb towards Abra del Acay at approximately 4,900 metres
- San Antonio de los Cobres and the open landscapes of the Argentine Puna
- The immense white salt flats of Salinas Grandes
- Humahuaca and the multicoloured ridges of Hornocal
- Remote gravel roads through the mountains around Caspala
- The transition from the dry Altiplano into the subtropical Yungas near San Francisco
- Eight riding days on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- Approximately 70% gravel and unpaved roads
- MotoBirds tour leader, luggage transport and support vehicle
Several of these places are remarkable destinations in their own right. What makes this expedition different is connecting them in one supported Salta-to-Salta motorcycle route, with most of the riding taking place away from asphalt.
WEATHER:
SPRING IN NORTHERN ARGENTINA — FROM WARM VALLEYS TO COLD HIGH PASSES
Late October and early November fall in spring and are among the best periods for travelling through the Argentine Puna. The main rainy season generally runs from December to March, so the high-altitude sections of the route are usually dry at this time of year. However, this motorcycle tour crosses several climate zones and climbs from warm valleys to almost 4,900 metres. Conditions can change significantly during a single riding day. Salta, Cafayate and the lower Calchaquí Valleys can be warm and sunny. The Yungas are generally warmer and more humid, with a possibility of rain. On the open Puna and around Abra del Acay, riders should expect strong sunlight, dry air, wind and much colder temperatures. At the highest elevations, early-morning and evening temperatures may fall below freezing.
Riders must be prepared for both heat and cold, carrying warm layers, waterproof protection and suitable gloves on the motorcycle. Strong UV radiation, altitude and dry air also make sunscreen, sunglasses and regular hydration essential. Weather and road conditions in the high Andes can change quickly. The route, particularly the crossing near Abra del Acay, may be adjusted if conditions make the planned road unsafe or impassable.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR:
Wearing appropriate and safe motorcycle gear is the personal responsibility of each participant. Riders must bring their own complete protective equipment.
The route includes gravel, loose stones, dust and uneven mountain roads in areas located far from hospitals and medical facilities. We strongly recommend a full-face or adventure helmet and hard-shell motocross boots, or at least high-quality adventure motorcycle boots. Urban motorcycle boots and casual riding clothing are not suitable for this expedition.
Conditions range from heat and dust in the lower valleys to strong wind and cold at high altitude. Protective clothing should allow layers to be added or removed during the day. If your motorcycle clothing is not waterproof, bring a separate waterproof outer layer. Warm motorcycle gloves are also required for the highest sections of the route.
LUGGAGE:
Travel light. Ride free.
The support vehicle carries your main luggage, allowing you to enjoy the Altiplano without a heavily loaded motorcycle. Please limit your luggage to one soft, waterproof travel bag, preferably weighing no more than 20 kg. On the motorcycle, carry only what you may need during the day: waterproof clothing, an additional warm layer, water, documents, sun protection and personal items.
The route includes major changes in temperature and altitude, so keep essential layers within easy reach. The Altiplano rewards simple packing: less luggage to manage means more freedom and more enjoyment on the motorcycle.
IMPORTANT, REMEMBER:
Away from everyday life
Part of the Altiplano experience is travelling through vast, sparsely populated areas far from everyday services. Mobile-phone coverage may be limited or unavailable on some stages, and internet access in remote locations can be slow or nonexistent. The route climbs to almost 4,900 metres. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness. Drink plenty of water, avoid overexertion and immediately inform the MotoBirds tour leader if you experience headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, dizziness or breathing difficulties.
Basic travel insurance is included in the tour price. However, specialist medical assistance may be far away. We strongly recommend additional insurance covering medical evacuation, rescue and repatriation, such as Global Rescue or an equivalent policy.
Bring a payment card and a reasonable amount of cash for motorcycle fuel, meals and personal expenses. Cards and ATMs may not always be available or reliable in smaller mountain towns.
Weather, road conditions and safety considerations may require changes to the planned route, particularly around Abra del Acay and other remote mountain sections. Safety always takes priority over completing a specific road. Prepare well, respect the altitude and remain flexible. That is part of travelling through the remote landscapes of northern Argentina.
Consider medevac coverage with Global Rescue or Garmin or equivalent for the expedition.
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
Approximately 4,900 m above sea level — Abra del Acay, the highest point on the planned route.
meters above seal levelDAY BY DAY TOUR PROGRAM
DAY 1 — 27 OCTOBER 2027 — ARRIVAL IN SALTA
Arrival at Salta Airport and group transfer to the hotel. After checking in, we meet the MotoBirds team, discuss the route and prepare for the first riding day.
Depending on arrival times, there may also be time to explore Salta’s historic centre or relax at the hotel.
DAY 2 — 28 OCTOBER 2027 — SALTA → DIQUE CABRA CORRAL | APPROX. 120 KM
After the motorcycle handover and route briefing, we leave Salta on our Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles.
The first stage takes us south through the green valleys surrounding Salta. A combination of paved roads and accessible gravel allows everyone to become familiar with the motorcycle before we reach Dique Cabra Corral, one of the largest reservoirs in northern Argentina.
DAY 3 — 29 OCTOBER 2027 — DIQUE CABRA CORRAL → CAFAYATE | APPROX. 160 KM
We continue towards Cafayate through the red-rock landscapes of Quebrada de las Conchas. Wind and water have shaped the sandstone into enormous natural formations, creating one of the most distinctive roads in northern Argentina.
