Cafayate

Cafayate, in the heart of the Calchaquies Valleys, is an oasis of color in the land of sun and good wine. Its microclimate provides a wonderful landscape made of various shapes, textures and colors. Cultural activity in the Valley of Cafayate focuses on wineries and wine elaboration from white “torrontés” cepage. The crafts, which are available at the handicraft market, have reminiscences of Aboriginal culture diaguita. This and more make Cafayate one of the favorite northwestern Argentinean destinations for visitors from around the world. Sites and landscapes such as the Quebrada de las Conchas, give visitors a memorable and wonderful experience. Hostelling International suggests you the Cafayate Hostel on Route 40 which can accommodate those of you wanting to discover this area of the Salta region with cosy accommodations and active cultural exchange proper to youth hostels.

We recommend starting the tour of the city from the main Place, beautiful walks, and a central mast from where the Cathedral can be observed. In the temple you can see the Virgen del Rosario, kindly named “La sentadita” by locals, for she finds herself sat down.

From Cafayate you can visit the Quebrada de las Conchas, typical northwestern landscape, with its eroded rock formations of strange and colorful forms, such as "Los Castillos" with a deep red like the castles in medieval time. " El Anfiteatro «is another attraction, formed by the erosion of rocks in contact with water, the acoustics are perfect and folk and pop Argentinean artists perform there. Finally, the "Garganta del Diablo" is presented as an immense circular wall 50 metres high, that looks like a human trachea.

Very close to the main square is the Artisan Market. There you can find local handmade products, some of the items are characteristic to the northwest. There are demonstrations and affordable products you can buy such as silverware, pottery, wood and ceramics. These pieces travel the world and merge with the indigenous cultures of Bolivia.

Other places of interest in Cafayate:
Divisadero: An old diaguita settlement, with some old wall paintings.
Wine Museum: You can know in detail the local wine history, as well as the tools used for its elaboration.
Los Médanos: An ideal place to go with a group. Excursions can be done by day or night, enjoying guitar nights around a nice fire.
Río Colorado: A recommended place to relax where you can enjoy 15 crystal clear waterfalls from melting ice.
Wine route: You can visit wineries and enjoy some tastings, and learn all about the wine elaboration processes.
Fábrica de cerámica Cristófani: famous for its various sizes jars including the largest one, up to 1.8 meters.. Cristofani's articles have been distributed all around the world and it is said that there is no Cafayate house that hasn’t got at least one jar from this well-known potter.

How to get There

The only access to get to Cafayate is by land. Daily departures from Tucuman and Salta with several bus companies, including Flechabus, El Indio and Aconquija.
Plane: you can take a plane to Salta with Aerolineas Argentinas or Lan,daily departures, you then get to Salta by bus.
From Tucumán:
Road 38, joining the provincial Roads 307 and 357, and finally Road 40, a total distance of 234 km. Roads are paved and the approx journey time is 4 to 5 hours.
From Salta:
Cafayate is located 183 km from Salta. Via Road 68, drive on asphalt roads for approximately 3 hours.