Self-drive Cafayate Vineyards and Wine Region

Pick up a saloon vehicle (medium size, paved roads only) at our Salta office, hotel, or airport: free mileage and two authorised drivers.

Salta, with a population of around 700,000, is a medium-sized city. Fortunately, its predominantly grid road system makes navigating and driving through easy.

The first target is the scenic Route 68 (RN68) to Cafayate. The total driving distance is around 110 miles / 170 km with several en route stops, including a good couple of hours for a leg-stretching walk if desired.

Today you’ll drive through the terracotta-coloured Quebrada de las Conchas, heading south from Salta.

After leaving the city, we recommend a stop at the Quebrada de las Conchas viewpoint, approximately 90 minutes from Salta. This is a great spot to stroll, take pictures, and enjoy a picnic.

In this order, there are three big-ticket stops in quick succession as we keep south on the RN68: the Devil’s Throat, the Amphitheatre, and Yesera. Access each from the main road and take a short walk to them.

Devil’s Throat

The Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), all reds and oranges, leaves the visitor with the impression of having walked into some bestial thorax. The site sits among a fantastic landscape. Sitting and contemplating the wind that runs through the throat is mesmerising if you arrive solo.

Amphitheatre

The Amphitheatre (El Anfiteatro) offers beautiful acoustics, hence its name. There are lovely colours and rock formations that augment the setting. Occasionally, people play instruments or sing within the Amphitheatre with stunning results.

La Yesera

La Yesera brings to mind the rock formations found in the United States Monument Valley, smaller but in brighter colours. Wander around the stacks near the road or take an optional 2-3 hour hike to El Paso.

El Paso trek (optional)

Hike along a canyon to El Paso lookout (1,470m/4,823ft) through colour rocks and mountains. The geological formations here are so vivid it’s hard not to believe they are alive and actually some 70 million years old.

Follow the main path into the canyon and return the same way to your car. Please note that while suitable for confident trekkers to self-guide, we recommend taking a guide or a hiking map and being sure of your routes.

After exploring the wonders of Quebrada de las Conchas, it’s time to head to Cafayate (1,700m/5,600ft) and your hotel.

Self-drive distance: 112 miles / 180 km

We recommend spending at least one day in Cafayate to explore the local vineyards. You can hire bikes in town and pedal between bodegas, hire taxis, or walk.

About Cafayate

Cafayate is arguably Argentina’s second best-known wine region after Mendoza. The town’s high altitude makes its wines unique in one of the world’s highest regions, apt for growing grapes.

The sun is intense in Cafayate, making grapes grow thick skin as protection. Days are followed by cold desert nights that balance out the daytime rays and give the area a long growing season.

Dry soil means fewer grapes, a bonus for winemakers as they get fruits with greater concentrated flavours. Irrigation comes from meltwater from the nearby Andean peaks.

Here are some classic bodegas to visit for wine tasting and meals. We recommend booking tours in advance (please ask for the extra cost) or choosing your own adventure.

Bodega El Esteco

The classic bodega is within walking distance of the centre. It offers horse riding on top of wine tasting and fireside wine events. Good food is served, too, with local cheeses and empanadas popular.

Famous varieties include malbec, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

La Estancia de Cafayate

This estancia has the lot: a hotel, golf course, spa, tennis centre, polo club, and horse riding options. There is a fine dining area as well as wine tasting to enjoy.

Piattelli Vineyards

A short way (1 mile/1.65km) from town, Piattelli is one of the most famous vineyards in Argentina. Tours and wine tasting must be booked in advance.

Spend more time exploring Cafayate’s vineyards or take a short drive up mythical RN40, Ruta 40, to Andean villages. The RN40 stretches over 3,000 miles/5,000 kilometres from Argentine Patagonia to Jujuy, hugging the Andes.

RN40 is the longest road in Argentina and rivals the world’s most extensive routes, like Route 66 in the US and Australia’s Stuart Highway.

The Cafayate stretch passes through the Quebrada de la Flechas. In Spanish, flechas means arrows, and the colourful mountains mimic an arrowhead’s shape along this valley.

There are many interesting places to visit today, so make sure you set off in good time or choose a few to explore fully. We can arrange accommodation in these towns if you prefer, rather than returning to Cafayate for the night.

Animaná

There are many walks around Animaná, plus a visual arts museum with sculptures and ceramics.

Look out for vino torrontés, an intense and fruity white wine.

San Carlos

Stop here to see a historic church and browse artisanal products in the Camino de Los Artisanos.

Angastaco

This town is home to a lovely church and a fascinating archaeological museum. It is a good stop for buying artisanal wines.

Molinos

The town’s San Pedro Nolasco de Los Molinos church has a cactus roof! For art, the James Turrell Museum is a must. Many people also visit the Colomé winery, the oldest vineyard in Argentina—wine tasting by reservation only (let us know in advance).

Seclantás

A charming town known for the quality of the Salteños ponchos woven here. Plaza de La Junta is a palm tree-laden and green place to people-watch. Or perhaps you’ll visit the colonial church, Nuestra Señora del Carmen.

Many folks enjoy the food in Seclantás, especially the empanadas, tamales (steamed maize dough, filled with meat and beans), and humitas (slowly steamed ground maize).

Cachi (2,530m/8,300ft) is the northernmost town we recommend trying to reach today. There is an archaeological museum, a historic Spanish colonial church, and traditional homes made of adobe.

Note: It is 100 miles (161km) from Cafayate, making a round journey of 200 miles approx.

Option 1

Spend the day exploring the area, then drive back to Salta and drop off the vehicle (hotel in Salta not included tonight).

Cafayate to Salta distance: 112 miles / 180 km

Option 2

Alternatively, you could drive 211 miles / 340 km from Cafayate through the Andean villages of Animaná, San Carlos, Angastaco, Molinos, Seclantás, and Cachi on Route 40.

