Cafayate

Information

It is a locality in the Argentinean province of Salta. It is crossed by the Chuscha and Loro Huasi Rivers, which are tributaries of the Santa María River (which later on joins the Calchaquí River to the northeast to originate the Las Conchas River). It is in an area of vineyards where wines are produced in quantity and quality.

It is one of the main tourist centres of the province, where visitors will find a variety of lodgings, grocery shops, restaurants, petrol station, ATMs and a tourist information office. There are handicraft stalls to buy souvenirs, for example by its main square located at the intersection of General Güemes Avenue and San Martín Street.

Inside the city you can visit the Museo de la Vid y el Vino (Vine and Wine Museum), which has two halls where you can see posters, models and animations with light and sound effects. During the tour of the museum you will learn about the benefits of the climate and the terrain, the history and the development of vine cultivation in the area.

Already outside the urban area, there are tourist sites that are a great attraction, mainly because of their striking landscapes:
- Quebrada de las Conchas: it is a ride along the National Route 68 that goes through a ravine where the Las Conchas River flows through a mountainous terrain with reddish colourings. You can appreciate geoforms that have been given names such as Los Colorados, El Sapo (The Toad), El Obelisco (The Obelisk), El Fraile (The Monk), etc.
- Angastaco Natural Reserve: it also stands out for its geological forms, such as the well known Quebrada de las Flechas (a ravine with mountains shaped like arrows).
- Sand dunes: it is close to the locality; they are huge sandy elevations that can be visited and walked over.

How to get to Cafayate:
- By bus: buses arrive from Amaicha del Valle, Salta City, Colalao del Valle, El Mollar, San Miguel de Tucumán, Santa María (Catamarca) and Tafí del Valle.
- By plane: the closest airport is the one in the city of Salta, which is 184 km away. Another option is the airport of Tucumán, which is 230 km away, but bear in mind that the journey from the latter to Cafayate takes more time because first you have to wind your way through the Los Sosa River and then cross the El Infiernillo pass.