Cafayate, Argentina | Best Wine Destinations 2017

This high-altitude enclave is home to some of the world’s most exciting Malbec.

A region of magical scenery, the Calchaquí Valleys, in northwestern Argentina, feature 17th-century colonial villages, as well as dramatic desert and mountain landscapes. The most well known of these is Quebrada de las Flechas, the “Canyon of Arrows,” named for its jutting sandstone formations.
Cafayate mapAlong the famous touristic Ruta 40, Andean culture merges with Spanish criollo influences, impacting both culture and cuisine. The town of Cafayate, the epicenter of high-altitude viticulture located in the province of Salta, is a favorite destination of tourists for local crafts (pottery, textiles and silver) and unique gastronomy. 

Where to Dine

For the last decade, La Rosa, the restaurant at the Patios de Cafayate wine hotel, has been the most sophisticated dining venue in town, where Chef Martín Garramón features Catalan and other European cuisines alongside regional dishes such as llama carpaccio. At the Grace Cafayate, located on the Estancia de Cafayate property, lamb, llama and goat meat are the specialties. One block away from the main square, regional cuisine is the focus at the recently opened Pacha, helmed by Tomás Casado, who apprenticed under multi–Michelin-starred Basque chef Martín Berasategui. At Bad Brothers Wine Experience, Cafayate’s first wine bar, sample 53 small-producer wines by the glass.

Where to Stay

Located next to Bodega El Esteco, the Patios de Cafayate wine hotel offers spacious suites with colonial-era furnishings, a pool and wine spa. Set in a majestic mountain-ringed landscape, the Grace Hotel presents a modern, luxurious alternative, with 12 suites and 20 private villas or bungalows overlooking the vineyards and golf course.

Other Activities

The Calchaquí Valleys are an outdoor-lover’s dream.
The Quebrada de las Conchas (“Shells’ Ravine”) is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its red rocks, and it’s ideal for hiking. Numerous companies specialize in horseback tours and all-terrain vehicle rides through desert dunes.

Budget Tip

Located in an old wine cellar, the Museo de la Vid y el Vino is a low-cost activity that features a bilingual interactive tour on the character and history of high-altitude wines.

Roots of Andean culture merge with Spanish criollo influences, impacting both culture and cuisine.

When to Go

Argentina’s winter during July and August and spring, September through December, offer the most comfortable touring temperatures (summer rains can affect some mountain roads). The wine harvest takes place during February and March.

Where to Taste

Cafayate’s layout enables tourists to visit several wineries in a single day. Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya, where the Etchart family and Michel Rolland produce Malbec, is one of the most prominent. Piatelli is the most modern winery, and features a restaurant with a panoramic observation deck that overlooks the town. The iconic Bodega El Esteco in Cafayate, features a historical façade and completely restored facilities; try the Chañar Punco wine. In the middle of the city center, El Porvenir de Cafayate, a boutique winery where Paul Hobbs consults, produces fantastic Tannat and Torrontés. Finca Las Nubes is located in one of the prettiest corners of the local village, and it presents stunning sunset views over the vineyards. Finca Quara is another historic winery with both a beautiful wine cellar and a setting.

Prominent Wines

Although Cafayate is located approximately 5,750 feet above sea level, Salta’s Bodega Colomé boasts the highest vineyard on the planet at 10,206 feet. The altitude leads to intense and concentrated wines. While Malbecs are most popular, many winemakers believe Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon blends represent the future of the region. Argentina’s iconic white grape is the floral and aromatic Torrontés, the result of crossing Muscat of Alexandria (introduced by the Spanish in the 19th century) with native grapes.

