Destinations: Cafayate

Cafayate in Argentina is a beautiful destination known for its stunning scenery, delicious wine and friendly people. The city is located in the province of Salta and is surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes. With almost 360 days of sunshine a year and a mild climate, Cafayate is a perfect place to visit all year round and a highlight of individual tours.

The town is also known for its wines, particularly its Torrontés wines, which are made from a native grape. There are numerous wineries in the area that offer tastings and tours to give visitors the chance to sample the different varieties and learn more about winemaking in the region. Cafayate is also a great place to experience the culture and history of the region, as there are many historical sites and museums that can be visited.

Important information about Cafayate at a glance

• Cafayate in Argentina is a beautiful destination known for its stunning scenery, delicious wine and friendly people.
• The city is also known for its wines, especially its Torrontés wines, made from a native grape.
• Cafayate is also a great place to experience the culture and history of the region, as there are many historical sites and museums that can be visited.

Geography and climate

Location and altitude

Cafayate is a city in the province of Salta in northwestern Argentina. It is located in the middle of the Valles Calchaquíes in the southwest of the province at an altitude of 1.683 meters. The provincial capital Salta is about 189 kilometers north of Cafayate and can be reached via Ruta Nacional 68.

Climate and weather

Cafayate has a dry and mild climate. There are 360 ​​sunny days and the average annual rainfall is usually less than 250 millimeters. The average annual temperature in Cafayate is 13,2 °C. The summer months are December, January, February and March. The highest temperatures of up to 28 °C are reached in January and February. In winter the temperatures drop to 5-6 °C.

Cafayate is located in a region known for its dry climate. The region is crossed by the rivers Río Calchaquí and Río Santa María, which supply the valley with water. The Valles Calchaquíes offers a unique landscape with mountains, valleys and gorges and attracts many tourists every year.

In summary, Cafayate is a popular destination for tourists who want to discover the beauty of northwest Argentina due to its dry climate and unique landscape.

Winemaking and tasting

Wineries and Bodegas

Cafayate and its surroundings are a wine region and wineries. There are numerous bodegas that sell wine directly from the producer. The most famous wineries in Cafayate are Bodega El Esteco, Bodega Domingo Molina, Finca Las Nubes, Bodega Nanni and Bodega Etchart. Each bodega has its own history and offers a unique experience. Visitors can tour the vineyards and take part in wine tastings to sample the different wines.

Wine tasting and tastings

Wine tastings and tastings are an important part of touring Cafayate. Visitors can try different wines, including the famous white wine made from the Torrontés Riojano grape. Most wineries offer tastings where visitors can try the different wines and learn more about winemaking. Some wineries also offer tours of the vineyards and wine cellars.

Visitors should also visit the Wine Museum in Cafayate to learn more about winemaking and wine regions. The museum showcases the history of winemaking in Argentina and the different wine regions of the country.

There are numerous bodegas and wineries in Cafayate that offer wine tastings and tastings. The most famous wineries in Cafayate are Bodega El Esteco, Bodega Domingo Molina, Finca Las Nubes, Bodega Nanni and Bodega Etchart.

Sights and activities

The city and its surroundings offer numerous attractions and activities for travelers:

Historic sites

The ruins of Quilmes are one of the most important historical sites in the region. The remains of the former settlement of the Quilmes Indians offer a glimpse into the culture and history of the indigenous people. Another interesting historical site is the parish of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, one of the oldest churches in Cafayate.

nature and landscape

The Quebrada de las Conchas, also known as Quebrada de Cafayate, is an impressive gorge with fascinating rock formations. The Garganta del Diablo is another natural wonder not to be missed.

Outside the city, there are numerous opportunities to explore nature and the landscape. The Valles Calchaquíes offer a variety of hiking and trekking routes. The nearby Los Cardones National Park is another highlight for nature lovers.

Practical information

The city of Cafayate is easily accessible by bus. Travelers can drive from Salta to Cafayate and enjoy the spectacular scenery along Ruta 40. Cafayate is also on the route between Tafí del Valle and San Miguel de Tucumán.

There are numerous wineries in Cafayate that produce award-winning white wines. The most famous are Bodega Etchart and Manuel Fernando de la Cruz. The Museo de Vitivinicultura and the Museo Arqueológico offer an insight into the history and culture of the region.

In the city center there is the central square and the Mercado Artesanal handicraft market. On sunny days, visitors can visit the Casa de la Nieve and enjoy homemade ice cream.

Overall, Cafayate offers a wealth of attractions and activities for travelers looking to discover the beauty and culture of Argentina.

Gastronomy

Cafayate is known for its excellent gastronomy, which offers a mix of traditional Argentine dishes and international influences. The city is especially known for its wines, especially the famous Torrontés wine, which is native to the region and available in many of the city's restaurants and wineries.

In addition to wine, Cafayate also offers a variety of culinary delights. Empanadas are one of the most popular foods served in the city. These stuffed pastries are prepared with a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables and cheese and are a must-try for any visitor.

For meat lovers, Cafayate has a wide selection of steak restaurants serving excellent local steaks. Malbec is one of the most popular wine accompaniments to steak and is offered in many restaurants in Cafayate.

In addition to traditional Argentine dishes, Cafayate also has a growing number of restaurants offering international cuisine. From Italian pizzerias to Asian fusion restaurants, there is something for every taste.

Overall, Cafayate offers an impressive range of culinary experiences that attract visitors from all over the world. If you are a lover of traditional Argentine cuisine, then Cafayate has something for you.

history and culture

Cafayate, in the province of Salta, has a rich history and culture dating back to pre-Columbian times. The city was founded by the Diaguitas, an indigenous people who lived in the region. In the 16th century, the region was conquered and colonized by the Spanish.

San Carlos, the nearest town, was founded in 1821 and was an important trading point for the region. Cafayate subsequently developed into an important centre for viticulture and handicraft production.

As the capital of the department of the same name, Cafayate, the city offers a variety of cultural attractions. The Museo de Vitivinicultura is a museum dedicated to the history of viticulture in the region. It houses a collection of tools and equipment used by the region's winegrowers.

The Mercado Artesanal is a market where artisans sell their products. Here visitors will find a variety of handmade items such as ceramics, textiles and jewelry.

The Museo Arqueológico is a museum dedicated to the archaeology of the region and houses a collection of artifacts recovered from pre-Columbian ruins in the region.

The Casa de la Cultura is a cultural center that organizes various cultural events such as concerts, theater performances and art exhibitions.

Cafayate benefits from the low humidity and low rainfall, which are ideal for viticulture in the region. The town is known for its wines, especially its Torrontés wine, made from the grape of the same name.

This destination on our 3 weeks Argentina tour to get to know.