You’ll need to start early to make the most of stops en route.

Cafayate — Cachi — Salta distance: 211 miles / 340 km

Taking this route requires taking the RN40 as described on day 3. From Cachi, you head to provincial route 33, RN33, for fantastic straights and lovely curves.

Take the famous Tin Tin straight from Cachi, a 10-mile / 15-kilometre road that follows an ancient route. A favourite photo is the seemingly never-ending, straight line of tarmac disappearing into the distance.

Later come the curves as you climb to a viewpoint, Piedra del Molino, the road’s highest point (3,348m/2,080ft). The descent is a driving dream with many twisting curves down the Cuesta del Obispo, surrounded by velvety mountains and a dizzying precipice. Take time to stop for photos or visit small towns you may see en route.

Soon the lights of Salta welcome you. Drop off your vehicle, and enjoy Salta (hotel not included), the empanada capital of the world, with fine wines, museums, and plazas.

Argentina is a land of contrast.

Nothing states this better than the fact it features the highest point in the South America, Aconcagua, and the lowest, Salinas Chicas, 40m below sea level.

Its vastness – it is the eighth largest country in the world – and diversity are just part of the appeal. A fantastic culture of fine wine and dining sits alongside its adventurous and beautiful landscapes.

The local’s cheery disposition and fantastic word plays add to the enjoyment of being in this fascinating country.

The name Argentina derives from argentinos, the Ancient Greek diminutive (tinos) form for silver (argentos), which is what early Spanish explorers sought when they first reached the region in the sixteenth century.

There are distinct regions of Argentina, from the Andean culture of the North West to the rancho lifestyle of the plains of Patagonia to the eternally seductive Buenos Aires.

Argentina’s neighbours are Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay to the north, Uruguay to the north east and Chile to the west. In the east Argentina has a long South Atlantic Ocean coastline.

The central region of Argentina is the rich plain known as La Pampa.

There is jungle in the extreme northeast while the southern half of Argentina is dominated by the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia.

The western border with Chile is along the rugged Andes mountains, including Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside the Himalayas. Close to Aconcagua lies Mendoza, an area famed for its fine wine production.

The western Cuyo regions at the base of the Andes are mostly rocky desert.

Most Antarctic cruises embark and disembark in Ushuaia, at the tip of South America, allowing access to the South Pole, South Georgia and also the Falkland Islands.

Good kit is vital for every trip.

Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.

Overview

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, and has a myriad of climates from humid tropics to bracingly cold Patagonia.

When planning for these changeable climatic conditions you will encounter across Argentina, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.

The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital. Summer in the north of the country means t-shirts and shorts.

It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.

Below is a more detailed guide.

Detailed kit list

• Medium weight parka or a down jacket.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers. The jacket needs to be water proof and roomy. Side-zip pants are recommended.
• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts – no cotton
• 2-3 short-sleeve T-shirts – no cotton
• 2 pair of hiking trousers- cotton or synthetic material (no jeans)
• 1 fleece or sweat trousers (for cold evenings)
• 2 pair hiking shorts
• Long thermals – synthetic or wool – light to medium weight top & bottoms.
• 2-3 mid-weight (wool or synthetic) socks.
• 2-3 liner socks if needed
• Athletic-type socks, several pairs, city use
• Hiking boots that are waterproof and well broken-in.
• Running/tennis shoes or sandals are very comfortable when you are in cities
• 1 lightweight wool sweater or windproof fleece
• 1 wool or synthetic warm hat.
• 1 light sun hat with a wide brim.
• 1 pair of medium-weight wool or synthetic gloves
• Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
• Sunglasses with UV filter.
• Scarf for cold.
• Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
• Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
• Water bottle (2 litres approx.) & purification tablets.
• Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
• Insect repellent (just in case)
• Towel & wash-kit.
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
• Sunscreen (factor 30+) and lip salve.
• Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
• Penknife.
• Travel alarm clock.
• Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!).
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other to help pass the time.
• Binoculars.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.
• Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.

Miscellaneous others

• Money belt.
• Passport.
• U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• ATM cash/credit card.
• Any inoculation certificates.
• Personal & medical insurance certificates.
• Presents e.g. Postcards from home.
• Comfortable clothes for travel, smart clothes for night life, especially in big cities.

Climate

Argentina’s seasons are the reverse to the northern hemisphere, with summer running from October to March, and winter from May to September.

Buenos Aires and the Pampas in the north are temperate; cold in the winter, 5-15°C, and hot and humid in the summer, 17-27°C, the warmest and most humid being December to February. Spring and Autumn are lovely times to visit Buenos Aires.

The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is from January to March – the rainy season, this is when water flow of the waterfall is greatest, but the waterfall is amazing at any time of year. The hottest months in Iguazu Falls are October through April with lows of 20°C and highs of 32°C. Winter sees this fall to highs of 22°C and occasional lows of 12°C, with cooler nights. Being tropical and humid, there is always the chance of rain in Iguazu.

Bariloche is nestled in Argentina’s Lake District and is built next to the cold water Lake Nahuel Huapi. During the summer, daylight extends from 6am to 10pm and temperatures fluctuate from 5-20°C, the warm days making for ideal conditions for exploration. In the winter, snow abounds for skiers and daylight is from 9am to 7pm, city temps varying from just above to just below freezing, with much cooler temperatures in the mountains.

The rain-shadow effect in Bariloche means weather conditions are relatively dry and stable. Summer rainfall in the town of Bariloche is low (average 5 days precipitation a month).

Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.

We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.

We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.

When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.

You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.

What is ATOL?

The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.

And  ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.

Who is covered?

To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).

If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.

If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.

For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.

I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?

If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.

We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.

If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.

You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.