Calchaquí Valley to Cafayate: A Private Full-Day Wine Tour from Salta
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, gentle walks and standing during tastings
Overview
Drive through sculpted red canyons and spend a sunlit day tasting Torrontés and Malbec in Cafayate. This private full-day from Salta pairs dramatic geology with intimate winery visits and a traditional lunch.
Calchaquí Valley to Cafayate: A Private Full-Day Wine Tour from Salta
Select participants and date
The morning light in Salta is thin and sharp; the city loosens its hold as the private vehicle threads Ruta 68 toward the Calchaquí Valley, and the landscape begins to change like a slow revelation. Red cliffs rise from scrubland, the Río de las Conchas carving a path that seems to dare travelers to look away. On a private full-day tour, the road becomes the first act—tight turns, sudden vistas and geological pages that unfold into Quebrada de las Conchas.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate before and during the tour
High altitude and arid conditions dry you out—carry a refillable water bottle and drink steadily between tastings.
Protect yourself from the sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat and UV sunglasses; reflected light off sandstone can be intense midday.
Comfortable shoes for winery grounds
Vineyard terraces and winery courtyards can be uneven—closed-toe shoes with grip make cellar visits easier.
Pace wine tastings
Ask for smaller pours if you plan to drive later the same day or want to compare varietals without overwhelming your palate.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor spotted on thermals above the gorge
- Guanacos or free-ranging llamas in higher valley pastures
History
The Calchaquí Valley’s vineyards trace back to Spanish colonial and missionary agriculture blended with indigenous practices; terraced planting and water management shaped the local wine culture.
Conservation
Water is scarce in this arid region; many bodegas use drip irrigation and organic practices—respect vineyard rules and carry out any waste.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Salta
Recommended Gear
Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial at high elevations and in dry valley air.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects against strong UV and reflected light on sandstone and vineyards.
summer specific
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Useful for walking on uneven winery paths and rock viewpoints.
Light wind jacket
Afternoon winds and temperature drops at altitude make a lightweight layer handy.
fall specific