Scenic Calchaquí Valley Tour: Cachi, Cafayate & Wine Tasting

After hotel pickup, your overnight tour will begin by heading out of town on Route 68 toward Cachi, about 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Salta. We will drive through the Lerma Valley, passing through towns like El Carril and Chicoana and we will continue into the Calchaquí Valley, a series of incredible valleys, rivers and gorges spread across Salta. During the drive, we will make a few stops to admire natural attractions like Quebrada de Escoipe (Escoipe Gorge) and then we will arrive in Cachi around midday. You will have about 1.5 hours of free time to eat lunch and explore. Then, you will be able to wander around the village at your leisure to see its historical architecture, from the whitewashed adobe homes to the 16th-century church, a National Historic Monument. If you’re interested, you may visit the Archeological Museum to see its collection of artifacts from this region, some dating back 10,000 years (entrance at own expense). After lunch, we will return to your coach for the drive to Cafayate, another 100 miles (160 km) south in the wine region of the Calchaquí Valley. On the way, you will admire the beautiful landscapes along the Calchaquí River, see Quebrada de las Flechas (Arrows Gorge) and pass through mountain towns like Seclantas, Molinos and San Carlos. When we arrive in Cafayate in the evening, you will enjoy a short tour of town while everyone is dropped off at their hotels. Your guide will tell you what time to meet up in the morning and then you’re free to enjoy dinner and explore at your leisure for the rest of the night. Overnight: Your selected hotel in Cafayate (own expense)

You will meet your guide in the morning and head to a nearby winery (usually either Vasija Secreta or Domingo Hermanos) for a 1 to 1.5-hour tour and tasting. Then, you will learn about the winemaking process in Cafayate as you tour the winery, visiting the vineyards or barreling facilities, and then enjoy a tasting of Argentine varietals like torrontés (the region’s signature white varietal) and malbec. We will return to Cafayate, where you will have free time for lunch (check out one of the local restaurants on the town square)Then, we will start the drive back to Salta, which take you past more of the Calchaquí Valley’s striking natural attractions. One of the most impressive is Quebrada de las Conchas (Shells Gorge), known for its many rock formations caused by wind and water erosion; make photo stops at formations like Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) and the Amphitheater. Then, we will continue north through the Lerma Valley to Salta, where you will arrive in the evening. The tour will end with hotel drop-off.