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.

PRICE NOT INCLUDES:

• Airline tickets (tickets should not be bought until the organizer confirms the completion of the minimum group size).
• Fuel for the motorcycle.
• Visa cost, if required.
• Meals other than breakfasts;
• All beverages;
• Personal expenses, souvenirs;
• Motorcyle gear: bring your own;
• Medical expenses not covered by the basic travel insurance provided by MotoBirds;
• Tips;
• Travel insurance upgrade;
• Costs associated with transporting the motorcycle to the trip’s end location, if a participant does not want to continue strictly for comfort reasons;
• Additional recommended Global Rescue insurance;
• Motorcycle security deposit.