Full-Day Tour Cafayate Calchaqui Valleys with Wine

A Complete Guide to the Full-Day Cafayate Calchaquí Valleys Tour

If you’re visiting Salta and craving a full day of striking landscapes, charming small towns, and exceptional wines, this Calchaquí Valleys tour might be just what you need. For around $32 per person, you get approximately 14 hours of exploring some of the most colorful rock formations and spectacular vistas in northwestern Argentina. Your journey will take you through the Quebrada de las Conchas, famous for landmarks like Devil’s Throat and The Amphitheater, then on to Cafayate to taste some of the best Torrontes wine the region has to offer.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are the small-group size—limiting to just 15 travelers ensures a more personalized experience—and the variety of stops. You’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities to snap photos of red cliffs, natural amphitheaters, and castle-like formations, plus a chance to stroll through Cafayate, a charming town known for its wine and laid-back atmosphere.

One potential consideration is the long drive —around 6.5 hours round-trip— which can be tiring for some. The tour is quite full, with early starts and tight schedules, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a long day on the road. If you’re eager to see dramatic landscapes and love wine, though, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable day out.

This trip suits travelers who want a comprehensive look at the region’s geology and culture without renting a car. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of a long drive, enjoy naturally stunning scenery, and are eager to sample Argentina’s famous wines in a scenic setting.

Key Points

• Stunning landscapes: The tour features colorful cliffs, rock formations, and geological wonders.
• Personalized experience: Small-group size ensures more attention from guides.
• Wine tasting: Opportunity to try famed Torrontes wines at local wineries.
• Long but worthwhile: About 14 hours, including travel, stops, and sightseeing.
• Expert guides: Well-reviewed guides who provide insightful commentary.
• Value for money: Includes hotel pickup, wine tasting, and transport at a reasonable price.

Exploring the Calchaquí Valleys and Quebrada de las Conchas

We’ll start with the journey itself, which is part of what makes this tour appealing. Leaving from central Salta, you’ll head south along Route 68, winding through the Lerma Valley and following the Río de las Conchas. The drive is scenic, with vast vistas and the promise of geological marvels around every bend. The small group size of no more than 15 people allows you to relax and enjoy conversations with your guide, who, as reviews praise, is often both knowledgeable and personable.

The Geological Marvels: Devil’s Throat, The Amphitheater, and The Castles

Your first stops are at the Quebrada de las Conchas, a natural canyon with formations that look almost otherworldly. The Garganta del Diablo (“Devil’s Throat”) is a dramatic, towering rock formation resembling a narrow, dark gorge—perfect for snapping photos and marveling at nature’s artistry. As one reviewer put it, “The views were amazing,” and the Garganta del Diablo is undoubtedly one of the most impressive sights.

Next, you’ll visit El Anfiteatro, a natural amphitheater with remarkable acoustics that have earned it its name. Here, the landscape’s natural curves and layers create a concert hall aesthetics—though you’ll probably just be enjoying the views and maybe capturing a few videos of the echo effect.

Finally, the Los Castillos, with striking red rocks that resemble medieval castles, give you more chances to admire the region’s natural palette of reds, oranges, and browns. These formations remind travelers of fairy-tale castles carved by nature over millions of years.

Lunch and Leisure in Cafayate

After exploring these geological wonders, you’ll arrive in Cafayate, a charming town renowned for its wine and laid-back vibe. You’ll have about two hours here before visiting wineries, which allows enough time to grab lunch (not included in the tour, so bring some cash or snacks) and wander through the streets, soak in the town’s relaxed atmosphere, or browse local craft stalls, like the Mercado Artesanal.

Wineries and Wine Tasting

The highlight for many travelers is the wine tasting. Depending on the day, you may visit one or more wineries, including the well-rated Tierra Colorada. Here, you’ll get a taste of the Torrontes, Argentina’s signature aromatic white wine. Reviewers often mention the quality and variety of wines, which are a real treat after a day of sightseeing.

However, some travelers note that the wine tasting stops are brief, and not all visits include multiple wineries. If you’re a wine enthusiast, this might be a disappointment, but for casual tasters, it’s more than enough.

The Full Itinerary Breakdown

Garganta del Diablo: The tour kicks off with a quick 20-minute stop at this dramatic gorge, where you’re likely to be wowed by the towering cliffs and the sheer scale of the landscape. The narrow pass is a photographer’s dream, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.

