Angastaco is a small village of 800 inhabitants in the Calchaqui Valleys, Salta province, Argentina (lat -25.6833, lng -66.0167), on National Route 40 between Cafayate (75 km south) and Molinos (35 km north), at 1,980 meters altitude. It is one of the emerging high-altitude wine areas of Argentina, with the Finca Tacuil producing some of the world's highest-altitude wines. The area preserves Diaguita ruins at Fuerte de Tacuil and offers a sense of remote tranquility. Angastaco is an overnight stop on the Route 40 circuit between Cachi and Cafayate, near the Quebrada de las Flechas.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1500 km | 2 h 20 | 20–22 h | 15–17 h |
| New York (JFK) | 9400 km | 12 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 11300 km | 14 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| São Paulo (GRU) | 2800 km | 4 h 30 | — | — |
| Córdoba | 890 km | 1 h 30 | 11–13 h | 9–10 h |
| Mendoza | 1200 km | 2 h | 17–19 h | 13–15 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16° / 28°C | 180 mm | Rainy summer | |
| Feb | 15° / 27°C | 155 mm | ||
| Mar | 14° / 26°C | 110 mm | ||
| Apr | 11° / 24°C | 30 mm | Dry season starts | |
| May | 8° / 22°C | 8 mm | ||
| Jun | 5° / 20°C | 3 mm | ||
| Jul | 4° / 20°C | 3 mm | Winter break | |
| Aug | 6° / 22°C | 5 mm | ||
| Sep | 9° / 25°C | 10 mm | Clear skies | |
| Oct | 12° / 27°C | 25 mm | ||
| Nov | 14° / 28°C | 60 mm | ||
| Dec | 16° / 28°C | 140 mm | Holidays |
Typical prices by category
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel/night | USD 15–25 | USD 50–90 | USD 150–350 |
| Food/day | USD 12–18 | USD 25–40 | USD 60–120 |
| Day tour | USD 40–55 | USD 60–90 | USD 120–200 |
| Car rental/day | USD 30–45 | USD 50–70 | USD 90–150 |
Approximate ranges in USD as of April 2026. May vary with Argentine peso exchange rate.
How to Get There
On RN 40, 75 km north of Cafayate (2.5 hours gravel) or 35 km south of Molinos (1 hour). High-clearance vehicle required.
What to See and Do
High-altitude wine tasting at local bodegas, Fuerte de Tacuil ruins, village walk through adobe streets, connection to Quebrada de las Flechas (15 km). The valley's silence and starry skies at night are memorable.
When to Visit
- Best: April-November (dry, sunny, roads in good condition).
- Avoid: December-March (rain deteriorates gravel roads).
Practical Information
Very basic services: a few lodges, family restaurants. No ATM or gas station. Bring fuel, cash and supplies. Budget lodging from USD 30/night.
