Quebrada de las Conchas

Information

The Quebrada de las Conchas or Quebrada de Cafayate is a ravine itself and at the same time a protected area as a natural reserve. The Conchas River flows through it, which in the outskirts of the town of Cafayate is formed by the union of the Calchaquí and Santa María Rivers that flow through the scenic Calchaquí Valley. The name given to the ravine ('Conchas', in English 'shell') is due to the fact that fossil shells were discovered there.

It is one of the great tourist attractions of Salta and the Argentinean Northwest, very popular with visitors who come to appreciate the spectacular reddish landscape with mountains and the river in the background. The red/ochre tone of the terrain is due to the presence of iron oxide. The ravine can be travelled along National Route 68, which runs parallel to the water course, and it is undoubtedly a trip to be made with time to dedicate to each attraction.

Something striking are the different geological forms that can be observed, which were naturally originated by erosion. Along the approximately 32 kilometres there are different stops with car parks and signs with names that have been given to several of them, such as Los Colorados, El Obelisco (The Obelisk), El Fraile (The Monk), El Sapo (The Toad), El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheatre) and the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat).

Take into account that there are very few services along the way, so it is recommended to bring everything you need, such as enough petrol for the vehicle, food and drinks. You will only find some very basic stalls selling food (such as homemade bread and sweets) and handicrafts.