The Calchaquí Valleys, historic villages and high-altitude wines on a private three-day journey.

This journey explores the Calchaquí Valleys through mountain landscapes, historic villages and high-altitude vineyards. From Salta, we cross Cuesta del Obispo and Los Cardones National Park to reach Cachi; continue south along Route 40 through Molinos and Colomé; and finish in Cafayate before returning through Quebrada del Río Las Conchas.

It is a private, relaxed and flexible program for travelers who want to combine scenery, local culture and wine without turning the journey into a tasting marathon. Winery visits are arranged according to the travelers’ interests, opening hours and availability.

• GENERAL INFORMATION
• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Starting point: Salta city, guests’ accommodation
• End point: Salta city, guests’ accommodation
• Travel style: private and tailor-made
• Recommended party size: 2 to 4 travelers
• Vehicle: private vehicle suitable for mountain roads and gravel sections in the Calchaquí Valleys
• Guide: professional Spanish- or English-speaking driver-guide
• Physical difficulty: low
• Maximum altitude: 3,348 m at Piedra del Molino

Best time to travel: year-round. Between January and March, heavy rain may temporarily affect some roads. When necessary, the itinerary can be adjusted according to road conditions.

DAY 1 - SALTA / CACHI

We leave Salta and head towards the Calchaquí Valleys, climbing Cuesta del Obispo to Piedra del Molino, the highest point of the journey, before crossing Los Cardones National Park.

If conditions allow, we stop at Valle Encantado before continuing through Payogasta to Cachi. In town, we visit the church and archaeological museum and leave time for a first introduction to high-altitude wines at a local winery, subject to availability and prior reservation.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Cachi on foot.

• Starting point: Salta
• End point: Cachi
• Approximate distance: 160 km
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours
• Maximum altitude: 3,348 m
• Altitude at the end of the day: 2,200 m
• Accommodation: Cachi, not included
• Meals included: none

DAY 2 - CACHI / MOLINOS / COLOMÉ / CAFAYATE

After breakfast, we travel south along Route 40, passing small villages and rural landscapes on our way to Molinos. There we visit its historic church and, when available, meet local artisans.

From Molinos, we take the detour to Estancia and Bodega Colomé for a pre-arranged visit and the James Turrell Museum. Winery visits, tastings, entrance fees and meals are paid separately unless expressly included in the quotation.

We then return to the main valley and continue through Angastaco, San Carlos and other villages along Route 40 before reaching Cafayate. After arrival, there is free time to walk around town.

• Starting point: Cachi
• End point: Cafayate
• Approximate distance: 156 km
• Estimated driving time: 5 hours
• Maximum altitude: 2,200 m
• Altitude at the end of the day: 1,600 m
• Accommodation: Cafayate, not included
• Meals included: none

DAY 3 - CAFAYATE / SALTA

In the morning, we visit the Museum of Vine and Wine and a winery in Cafayate, selected according to the travelers’ interests and availability. Wine tasting is optional and not included unless expressly stated in the quotation.

After a free lunch, we return to Salta through Quebrada del Río Las Conchas, stopping at its main geological formations and viewpoints.

Arrival is expected in the afternoon, directly at the guests’ accommodation.

• Starting point: Cafayate
• End point: Salta
• Approximate distance: 175 km
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours
• Maximum altitude: 1,600 m
• Altitude at the end of the day: 1,182 m
• Accommodation: not applicable; the program ends in Salta
• Meals included: none

SERVICES INCLUDED

- Private transportation throughout the journey.

- Professional Spanish- or English-speaking driver-guide.

- Transfers and stops described in the itinerary.

- Coordination and assistance with reservations for wineries, museums and accommodation.

- Operational adjustments according to weather, road conditions and availability of visits.

- Applicable taxes.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

- Accommodation, unless expressly included in the quotation.

- Lunches, dinners and drinks.

- Entrance fees to museums, wineries and other attractions requiring payment.

- Winery visits and tastings, unless expressly stated as included.

- James Turrell Museum.

- Domestic or international flights.

- Travel insurance or personal medical assistance.

- Personal expenses and tips.

- Any service not expressly listed as included.

ACCOMMODATION: The two overnight stays are in Cachi and Cafayate. Accommodation is quoted separately according to category, availability and travelers’ preferences. The final selection is confirmed at the time of booking.

WINERIES AND TASTINGS: Wineries are selected according to the travelers’ interests, visiting hours and availability. Tastings, lunches, entrance fees and special experiences are not included unless expressly stated in the quotation.

VEHICLES AND OPERATION: The route combines paved roads, mountain roads and gravel sections, particularly along Route 40. The service is private, allowing us to adapt the pace of the stops within the operational possibilities of the itinerary. The route may be modified due to weather, road conditions, winery schedules or availability of visits.

OPTION TO FINISH IN TUCUMÁN: Instead of returning to Salta, the journey can continue from Cafayate through the Quilmes Ruins, Amaicha del Valle and Tafí del Valle, finishing in San Miguel de Tucumán. This option requires a different quotation due to the additional distance and the return of the vehicle to our base in Salta.

CUSTOMIZATION: The program can be adapted to flight schedules, accommodation category, wine interests, number of winery visits, travel pace and final destination. Any modification may require a different duration or price.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIP: Send us your travel dates, the number of travelers, your preferred accommodation category and the kind of winery experience you are looking for. We will check availability and prepare a private proposal for your Wine Route journey.