Local in the Know

Arnaldo Etchart, together with his brothers, Pablo and Marcos, runs the family winery, Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya. Born in Salta, Etchart believes that the best ways to enjoy the Calchaquí Valleys are by motorcycle or more traditional means. “Once a year, we go up to 3,000 meters above sea level riding horses or mules, just like our family used to do 100 years ago. Yacochuya views are breathtaking. The sun over the mountains constantly changes the landscape colors, as if they were painted by an artist.”

https://www.winemag.com/2017/01/05/cafayate-argentina-best-wine-destinations-2017/

 


General Information about Cafayate

Below you will find an overview with general information about Cafayate:

 

Hospital

Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario

12 de Octubre esquina General Paz
4427 Cafayate, Salta

03868 42-2010

Toscano 280

3868-421094

 

Serra Medicina Privada

Ntra Sra Del Rosario 114

3868 – 421885

 7

Pharmacies

Farmacia Pastor

Rivadavia 37

3868-421214

 

Farmacia del Valle

San Martín 37

3868-421008

 

Mitre 24

3868-421299

 

Farmacia Nuestra Señora de La Merced

12 de Octubre 130

03868- 421137

  

Optica Daruich

Toscano 225

3868 421 348

 8

Banks

Banco de la Nación Argentina

Nuestra Señora del Rosario 103

3868-421215

 

Banco Macro

Bartolome Mitre 22,Cafayate,Salta

0810-555-2355

 

Car Repair Service

Estación de Servicios A. C. A.

Guemes y Brachieri

3868-421285

 

Post Office (Correo)

Güemes 197

3868-421097

 

Police

San Martín 145

3868-421111

 

Town hall

Domicilio: Nuestra Sra. del Rosario Nº 9 – Cafayate (4427)

Teléfono: (03868) 422288 – 422228

26

Emergencies

  • Firemen100
  • Police 101 – 4222286/4212519
  • Police – Service 911
  • Help the child 102
  • Civil defense 103
  • Environmental emergency 105
  • Medical emergency 107
  • Bus Terminal 4315227

Cafayate (2)


Flipkey Reviews

We are proud to share a couple of reviews with you:

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marta rosa C

Salta, Argentina

Level Contributor

14 reviews

6 hotel reviews

5 helpful votes

“TRANQUILIDAD Y RELAX EN UN ENTORNO MARAVILLOSO”

Reviewed February 3, 2015 for a stay in January 2015

Google Traductor

Review translated:

A few kilometers from Cafayate is this place “Estancias de Cafayate ” where is located the Hortensia House . The house is very comfortable , pleasant environment , with the comfort necessary for the stay pleasant , what the environment is wonderful, vineyards , gardens with native vegetation , ponds and all the amenities offered by this country club adds . It is highly recommended for a getaway with family and friends.

Opinión escrita el 3 febrero 2015 para una estancia en enero de 2015

A pocos kms de Cafayate se encuentra este lugar ” Estancia de Cafayate” en donde se situa la Casa Hortensia . La casa es muy comoda , ambientes agradables , con el confort necesario para que la estadia sea placentera , a lo que se suma el entorno que es maravilloso, viñedos , jardines con vegetacion autoctona , lagunas y todos los amenities que ofrece este club de campo . Es muy recomendable para una escapada con familia y amigos.

Lo que menos le ha gustado: Realmente me gusto todo , no tengo ninguna opinion negativa , desde el momento de reservar hasta que nos fuimos todo perfecto

Grupo de viaje: Familia con niños pequeños

¿Le recomendarías este hotel a un amigo?   Sí.

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janes1nz

Whangarei, Nueva Zelanda

2 opiniones

“Outstanding property, we didn’t want to leave!”

Reviewed January 11, 2015 for a stay in October 2014

Our stay at Casa Hortensia was our most memorable vacation to date. The quality, and beauty of the property with its stunning setting togther with having access at your finger tips to world class facilities, i.e. fitness centre with amazing indoor swimming pool and top of the range gym and equipment, the golf club with its restaurant serving Argentina’s finest cuisine (fantastic menu) horse riding, watching polo, and of course the fabulous wines which were truly outstanding, made our time at Casa Hortensia, La Estancia de Cafayate a truly amazing experience. We didn’t want to leave and we will definitely return to this property and stay longer next tme!

Grupo de viaje: Amigos

¿Le recomendarías este hotel a un amigo?   Sí.

