The Calchaqui Valleys form one of the most spectacular road-trip circuits in South America: a loop from Salta through Cachi, Seclantes, Molinos, Angastaco, the Quebrada de las Flechas, San Carlos and Cafayate, returning to Salta via Route 68 through the Quebrada de las Conchas. The outbound route crosses the Cuesta del Obispo (3,348m), Los Cardones National Park and the Recta del Tin Tin before descending to Cachi. From Cachi, the legendary Route 40 heads south through adobe villages, ancient looms, colonial churches and the world's highest vineyards. The return via Route 68 passes through sandstone canyons sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Total distance: approximately 520 km, of which 300 km are gravel (RP 33 and Route 40). Minimum: 3 days/2 nights. Ideal: 4-5 days for a relaxed pace.
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.
The Route Day by Day
Day 1: Salta to Cachi via Cuesta del Obispo
Depart Salta early on RP 33. Cross the Quebrada de Escoipe (subtropical canyon), climb the Cuesta del Obispo to 3,348m, traverse Los Cardones National Park (giant cacti, Valle Encantado) and drive the Recta del Tin Tin (18 km perfectly straight). Arrive in Cachi by late afternoon. Explore the village, church, museum. Overnight in Cachi.
Day 2: Cachi to Cafayate via Route 40
The wildest day. Route 40 south through Seclantes (poncho artisans), Molinos (governor's mummy, Bodega Colome if time allows), Angastaco and the Quebrada de las Flechas (tilted rock formations). 160 km, 5 hours. Arrive in Cafayate at sunset for Torrontes on the plaza.
Day 3: Cafayate + Route 68 to Salta
Morning winery visits (Nanni, Piattelli, El Esteco). Wine ice cream at Miranda. Return to Salta via Route 68 with stops at every Quebrada de las Conchas formation: Devil's Throat, Amphitheater, Obelisk, Castles.
Key Stops Along the Route
- Cachi: Adobe village at 2,280m. 18th-century church, archaeological museum, Nevado de Cachi (6,380m).
- Seclantes: Capital of the salteno poncho. Family weaving workshops on the Artisan Route.
- Molinos: Colonial village of 200 people. Church with governor's mummy. Bodega Colome (20 km, reserve ahead).
- Quebrada de las Flechas: Rock formations tilted at 45° angles, like arrows driven into the earth. The most dramatic geology on Route 40.
- Cafayate: Wine capital of the NOA. 30+ wineries, Torrontes, Route 68 canyon.
Practical Tips
- Vehicle: High clearance recommended for Route 40. 4WD in rainy season. All RP 33 and Route 68 are manageable with any car.
- Fuel: Fill up in Salta. Gas available in Cachi (YPF) and Cafayate. Nothing in between.
- Cash: Bring plenty from Salta. ATMs in Cachi and Cafayate are unreliable.
- Cell signal: Intermittent at best between towns. Download offline maps.
- Season: April-November best. Summer rains can close Route 40 sections.
