Payogasta is a small village of 700 inhabitants 11 km north of Cachi in the Calchaqui Valleys, Salta province, Argentina (lat -25.05, lng -66.10), at 2,900 meters altitude. Known for paprika (pimenton) production — dried red peppers hung on walls and rooftops throughout the village — and spectacular views of the Nevado de Cachi snow-capped peak (6,380 m). Features a colonial church and the gateway to Los Cardones National Park via the Recta del Tin Tin.
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
11 km north of Cachi on RP 33, 15 minutes. 170 km from Salta via the Cuesta del Obispo.
What to See and Do
Paprika drying racks (photogenic, especially March-May harvest), colonial church, Nevado de Cachi views, gateway to the Recta del Tin Tin and Los Cardones NP.
When to Visit
- Best: March-May (paprika harvest, golden light) and June-August (clear Nevado de Cachi views).
Practical Information
Very basic services. Stay in Cachi (11 km). A brief, photogenic stop on the Salta-Cachi route.