Calificación de viajeros:

“Propiedad excepcional, no quería dejar!”
11 ene 2015  Un miembro de TripAdvisor

Nuestra estancia en Casa Hortensia fue nuestra vacaciones más memorables hasta la fecha. La calidad y la belleza de la propiedad con su impresionante entorno con tener acceso a tu alcance a instalaciones de clase mundial, es decir, un gimnasio con increíble piscina y la parte superior cubierta del gimnasio y equipo de campo, el club de golf con su restaurante, que sirve de Argentina mejor cocina (fantástico menú) montar a caballo, observación de polo, y por supuesto los vinos fabulosos que eran verdaderamente excepcional, hicieron que nuestra estancia en Casa Hortensia, La Estancia de Cafayate una experiencia realmente increíble. No queríamos irnos y sin duda volveremos a este hotel y permanecer más tiempo la próxima vez!

Google Traductor

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Best Drives around Cafayate

The drive from Salta to Cafayate takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours and passes through the picturesque Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas Nature Reserve.

QUEBRADA DE LAS CONCHAS - Picture of Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas ...

On Tripadvisor, there are over 1400 reviews for this drive : “no words for all this beauty, stunning colours, amazing,etc…”

The Telegraph includes Cafayate in its list of the world’s best drives:

Argentina: Round trip from Salta
Where: The Calchaquí Valleys, in northwest Argentina, from Salta to Cachi, Colomé, Cafayate and back to Salta.

Why: This area of Argentina lies in the foothills of the Andes, with snowy peaks, cruising condors and a strong indigenous culture. Salta is a colonial city, with cobbled lanes, a candy-pink cathedral and high-walled convents. From here, the journey takes in the red-rock desert landscapes of Los Cardones National Park,  the sleepy town of Cachi and the Bodega y Estancia Colomé wine estate. Continue on the Ruta del Vino loop to Cafayate  (stop at the Domingo Hermanos winery)  and Finca Las Nubes, the “Farm in the Clouds” . The return route to Salta includes the dramatic Quebrada de Las Conchas, or “Ravine of the Shells” .

 

The blog Infused Exposures has a list of what it considers the top 5 unmissable drives in Northwest Argentina.  Cafayate is the destination for the top 2 spots:

1. Ruta 40 from Cachi to Cafayate

This easily takes the #1 spot.  What Route 66 is to the USA, Route 40 is to Argentina.  Stunning scenery, cool hippy history, biker dudes heading out into the open road.  What more could you ask for of a route?

The drive from Cachi to Cafayate will take you through some of the most beautiful landscape that Argentina has.  From red rocks dotted with cactus to white, windswept rocks, you will want to stop all the time to get out and photograph this unforgettable landscape.

_IMG5672

2.  Route 42 through National Parque Cardones

If you are driving from Salta to Cachi via Route 33, you will pass a sign for Route 42.  Stop what you’re doing, make a left and head into one of the best drives you will ever take.  What really sets this route apart making it one of the most unique drives I have ever done, is that you feel like you are hiking but you are remain in the car.  What exactly does that mean?  That this road puts you right smack in the middle of the most stunning terrain you will come across.  Usually you have to get out and go for a hike to truly be in the middle of a landscape.  That’s not the case on this drive where you will be immersed in complete beauty.


Street Map of Cafayate

Below you will find a useful street map of Cafayate.

Cafayate is easy to get around.

The city center is very small and walking is probably the best option.

Cafayate Street Map 2

 


Restaurants in Cafayate

www.ProjectArgentinablog.com, a blog written by a couple who live year-round in Cafayate, has a good post on restaurants in Cafayate, catering for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Most restaurants are open from 12 till 3 pm and then from 8 or 9 pm til midnight (or later). Even if a place is actually open between those times, they often are only serving drinks and a very limited menu (if any food at all).

Dinner in Argentina indeed starts very late, most restaurants don’t even start to get busy until 10 pm. That said, especially in areas with lots of tourists (Cafayate included) there are restaurants that open earlier for dinner, and even a few that are open all day.