Our destination is Cafayate, a relaxed town surrounded by high-altitude vineyards and known for its Torrontés wine.
DAY 4 — 30 OCTOBER 2027 — CAFAYATE → CACHI | APPROX. 180 KM
From Cafayate, we join Ruta 40 and ride north through the Calchaquí Valleys. The road crosses Quebrada de las Flechas, where sharp sandstone formations rise beside the gravel track. The route continues through vineyards, small settlements and increasingly remote mountain scenery before reaching the colonial town of Cachi.
DAY 5 — 31 OCTOBER 2027 — CACHI → ABRA DEL ACAY → SAN ANTONIO DE LOS COBRES | APPROX. 150 KM
This is one of the defining riding days of the expedition. Ruta 40 climbs steadily from Cachi towards Abra del Acay, the planned highest point of the tour at approximately 4,900 metres above sea level.
The landscape becomes progressively drier, emptier and more exposed as we enter the high Andes. After crossing the pass, we descend towards the mining and railway town of San Antonio de los Cobres.
The Abra del Acay crossing is subject to weather and road conditions. An alternative route will be used if the pass is closed or unsafe.
DAY 6 — 1 NOVEMBER 2027 — SAN ANTONIO DE LOS COBRES → SALINAS GRANDES → HUMAHUACA | APPROX. 255 KM
We leave San Antonio de los Cobres and continue across the open landscapes of the Argentine Puna. Subject to access and timing, the route includes the Viaducto La Polvorilla before turning towards Salinas Grandes.
After crossing the immense white salt flats, we descend towards the colourful valleys of Jujuy. The final section leads north to Humahuaca, where we stay for two nights.
DAY 7 — 2 NOVEMBER 2027 — HUMAHUACA | REST DAY
There is no scheduled riding today. The day can be used to rest, explore Humahuaca, walk through its historic centre or simply recover before the more remote mountain stages ahead.
Depending on weather, road conditions and interest within the group, an optional local ride of up to approximately 145 km may be arranged. The route will be confirmed locally.
DAY 8 — 3 NOVEMBER 2027 — HUMAHUACA → HORNOCAL → CASPALA | APPROX. 130 KM
We return to the motorcycles and climb towards Hornocal, famous for its multicoloured, folded mountain ridges.
From Hornocal, the route becomes quieter and more remote as we continue towards Caspala. Gravel roads, mountain switchbacks and small Andean settlements make this one of the most distinctive stages of the expedition.
DAY 9 — 4 NOVEMBER 2027 — CASPALA → VALLE COLORADO → SAN FRANCISCO | APPROX. 100 KM
A relatively short distance does not mean an easy day. The road crosses isolated mountain country through Valle Colorado before beginning its descent from the dry highlands into the subtropical Yungas.
The change in vegetation and climate is dramatic. Depending on weather, timing and water conditions, there may be an opportunity to stop at a local waterfall before reaching San Francisco.
DAY 10 — 5 NOVEMBER 2027 — SAN FRANCISCO → SALTA | APPROX. 210 KM
The final riding day continues through the green Yungas and the Calilegua area before the route gradually leaves the forested mountains behind.
We return to Salta, complete the motorcycle handover and gather for the final evening of the expedition.
DAY 11 — 6 NOVEMBER 2027 — DEPARTURE FROM SALTA
Breakfast at the hotel and group transfer to Salta Airport for departure flights.
The itinerary and daily distances are approximate. The route may be modified because of weather, road conditions, access restrictions, safety considerations or other circumstances beyond MotoBirds’ control.
YOUR OPINIONS
FROM GOOGLE
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5,based on 47 reviews
PRICE INCLUDES:
MOTORCYCLE
GUIDE
SUPPORT CAR
MOTORBIKE MAINTENANCE
ACCOMMODATION & FOOD
TRANSPORT TO/FROM THE HOTEL
INSURANCE
- Basic travel insurance.
- Tourist Guarantee Fund fee.
- Tourist Support Fund fee.
IMPORTANT: For an additional fee, there is an option to independently extend the insurance within the Signal Iduna Safe Travels and/or Global Rescue partner offer. The price of the tour includes basic travel insurance.
WELCOME PACK
PRICE NOT INCLUDES:
Personal choices and expenses
To keep the tour price clear and transparent, the following services and expenses are paid separately:
- Flights to and from Salta. Please do not book flights until MotoBirds confirms that the minimum group size has been reached.
- Tourist entry visa, if required for your nationality
- Passport and other personal documentation costs
- Tests and vaccinations, if required
- Personal motorcycle clothing and protective equipment
- Motorcycle fuel
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Single-room supplement: €70 per night, subject to availability
- Entrance fees to attractions, national parks, reserves, viewpoints and protected areas, unless expressly stated as included
- Optional excursions and activities
- Damage to the motorcycle caused by the rider, including any amount exceeding the motorcycle security deposit
- Additional medical evacuation, rescue or repatriation coverage beyond the basic travel insurance included in the package
- Additional accommodation and transfers outside the official tour dates and scheduled group transfers
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, tips and services not expressly listed under “Price Includes”
DEPOSIT FOR THE MOTORCYCLE:
A refundable motorcycle security deposit of US$1,000 is payable in cash on site. If the cost of damage to the motorcycle exceeds the deposit amount, the rider is responsible for paying the difference.
