Cafayate

Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
05/08/2025
Explore the vibrant red rock formations and lush greenery under a clear blue sky in Salta, Argentina.
Flávia Sandriany, Pexels

Cafayate presents a unique travel experience, centered around its renowned high-altitude Torrontés wine production amidst striking red rock formations and verdant vineyards. It offers a peaceful retreat with options for exploring the region's natural beauty and local heritage.

The main square, Plaza 20 de Febrero, serves as the vibrant heart of Cafayate, where visitors gather at its surrounding restaurants, cafes, and artisan markets, particularly active in the evenings and on weekends. Hostels also offer social settings for backpackers.

Top 4 Things to do in Cafayate

Activities in Cafayate primarily revolve around experiencing its unique high-altitude wines and exploring the breathtaking red rock formations of the surrounding valleys.

1. Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours

Cafayate is renowned for its Torrontés wine, a crisp and aromatic white varietal unique to Argentina. Visitors can explore numerous bodegas (wineries), many of which are conveniently located within or just outside the town center. Options range from quick tastings at accessible downtown wineries like Nanni and Domingo Hermanos, to more extensive tours at larger estates such as Piattelli Vineyards or El Esteco, which often feature stunning views and dining opportunities. Some wineries offer free tastings, while others charge a fee for guided visits that delve into the winemaking process and history of the region.

Cost: Wine tastings can range from free to approximately $5-15 USD per person, depending on the winery and the type of tasting or tour.

Transport: Many bodegas in the town center are accessible on foot. For wineries slightly further out (15-30 minute walk or short bike ride) like Vasija Secreta or El Esteco, cycling is a popular option. Others, such as Piattelli Vineyards, may require a taxi or private transport due to being a longer walk.

2. Exploring the Quebrada de las Conchas

The Quebrada de las Conchas, also known as Quebrada de Cafayate, is a spectacular natural reserve featuring vibrant red rock formations carved by erosion. Key highlights along this route include the 'Garganta del Diablo' (Devil's Throat), a dramatic narrow gorge, and the 'Anfiteatro' (Amphitheatre), a circular formation with impressive acoustics. Other notable formations include 'El Sapo' (The Toad), 'Los Castillos' (The Castles), and 'La Yesera'. Exploring this area allows for stunning photography and appreciation of the unique geology of the Calchaquí Valley.

Cost: Accessing the Quebrada de las Conchas is free. Guided tours from Cafayate exploring the Quebrada can cost around $10-15 USD (e.g., a 4-hour taxi tour) or higher for more comprehensive hiking tours (e.g., a 3-hour hiking tour for around $142 USD).

Transport: The Quebrada can be explored by renting a car (ideally from Salta for more flexibility), by joining an organized tour, or by renting a bicycle. Cycling allows visitors to stop at viewpoints at their own pace, often involving a bus ride with the bike to a starting point like Garganta del Diablo and cycling back to Cafayate (approximately 47km).

3. Visit the Museo de la Vid y el Vino

The Museum of Vine and Wine offers an interactive and dynamic journey through the history of winemaking in the Calchaquí Valley, particularly focusing on the characteristics of 'Vinos de Altura' (high-altitude wines). It provides an engaging experience with visual and sound stimuli, making it an informative stop for all ages interested in the region's viticultural heritage. The museum is self-guided and takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to explore.

Cost: Entrance fees are typically charged, but children under 12, disabled individuals, and professional tourism guides may enter free of charge.

Transport: The museum is centrally located in Cafayate and easily accessible on foot from most accommodations.

4. Trekking to the Rio Colorado Waterfalls

For those seeking an active adventure, hiking to the Cascadas del Rio Colorado (Rio Colorado Waterfalls) offers a refreshing experience. Located approximately 6 kilometers from the town center, the trek involves navigating through a gorge alongside the Rio Colorado, leading to a series of waterfalls. While it is possible to attempt this independently, hiring a local guide is highly recommended due to the unmarked and sometimes challenging paths, especially when aiming to reach higher waterfalls in the series.

Cost: The cost for a guided hike varies depending on the number of waterfalls visited, as there are up to seven. Expect to pay a standard guide fee, which can be confirmed with local tour operators or your accommodation.

Transport: The trailhead is located about 6 km from Cafayate's center. It can be reached by bicycle, taxi, or a longer walk. Tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off.

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