Below are their top 11 picks for the best restaurants:

#1 Piattelli Vineyards

 

Situated a little bit northwest of town, and overlooking the valley, these guys serve up some of the best food in Cafayate. They change their menu periodically (in all honesty the current menu one is not our favorite incarnation). But the food and service are consistently great, and the atmosphere is lovely. They also have multiple options ‘sin TACC’ (ie. gluten-free), including yummy gluten-free empanadas (see photo above).

Because they aren’t open for dinner (yet), late lunch on Sunday is when we typically go. It’s the perfect spot in the summer to enjoy the weather, the views, the food, and glass of their Rosé (which is lovely and not too sweet).

On Sundays they typically have an asado with fresh roast beast of some sort on the parrilla. You have to sit outside to order the asado: If you sit inside, then you will order from the menu. (That’s just their system!) We always sit inside as we prefer the menu.

In the winter, it can be chilly and dark (as is true of many Argentine restaurants), so we prefer to go when the weather is nice.

To find them: Head north from Cafayate towards San Carlos, taking your first left off of Ruta 40 (just after the turnoff to Ruta 68 to Salta) and follow the dirt road until you reach the big gates to Piattelli. You’ll be able to see the 50,000 square foot building on the hillside as you approach.

They are open all day until 6pm. You can call ahead to make reservations to eat (recommended during peak times) or for a tour of the winery. Phone: 03868 405881.

 

#2 Viñas de Cafayate

This could easily be our number one choice restaurant in Cafayate. Piattelli probably wins out just for the location.

This restaurant is located in the hotel, Viñas de Cafayate. It has the best service and some of the most creative food in Cafayate. It’s might be called Argentine with a slightly Asian twist, but that doesn’t really do it justice.

The wine menu is excellent, the blue cheese and onion empanadas are a must try, and don’t miss the desserts- the chocolate volcano is to die for. If you’ve wanted to try a humita (a regional dish of steamed cornmeal, like a tamale but not stuffed), then go for one here… they’re the best around. Really, though, there are no bad dishes at Viñas.

Another nice feature is that they open early for dinner (7:30pm). They also close early, so don’t expect to show up to sit down after 10:30pm or so. They are open for lunch daily.

The hotel is located 2 km west of town on the road to Divisadero (shown as 25 de Mayo on Google maps). Go straight west, just to the 90 degree turn in the road. The hotel is located on the right.

During busy times of year you should make reservations: They tend to hold the tables for their hotel guests, so when the hotel is full there might not be space. Website 3868 422272

 

#3 Bodega Nanni

Located within Bodega Nanni, one of the oldest wineries in Cafayate, is a tiny restaurant called Retoño. The food is fresh and delicious. All of the wines on the menu are the excellent, organic Nanni wines. Try the Bonarda, or Arcanus (if they have it), for a real treat.

This restaurant probably has the most charming atmosphere around. However, it is open air, which makes dinner in the winter too cold for our taste. [Update: As of August 2014 they have enclosed the dining space!] Service can be very slow, so plan on enjoying a leisurely meal.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. (Although during slow season they might be closed on Sundays.) You can walk in for lunch, but they require reservations for dinner. 3868 638465

Bodega Nanni is located just one block to the south east of the main plaza at Silverio Chavarria 151. Walk through the entry and into the courtyard to find the restaurant. Website

 

#4 Terruño

Terruño is a great spot, with friendly waiters, and consistently good food. Located right on the main plaza, it’s fun to sit outside when the weather is nice- and it’s warm inside when it’s too cold out.

They have great salads and fresh soups (try the spinach or calabaza squash soup), plus many, many other options from pasta to meat. They will give you two menus when you sit down (in addition to the wine menu) and you can order off either or both. (No idea how this came to be, but it’s been this way as long as we’ve been going.)

Look for them on the east side of the plaza. They are open daily for lunch, and for dinner from about 7:30pm to late. There’s lots of seating and we’ve never needed a reservation to get a table.

