Humahuaca to Lake Titicaca Cycling Tour: through the Salar de Uyuni (Argentina – Bolivia)
MediumThis Humahuaca to Lake Titicaca cycling tour is a rare itinerary by design: fewer kilometers on the bike and smart transfers in between, so we ride only the most beautiful sections while covering a vast and varied territory. Total travel spans about 1,200 km by private vehicle and roughly 550 km by bicycle. It’s a medium-difficulty journey shaped by altitude—between 2,500 and 4,600 m—ridden at a very calm pace that favors acclimatization; experience from previous editions shows the stage design and slow progression work exceptionally well.
We begin in northern Argentina in the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca, where colorful mountains and Andean villages set the tone: Purmamarca, the climb of Cuesta de Lipán, Tilcara, Humahuaca, and the spectacular El Hornocal. Crossing into Bolivia, the route leads to Uyuni and the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni—a white horizon of mirages and ancient cactus “islands” such as Incahuasi, with views toward the volcanic cone of Tunupa.
Turning toward the Altiplano’s blue, we ride with superb panoramas of Lake Titicaca and quiet rural scenes. We traverse the Yampupata Peninsula to its far tip and take a short boat ride to the legendary Isla del Sol; a brief hike lets us feel the spirit of the birthplace of Inca culture. The adventure ends in La Paz, the world’s highest capital, alive with markets bursting with color and scent, where cholitas and businesspeople share the same streets.
Group size is intentionally small for a more personal experience: minimum 3 and maximum 5 participants (on request we can arrange larger groups—up to eight—and even run the tour on alternative dates). A dedicated support vehicle transports luggage and stays close to the riders throughout, ready for assistance, emergencies, or simply to hop in for a stretch. Along the way we include lunches and energy provisions on riding days—served in scenic spots—and dinners that showcase local specialties; water is always available. Basic mechanical help is provided, with one spare bike per group.
For bikes, we recommend an MTB or gravel setup with 700×40 (or wider) tires and a careful mechanical check before departure. Please pack bikes in collapsible cardboard boxes or soft bags so they stow easily in the support vehicle. Bring a simple repair kit (two inner tubes, Allen keys, small pump), helmet and lights, and a hydration system (bottle or CamelBak). Panniers aren’t needed; a small handlebar bag or light backpack is enough for a windbreaker or spare layer, an energy bar, and your camera.
Photos of the last travel in Humahuaca to Lake Titicaca Cycling Tour: through the Salar de Uyuni (Argentina – Bolivia)
Contact us for the travel day plan
Purmamarca, Cuesta de Lipán, Tilcara, Humahuaca, El Hornocal (colorful mountains) La Quiaca, Tupiza, Uyuni, Salar de Uyuni, Incahuasi Island, Tunupa Volcano, Oruro, Lake Titicaca, Copacabana, Isla del Sol, La Paz.
1200 km of transfers by van and 550 km by bicycle.
The difficulty of this trip is determined by the altitude. The itinerary will take place between 2,500 and 4,600 meters above sea level at a very calm pedaling pace, which helps to better acclimatize and cycle tourism. The experience accumulated in previous editions has validated that the stages and slow progression guarantee good acclimatization.
They can fluctuate between 5°C and 25°
We recommend an MTB or gravel bike with 700 x 40 or wider tires. A careful mechanical inspection is recommended before traveling.
On this bicycle packing trip, only cardboard or soft bags that are completely foldable can be used so that they do not take up too much space because they will be transported by the support vehicle.
Repair kit: two inner tubes, Allen keys and a small pump.
Helmet. Lights.
Water bottle or backpack (Camelback).
There is no need for bags. We recommend bringing a small bag (under the handlebars) or a small backpack to carry; a change of clothes or a windbreaker, an energy bar and your camera.
- Personalized service and attention for small groups of up to 8 people
- The support vehicle(s) that transports luggage is always close to the cyclists in case they want to get on or there is an emergency.
All transfers in private vehicles.
- Lunches and energy meals (2 or 3 provisions) during the cycling days, served in spectacular places along the route. They can consist of: sandwiches, cakes, empanadas, fruit, energy bars (natural) and hot or cold drinks. Water always available during cycling stages.
- Dinners, tasting of the best products in the area.
- Basic mechanical assistance is 1 spare bicycle (per group), in case of breakdown.
3, maximum 5 people. Upon request we can organize larger groups, even on other dates.
- The presence of Mariano Lorefice
- Overnight stays in hotels (13), as planned
- All food and supplies for the day. 7 dinners.
- Navigation on Lake Titicaca
- Support vehicle for all transfers (approximately 1200 km)
- Basic mechanical assistance.
- Drinks at dinner
- free dinners and optional excursions
- Entrance fees to the parks and climb to the Tunupa volcano €80
- Transfer from Jujuy or Salta airport. Transfer to La Paz airport.
- For practical reasons it will be advisable to carry the essentials in a single piece of luggage of reasonable dimensions. It will be possible to wash clothes during the trip.
- Helmet and sunglasses
- headlamp
- Hygiene items and personal medications.
- Wet disinfectant tissues (disposable) Sun protection cream
- Some energy bars or foods
- Small bag under the handlebars or backpack to carry personal things when riding a bicycle
- 1 or 2 shorts + leggings or long pants
- 1 or 2 short-sleeved t-shirts
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt.
- Long-sleeved thermal t-shirt as your first skin
- fleece or down jacket
- 2 light socks and 1 thick pair
- winter gloves
- collar and warm/sun hat
- cycling shoes or others to always use
- sandals (optional)
- towels
- Rain clothing (Goretex ideal): jacket, pants, shoe covers and glove covers. (every three/four days there will be the possibility of washing clothes).