In northwest Argentina, Cafayate is known for its stunning natural beauty and prestigious high-altitude wines.
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A city in the Calchaquíes Valleys
This peaceful city appears among the reddish rock formations and is the base for visiting unique natural landscapes and tasting the region’s wines.
The colonial and baroque architecture of the 19th century can be seen in its Cathedral, the tree-lined and flowery the Main Square, the Old Stone Mill and the museums full of history and tradition.
Cafayate is surrounded by a belt of vineyards, offering Torrontés and Pateros wines from small producers.
The Main Square
It is the heart of the city and is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings. Surrounding it are the municipal building, the Cathedral and many bars and businesses. In front of it, there is also the Artisan Market. It is a place to enjoy live music, street artists and much more.
Our Lady of the Rosary Church
If you visit, don’t expect to see Spanish colonial architecture. It is located in the center of the city, and was built in the 19th century to replace the existing church that was in ruins. The building, in neoclassical style, has the uniqueness of a church with 5 naves.
The wineries of Cafayate
The city is famous for its wine production, especially the Torrontés varietal.
There are many wineries around the city that offer wine tastings and guided tours. Many of the wineries in Cafayate are located near the city center, so you can access them on foot. It is a good idea to rent a bicycle to reach the most remote ones.
Wineries generally offer tastings for free or for a nominal fee. You can also visit where and how the wines are produced. Of course, at the end of each visit you can choose to buy a local wine at a good price.
Vine and wine museum
It is dedicated to the history and culture of wine in the region.
The museum is located in a beautiful winery called Bodega Encantada, which dates back to the 19th century and was restored to become a cultural and tourist space. T
he museum has several exhibition rooms that present the history of wine in the region, from pre-Hispanic times to the present. You can see old tools and machinery used in wine production, as well as information about wine making and its varieties. In addition to the exhibitions, the museum offers tastings of wines from the region, as well as guided tours of the winery and vineyards.
There is also a store where you can buy wines and other products related to wine culture. And you can see more information in the web site.
Quebrada de las Conchas
It is a gorge located a few kilometers from the city, where you can find rock formations of vibrant colors. Also known as the Quebrada de las conchas [Valley of the Shells], it is a protected natural area that offers a stunning view of unique rock formations and a wide variety of desert landscapes.
Here are some places you can see in La Quebrada de las Conchas:
Amphitheater (photo): a natural amphitheater formed by the erosion of rocks. It is a large semi-circular space that appears to have been carved into the rock and is often used for concerts and outdoor events.
El Sapo: a rock formation that looks like a giant toad. The toad’s head is a huge block of stone that has been separated from the rest of the rock and is now in a tilted position.
The Obelisk: A large rock formation that resembles an Egyptian obelisk. This structure is located right next to the road and is one of the first attractions you will see when entering the ravine.
The Devil’s Throat: a narrow opening in the rock that opens into a wide space at the end. It is a short and popular hike for those who want to experience the natural beauty of the ravine.
The Castles: a series of rock formations that resemble medieval towers and fortresses. These structures appear to have been carved into the rock by some ancient craftsman.
El Mirador Tres Cruces: a panoramic viewpoint that offers a stunning view of the ravine valley and surrounding mountains. From here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset and the rise of the full moon.
Colorado River Waterfall
It is a 25 meter high waterfall located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by impressive landscape.
FAQ
When should you visit Cafayate?
We recommend avoiding the summer months. It is ideal from April to November inclusive.
These are just some of the options that Cafayate has to offer, but there are many more things to see and do in the region. Enjoy your visit!