 

#5 Baco

The owner, Enrique (aka Pelado, or baldy), is also the waiter, although his son and various friends are often there to cover him, or to pitch in when it gets busy.

Many have said that Baco has the best empanadas & pizza in Cafayate. We also enjoy the Tortilla Baco, which is a Spanish frittata of eggs packed with veggies. The choose-your-own salads are fresh and delicious too.

With just the one waiter and a small kitchen, don’t expect a fast meal. There is even a note on the menu reminding customers to be patient.

Baco is located just a block north of the northeast corner of the main plaza, on the corner of Rivadavia and Ruta 40.

A big plus is that they are open all day, from lunchtime til late (unless they just aren’t open, which happens very occasionally). It’s casual and easy, no reservations required. Great for kids and for large groups.

 

#6 Altalaluna

 

When we want a change of scenery, we head south from Cafayate to AltaLaLuna. The restaurant is located in the boutique hotel, surrounded by beautiful grounds and vineyards.

There are nice salads, vegetarian crepes, and an excellent wine list, in addition to various meat and pasta dishes. It’s a lovely setting. Be sure to sit outside on the veranda if it’s nice.

They are open for lunch and dinner daily. Because of the drive, it’s usually best to call ahead for dinner reservations, as they do fill up during the busy seasons. 387 461 0283 or 387 582 4501 Website

To get there: Drive 11 km south of Cafayate on Route 40, just past Tolombon. The hotel is on the right just as you are leaving the tiny town to the south.

 

#7 El Rancho

 

This is our go-to for an inexpensive and reliable meal. It’s a traditional Argentine parrilla, where the salads are basic (lettuce, tomato, onion, potato, beet, hard boiled egg- not mixed, but layered), the meat comes as a slab, and the chicken as either a quarter or half of a roasted chicken. They also have ‘cabrito’ (little goat) and conejo (rabbit), in addition to the ubiquitous empanadas, pasta dishes, and milanesas.

Nothing fancy, just good, basic food. We get the tortillas (Spanish veggie frittatas, not flour wraps!) and an ensalada completa. Our bill is always under $20US for two, and is usually closer to $13US for the both of us without wine (including the small cover fee per person that some restaurants in Argentina still charge).

Being a typical parrilla, they also have the normal grouchy Argentine service. Don’t take it personally, it’s just the way it is. Depending on when you go, you might get some live music.

El Rancho is located on the southeast corner of the main plaza, with outdoor seating that’s lovely when the weather is nice. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays (if we remember correctly).

In typical Argentine-fashion, they don’t open until 8:30 or 8:45pm- and even then, depending on their mood, they might ignore you until 9.

 

#8 Cafe El Sol

If you want a café for a quick bite (hamburgers, french fries, salads, fresh juices, coffee, wine), or drinks with friends or for business, then this is the best one in town.

It’s located on the east side of the main plaza, near Terruño. Check the signs as there are two cafés side-by-side, and although this one is a little less pretty than the other, the food is much better.  Open all day.

 

#9 El Hornito

Want a really cheap and quick meal, and a taste of the ‘local’ experience?

Head west on Rivadavia about 4 or 5 blocks from Ruta 40 (around the 300 block) to find the Argentine parrilla, El Hornito, on your left.

They are open for lunch and dinner, with a sit-down menu and also a hot bar of prepared food items to choose from. They’ll heat them up and bring them to your table.

In addition to the standard meat and chicken, there are always a few vegetarian options, including the Spanish egg ‘tortillas’ and items such as stuffed veggie torte, stuffed potatoes, and more.

 

#10 La Estancia de Cafayate Clubhouse

Although it’s quite good- with typically very good service, in a beautiful setting- for various reasons we don’t actually go to this restaurant very often.

That said, they usually have multiple vegetarian options, and the creative chef changes the menu seasonally and uses ingredients straight from the kitchen’s garden. Sitting on the porch overlooking the valley is gorgeous, though less fun if it’s a cold or windy day.

