2-Day Calchaquí Valley Tour to Cachi and Cafayate

Itinerary

Day 1: Salta - Cachi - Cafayate

Pass By: Tangol, Salta, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
After hotel pickup by coach, your overnight tour begins by heading out of town on Route 68 toward Cachi, about 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Salta.

Stop At: Calchaqui Valleys, Salta, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
Drive through the Lerma Valley, passing through towns like El Carril and Chicoana, and continue into the Calchaquí Valley, a series of incredible valleys, rivers and gorges spread across Salta and its neighboring provinces that’s on UNESCO’s tentative list to become a World Heritage site.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Quebrada del Escoipe, Salta, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
During the drive, make a few stops to admire natural attractions like Quebrada de Escoipe (Escoipe Gorge), and then arrive in Cachi around midday
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Cachi, Cachi, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
You have about 1.5 hours of free time to eat lunch and explore. Have lunch at one of the local restaurants, or find a pretty spot to enjoy a picnic if you brought a packed lunch with you. Then wander around the village at your leisure to see its historical architecture, from the whitewashed adobe homes to the 16th-century church, a National Historic Monument. If you’re interested, you may visit the Archeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico) to see its collection of artifacts from this region, some dating back 10,000 years (optional; entrance at own expense).
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Quebrada de las Flechas
After lunch, return to your coach for the drive to Cafayate, another 100 miles (160 km) south in the wine region of the Calchaquí Valley. On the way, admire the beautiful landscapes along the Calchaquí River, see Quebrada de las Flechas (Arrows Gorge) and pass through mountain towns like Seclantas, Molinos and San Carlos. As a group, you may let your guide know whenever you want to stop for quick photo ops.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Mercado Artesanal Cafayate, Cafayate, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
When you arrive in Cafayate in the evening, enjoy a short tour of town while everyone is dropped off at their hotels. Your guide will tell you what time to meet up in the morning, and then you’re free to enjoy dinner and explore at your leisure for the rest of the night.
Overnight: Your selected hotel in Cafayate (own expense)
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation is not included but you can contact the local operator to receive advice on popular hotels in town.

Day 2: Cafayate – Winery – Salta

Stop At: Antigua Bodega Vasija Secreta, Cafayate, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
Meet your guide in the morning and head to a nearby winery (usually either Vasija Secreta or Domingo Hermanos) for a 1- to 1.5-hour tour and tasting. Learn about the winemaking process in Cafayate as you tour the winery, visiting the vineyards or barreling facilities, and then enjoy a tasting of Argentine varietals like torrontés (the region’s signature white varietal) and malbec.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Mercado Artesanal Cafayate, Cafayate, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
Return to Cafayate, where you have free time for lunch; check out one of the local restaurants on the town square, perhaps.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas, Cafayate, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
Then start the drive back to Salta, which takes you past more of the Calchaquí Valley’s striking natural attractions. One of the most impressive is Quebrada de las Conchas (Shells Gorge), known for its many rock formations caused by wind and water erosion; make photo stops at formations like Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) and the Amphitheater (Amfiteatro).
Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: Salta Cabildo, Salta, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina
Then continue north through the Lerma Valley to Salta, where you’ll arrive in the evening. Your tour ends with hotel drop-off.

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.