El Anfiteatro: Another 20-minute stop lets you take in the landscape and enjoy its natural acoustics—perfect for a quick photo or to stand silently and marvel at the natural curves.

Los Castillos: With its castle-like appearance, this red-rock formation offers an excellent opportunity for photos and a chance to consider the natural forces that shaped the region.

Cafayate Town: A two-hour stop in this friendly town offers time for lunch, a stroll, and some shopping. The Mercado Artesanal is a nice spot to pick up local handicrafts.

Winery Visits: Depending on availability, you’ll visit one or more wineries, sampling the region’s famous Torrontes and learning about local wine-making traditions. Reviewers especially mention the exceptional wines and the knowledgeable guides during these visits.

Return to Salta: After a full day, you’ll head back along the scenic route, arriving in Salta in the evening.

Transport, Group Size, and Practicalities

The tour employs round-trip transportation in a comfortable vehicle, and with a maximum of 15 travelers, it offers a more intimate experience than large bus tours. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, which is a big plus, saving you the hassle of navigating to a meeting point.

The long drive—about 6.5 hours total—can be tiring. Several reviews mention the need for snacks, water, and patience, especially since some buses might have minor issues like broken seats or windows. The tour operates in both English and Spanish, with guides doing their best to accommodate non-Spanish speakers, sometimes offering private explanations.

The price of $32 is quite reasonable when you consider the included hotel pickup, the scenic stops, and the wine tastings. For a full day out with multiple highlights, it’s a good value, especially compared to booking individual taxis or excursions.

What the Reviews Tell Us

The majority of reviewers praise the guides for their knowledge and engaging commentary. Several mention guides going above and beyond, sharing local culture, clothing, and folklore. This adds depth to the experience that makes the trip more than just sightseeing.

The scenery consistently earns high marks, with comments like “The drive along the gorge is amazing,” and “The views are breathtaking.” Many reviewers also appreciate the opportunity to purchase handicrafts and to taste local wines, making the day feel authentic and immersive.

On the downside, some travelers express frustration over the long hours in transit—around 6.5 hours of driving in total. A few mention that the wine tasting was shorter than expected or that the English translation wasn’t always as detailed as in Spanish. Plus, the bus quality ranged from comfortable to problematic, with some noting cracked windows or malfunctioning seats.

One reviewer even recounts a cancellation, highlighting the importance of confirming tours in advance, especially during uncertain conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love natural scenery, enjoy learning about geology, and want to taste Argentina’s famous Torrontes wine, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who don’t mind a long day and appreciate small-group intimacy. It’s also good for those who prefer guided travel over renting a car, as it handles all logistics for you.

However, if you’re not comfortable sitting on a bus for hours or prefer more time in each location, you might find this tour a bit rushed. Also, if your main goal is an in-depth wine experience, you might want to verify how many wineries are included beforehand, since some reviews mention only brief tastings.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour of the Calchaquí Valleys from Salta offers a delightful combination of breathtaking landscapes, cultural insights, and wine tasting, all at a very reasonable price. The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, and the guide’s knowledge adds value to each stop. The scenery alone makes it worth considering, especially if you love natural wonders and dramatic geology.

The long drive can be tiring, but the varied stops and the chance to taste Torrontes at local wineries make it a worthwhile investment of your time. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers eager to explore beyond Salta without the hassle of arranging transport or separate tours.

For those craving spectacular views, local wines, and a taste of Argentine culture, this tour hits all the right notes. Just pack some snacks and patience—and be ready for an unforgettable day in one of South America’s most visually stunning regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 14 hours, including travel, stops, and sightseeing, making it a full-day commitment.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup from central Salta hotels is included, which helps start the day smoothly.

Are there wine tastings?
Yes, you’ll visit at least one winery, with opportunities to sample Torrontes wine, which Argentine’s white wine signature.

What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a camera. Lunch is not included, so plan to buy something in Cafayate.

Is the tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
Most guides speak English and Spanish, and reviews praise guides who are attentive to English-speaking travelers, offering private explanations when needed.

Are there many stops?
Yes, the tour features multiple stops—geological formations, scenic viewpoints, and a two-hour town visit—making the long drive more engaging.

Is it worth the price?
Considering hotel pickup, scenic stops, wine tasting, and expert guides, many find it a good value for a full-day adventure.

Can I cancel?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility should your plans change.

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and local flavors—ideal for travelers looking for a comprehensive day out in northwestern Argentina.