“Biking Piedra del Molino - Los Colorados”

Highlights: Cuesta del Obispo, Piedra del Molino, Los Cardones National Park, Straight of Tin Tin, and Los Colorados

See itinerary description on last page.

This trip is rated MODERATE (3):

Biking: ~ 30 kilometers, ~2.5 hours; paved and gravel surfaces; Elevation loss: 914m/~3,000’; Elevation gain: minimal.

Participants should be comfortable riding on a variety of surfaces including paved and gravel roads that include vehicle traffic. The terrain consists of some flat stretches but may include rolling hills and downhill portions. Participants should have cycling experience that includes shifting gears, braking, riding in groups and riding safety on both paved and unpaved, uneven gravel or rocky surfaces up and downhill. Trip members should be capable of cycling for up to 3 hours and 30 kilometers. There will be vehicle support for riders that wish to take a break.

Our staff will indicate the correct use of the provided equipment, as well as the road map, and the responsible riding of mountain bikes.

Our client to guide ratio is 7:1 and there is a support vehicle always behind the group, able to with the guides through sophisticated UHF radio system.

WHAT TO BRING: • Day Pack (15-20L)

• Wear clothes comfortable for cycling • Light rain/windproof jacket • Mid-weight fleece/softshell • Hiking/walking shoes • Water bottles or hydration bladder

• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF • Sun hat • Sunglasses • Camera • Personal items/medication

High Altitude Alert: This trip ascends to high altitude, traveling above 3,048m/10,000’. The highest altitude reached is 3,348’ metrer (10,985’). It is important you understand the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and the more severe forms of altitude illness, HAPE (High-altitude pulmonary edema) and HACE (High-altitude cerebral edema) so that you can self-monitor your reaction to high altitude. Take the necessary precautions to prevent or alleviate symptoms of high altitude such as staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and eating well. Be sure to share any symptoms with your guide. For more information: Altitude Illness at CDC (Center for Disease Control); Altitude sickness at altitude.org

ITINERARY: We depart from Salta at 8:00 am taking route 68 to route 33, passing large tobacco farms, one of the most important crops of Salta. Once on route 33, we wind our way up the twisting mountain road of Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop Slope road), passing through the wonderful ravine of Escoipe, colorful mountains and tiny towns until we reach the high pass of Piedra del Molino (3348 meters above sea level), at the edge of Los Cardones National Park (~2.5 hours driving). Arriving at the high mountain pass of Piedra del Molino (3,348m/10,985’), we prepare the bikes to start the real adventure! From the pass, we bike west through Los Cardones National Park, Cachipampa, and along the famous Straight line of Tin-Tin, sites that were part of the mythical Inca trail. We may also see groups of guanacos and the magnificent presence of condors in the heavens. Biking along the road, Los Colorados forms a natural amphitheater of reddish mountains where, for fifteen kilometers, it feels as if we are on a different planet. The majestic Mount Cachi rises in the distance and welcomes us to the Calchaqui Valleys. We break for a picnic lunch of local flavors to recharge our energy before returning to Salta by vehicle. Approximate arrival time back to Salta – 6:00pm. Group Size: 4-12 Price for Traveling Companions: AP$ 1600 (~US$ 95)