From Salta: Full-day excursions through Cafayate and Cachi

If you’re seeking a well-rounded adventure that combines striking scenery, cultural touches, and a taste of Argentina’s renowned wines, this two-day tour through Salta Province checks all those boxes. For just $53 per person, you’ll spend two full days exploring some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Northern Argentina, with highlights like Las Conchas Gorge, Cafayate’s wine route, and the colonial charm of Cachi.

What we love about this experience is the variety of scenery — from the vivid, colorful formations in Las Conchas Gorge to the snow-capped peaks seen from Cachi. Plus, the inclusion of a local winery visit and wine tasting makes the trip both scenic and flavorful. The tour is thoughtfully designed to give you a taste of the natural beauty, geological wonders, and cultural heritage of the region.

A possible consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of driving over two days, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long transport times and a busy schedule. If you enjoy organized, guided excursions that combine sightseeing with cultural experiences, this trip will suit you well. Family travelers, solo explorers, and couples looking for an authentic and accessible way to see northern Argentina should find this tour appealing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Diverse landscapes: From colorful gorges to snow-capped peaks, the scenery here is unforgettable.
Cultural & natural highlights: Includes a colonial town, a high-altitude national park, and geological formations.
Wine tasting: Experience the famous high-altitude wines in Cafayate, a true highlight for wine lovers.
Full-day, two-day tour: Offers a comprehensive look at the region while remaining affordable.
Comfortable transport & bilingual guides: Travel in modern vehicles with guides speaking both Spanish and English.
Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now with pay-later options.

Planning more time in Salta? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

In-Depth Review: Discovering Salta’s Contrasts in Two Days

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or central location in Salta—just a short walk from the main square—making logistics straightforward. The first day takes you into some of the most visually stunning parts of the Lerma Valley and beyond. The journey through Las Conchas Gorge is a highlight, where narrow roads carve through formations with names like El Amphitheatre, The Devil’s Throat, and The Windows—all carved by nature into the vibrant red and orange rock. You’ll want your camera ready as these geoforms seem almost surreal against the bright landscape.

One reviewer, who called the gorge “the most impressive scenery I’ve seen in Argentina,” emphasized how vividly the colors pop, especially at midday when the sun hits the rocks. The tour’s photo stops here allow ample time to admire and capture the scene.

Next, the group heads to Cafayate, a charming town famed for its wine. Here, a visit to a local winery offers a chance to sample some of the best high-altitude wines in the world. The region’s unique climate and elevation give the wines a distinct flavor profile, which is a real delight for wine enthusiasts. Post-lunch, you’ll have free time to stroll among the colorful streets or visit local shops.

In the afternoon, the journey continues with a drive through Escoipe Gorge and the Cuesta del Obispo, a winding mountain pass at over 3,400 meters above sea level. The scenery shifts dramatically here, with mountains towering and the air thinning—an experience that reminds you just how high and remote this terrain is.

The Next Day: From Cachi to Los Cardones Park

Leaving Salta behind, the second day is a showcase of the region’s geological and cultural diversity. The picturesque town of Cachi offers a step back in time with its colonial-style architecture and cobbled streets. The town’s setting at the foot of the Cachi Snowpeaks (over 6,300 meters high) is breathtaking, especially on clear days. Tour guides often point out the “large houses sitting on the edge of narrow streets,” giving a tangible sense of the town’s history.

Continuing along the route, you’ll pass through El Carril, El Maray, and drive along the Recta del Tin Tin, an 11-kilometer stretch built by the Incas, which adds a touch of ancient history to the landscape. The highlight here is Los Cardones National Park, the only high-altitude national park in Argentina, home to thousands of giant cacti that create an almost otherworldly environment.

One reviewer noted how “the park’s vast open space and cactus-filled landscape made me feel like I was on another planet,” while another appreciated the “easy, comfortable transportation and the flexibility of photo stops.” The tour also includes a chance to see the snow peaks of Cachi—a memorable view that encapsulates the region’s grandeur.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience & Value

For $53, this tour offers an impressive amount of value. The price covers transportation, bilingual guides, visits to key geoforms, a winery experience, and multiple scenic stops. The included wine tasting is particularly noteworthy, as it allows you to savor the flavors that make the Calchaquí Valley so famous.

Travelers consistently praise the expert guides for their knowledge and friendliness; one said, “Our guide, Juan, was fantastic, sharing insights about geology, history, and local culture in both Spanish and English.” The transportation in modern, comfortable minivans or sprinters ensures that the long drives are manageable and often scenic.

While you're exploring Salta, here are other experiences we've looked into

Practical Tips for Travelers

Bring comfortable shoes for short walks and photo stops.
A camera or smartphone is a must for capturing the vivid landscapes.
Layer your clothing; mountain and valley temperatures can vary widely.
Pack passport or ID for identification and to verify your participation.
No foods or drinks are included, so consider bringing snacks or water for the day.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While the tour is packed with highlights, it does involve a fair amount of driving—around 180 km each day. If you’re sensitive to long bus rides or prone to motion sickness, this might be a consideration. Also, since the tour runs rain or shine, be prepared for the weather; the scenery remains impressive regardless of weather conditions, but some stops might be less visually striking if fog or rain obscures the views.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip caters well to adventurous travelers interested in geology, landscapes, and local culture. It’s perfect if you enjoy organized day trips that maximize sightseeing without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It also suits wine lovers eager to taste high-altitude varieties in their natural setting, and those who appreciate historic towns and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Families, solo travelers, or couples will find this tour flexible and engaging. If you’re looking for a rundown of northern Argentina’s natural beauty with the convenience of a guided group, this tour is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers visits to a winery in Cafayate, Las Conchas Gorge, Calchaquíes Valleys, the Wine Route, Devil’s Throat, Amphitheater, Escoipe Gorge, Cuesta del Obispo, Los Cardones National Park, and sighting of Cachi’s snow peaks. Transport in modern vehicles and bilingual guides are also included.

Are meals provided?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so you should bring snacks or plan to buy lunch in Cafayate or Cachi.

What language do guides speak?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

How long is the tour?
It’s a two-day experience, with starting times depending on availability. Check the schedule when booking.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While mainly geared toward adults, families with children comfortable with long drives and walking will find it manageable.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and layered clothing. Sun protection and water are also advisable due to the high-altitude environment.

Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to see the diverse landscapes of northern Argentina without the stress of planning, this two-day excursion from Salta offers an excellent balance of natural wonder, culture, and affordability. It’s especially suited for those interested in geology, high-altitude wines, and colonial towns, all within a manageable and well-organized itinerary.

While the extensive driving might not suit everyone, the visual rewards and local flavor make this tour a worthwhile investment. Whether it’s your first time in Salta or a return visit, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable region’s landscapes and heritage—plus plenty of photos to prove it.