Cycling the Salt Flats
Argentina & Bolivia
15 days (Bike: 12 days)
1350 km (~113km per day)
Avid
Mixed on/off-road
Guided
Supported
This South American Epic stage starts at very high altitude
Hopefully, sectional cyclists beginning their ride here will have arrived a few days early in order to acclimatize. The tour enters and departs on the Mi Teleférico, the world’s largest aerial cable car system. At 30 km and expanding, the network gives riders a chance to experience some unique and incredible views of La Paz. Once out of the city, the cyclists pedal south through the wild and barren southern altiplano. During the day the treeless plains are back-dropped by breathtaking volcanic peaks while at night the empty skies allow for some astonishing stargazing.
The route passes through the gritty mining town of Oruro, known throughout South America for its musical traditions that culminate in the city’s annual Carnaval celebrations. Although the tour will miss the wild celebration, riders may still be tempted to buy a locally designed Diablada (dance of the devil) mask. The cyclists continue south, camping one night on the rim of an ancient meteor crater before arriving in the tiny village of Conqueza. Sitting at the foot of Volcan Tunupa this spot marks the start of the cyclist’s trek across the stunning Salar de Uyuni.
Situated at almost 3700m and covering over 12,000 sq km, the Salar is the world’s largest salt flat. The riders will make the crossing in one day, covering 135 kms. Along the way they will experience surreal views – a seemingly endless expanse of white beneath a perfectly blue sky - occasionally broken up by cacti-studded islands, strange rock formations and pink flamingos. Salt is still extracted from the Salar for both human and animal consumption but underneath the flat lies a real treasure, the world’s largest lithium deposit.
After a well-deserved rest day in the tourist town of Uyuni, the route takes the riders south towards the border with Argentina. Along the way they will spin through some rugged countryside. Dry ravines, crooked cacti and rust coloured slopes are sprinkled with packs of llamas and colourful adobe houses. After crossing the border, the route continues through a harsh but magical landscape. Sculpted by centuries of wind and water, rock formations have been carved into strange and mysterious shapes and shift through a wide spectrum of colours. A final climb takes the riders into the city of Salta, brimming with colonial charm and sophisticated dining options.
Highlights
- Ride across the salt encrusted Salar
- Camp in a Meteor Crater
- Beautiful barren landscapes of Northern Argentina
- Sample Argentinian wines in Salta
Tour Information
From
La Paz, Bolivia
To
Salta, Argentina
Cost From
Guided Please Ask
Departure(s)
September 26, 2024
Inclusions
- 5 Nights in hotels - 9 Nights of camping
- Most dinners
- Most breakfasts
- All roadside lunches
- Afternoon soup on riding days
- Experienced chef
- Vehicle to carry your bags
- Experienced tour leader
- Sweep rider
- Security as needed
- Bike mechanic
- Medic
- Local support
- Tour jersey
- Commemorative tour medal
- Celebratory final dinner
- Pre-tour information bulletins
- Pre-tour rider discussion forum
Exclusions
- A registration fee of US$150 must first be paid to hold your place on the tour
Additional
- Ride the full South American Epic or one or more of the other stages
- We recommend a mountain or touring bike with 45-50c tires.
- Those coming for multiple sections get 10% off for 2 or more sections on the same tour (multiple section discount does not apply to full tour price)
- TDA alumni get special alumni discounts
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