Cafayate is a town in Salta Province, in the north-west of Argentina. It lies at the heart of the country's best-known wine region, and it is especially associated with Torrontés, a white grape grown in the high-altitude vineyards around the town.
What to expect
The town is small and easy to walk, with cobblestone streets and adobe buildings that give it a colonial character. Wine tasting is the main draw, and many visitors plan their days around the bodegas (wineries) on the edge of town, where the vineyards sit against a backdrop of Andean hills.
The surrounding landscape is one of the reasons to stay a little longer. Red rock formations rise around the town, and the Quebrada de las Conchas canyon lies nearby, offering dramatic views of carved stone and changing colours through the day.
Planning a visit
- Set aside time for wine tasting, and plan transport to and from the bodegas in advance.
- Allow a few hours or a full day for the canyon and the red rock scenery around the town.
- Walk the central streets slowly to see the adobe architecture and the colonial feel of the town.
Cafayate suits travellers who enjoy wine, open landscapes and a quiet town pace. It works well as a stop on a longer journey through the north of Argentina, or as a base for a few relaxed days in the valleys.
