2-Day Calchaquí Valley Tour to Cachi & Cafayate: Gorges, Vineyards and Photogenic Drives
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days (approx. 48 hours)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; should be able to walk short distances on uneven ground and handle altitude-related exertion.
Overview
Swap city streets for a two-day drive through the Calchaquí Valley—a route of wind-sculpted gorges, high-altitude vineyards and colonial villages. This coach-based loop from Salta to Cachi and Cafayate blends geology, archaeology and a winery tasting into an accessible overnight escape.
2-Day Calchaquí Valley Tour to Cachi & Cafayate: Gorges, Vineyards and Photogenic Drives
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The coach pulls out of Salta before dawn and the high desert begins to open—low scrub gives way to river-cut gorges and a line of Andes ridges that seem to push the sky away. On this two-day loop through the Calchaquí Valley, the landscape demands attention: red-brown spires catch the morning light at Quebrada de las Flechas, while the Amphitheater’s wind-sculpted bowl throws sound back in deep, echoing notes. Travelers trade city streets for a ribbon of Route 68, punctuated by roadside photo stops and the occasional herd of goats winding along switchbacks.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring layers for altitude swings
Temperatures vary from cool mountain mornings to warm afternoons—pack a lightweight insulating layer and a windbreaker.
Stay hydrated and carry snacks
High elevation and dry air make water essential—bring a refillable bottle and snacks for quick roadside stops.
Comfortable walking shoes
Town exploration and viewpoints include uneven gravel and short stair sections—supportive shoes reduce slip risk.
Carry ID for tastings
Winery visits require ID to verify drinking age (18+)—keep your passport or national ID handy.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean fox
- Various raptors such as caracaras
History
The Calchaquí Valley preserves layers of pre-Columbian habitation and colonial settlement; Cachi’s 16th-century church and local archaeological collections reflect thousands of years of human presence.
Conservation
Vineyards and tour operators are increasingly adopting low-water and organic practices to protect fragile high-altitude soils; visitors should stick to paths and avoid littering to reduce erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salta
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Good traction for gravel viewpoints and village streets.
Light insulating layer
Keeps you warm during cool mornings and evenings at altitude.
Refillable water bottle
Dry air and elevation increase dehydration—bring at least 1–2 liters capacity.
Camera with polarizer
A polarizer reduces glare and deepens sky contrast for dramatic landscapes.