The restaurant is located a couple of km south of Cafayate within the La Estancia de Cafayate real estate development. You’ll have to check in with the guard and tell them you want to eat at the restaurant. Then it’s a long winding drive (maybe 5 minutes from the entrance) to reach the Clubhouse. Open every day, except Mondays, until 6pm. (Though schedules may change without notice.)

 

#11 Pacha- Restaurant, Café and Bakery

A new restaurant in Cafayate. Owned and operated by Tomas, who was chef at Patios de Cafayate for years and also worked in the US and France. He and his wife Soleda bake pastries and fresh bread daily (the only real baguettes around).

The menu is quite international for Cafayate and includes popular items such as tacos. Not a lot of wine options, but feel free to take your own for a nominal corkage fee. Casual and small, very friendly and accommodating. The specials are always changing, and Tomas will be willing to adapt any recipe to your special dietary needs.

As of September 2015 the restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday starting at 8pm. Open for lunch by reservation. They are often around from midday doing food prep and baking, so stop by to make a reservation for lunch or for dinner. Mondays they are closed. Eventually the aim is to go to a reservations only system (if they don’t have reservation, then they won’t be open)

Located right on the corner of Silverio Chavarría (aka Salta) and Belgrano, across from Hotel Munay and just down the street from the hotel Villa Vicuña. They also offer cooking classes, as well as special meals from time to time with unique themes such as sushi and champagne night.


AirBnB Reviews

We are proud to share some reviews with you:

Rachel Lukas

Rachel & Lukas

Incroyable villa de haut standing entre vignes et montagnes. L’intérieur comme l’extérieur sont agencés de manière luxueuse. Le lieu est d’une tranquillité absolue à seulement 5km du centre de Cafayate. Un véritable havre de paix. De loin notre meilleure expérience Airbnb! Même si nous n’avons pas rencontré nos hôtes en personne, nous avons à chaque instant pu compter sur eux pour répondre à nos moindres besoins. Une excellente adresse que nous ne pouvons que recommander pour vivre une expérience unique! ( Septembre 2015)

Rachel & Lukas

Incredible luxury villa between vineyards and mountains. The interior and exterior are luxuriously arranged. The place is an absolute delight, just 5km from the center of Cafayate. A true haven of peace. By far our best experience Airbnb! Although we did not meet our hosts in person, at any moment we could count on them to meet our every need. An excellent place we can only recommend for a unique experience! ( September 2015)

What Rachel & Lukas loved about your listing:
Thanks for this unique experience!

Translated from Français

 

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Patricia

Casa Prana is really nice, well decorated, and confortable. F was a great host, he was accesible for us during the stay answering our questions and requests. He also recommended us very nice restaurants to visit. Estancia Cafayate is an excellent plan, the landscapes, the spa and casa Prana made our holiday unforgettable. (March 2015)

 Patricia

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Leontina

F was more than a host Flexible, helpful. Wonderful house, wonderful place, helpful people all over. Perfect blend of mountains, wine, people, luxury. Difficult to describe. The best of Salta, if not of Argentina. Highly recommended. So good, we will come back. ( December 2014)

What Leontina loved about your listing: everything

What Leontina thought you could improve about the experience: nothing

 Leontina

Martin

The house is amazing, with all kind of needs covered. It has a nice kitchen, large bedrooms, living room and a wonderful porch. We had an awesome stay and its just 5 min away from the city of Cafayate. Thank you ! Martin.

December 2014

Martin

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Gabriela Gaillard

Gabriela

Hemos pasado unos dias maravillosos en la Estancia Cafayate!La casa brinda todo tipo de confort como aire acondicionado,lavaplatos y maquina de lavar ropa.El entorno es avasallante,la naturaleza se encarga de brindar el marco perfecto! Recomendable 100% (November 2014)

We spent wonderful days in Cafayate stay! The house offers every comfort air conditioning, dishwasher and washing machine. The environment, nature is responsible for providing the perfect setting! Recommended 100% (Noviembre 2014)

Translated from Spanish


How to get to Cafayate

Arrival by Air in Buenos Aires

International flights arrive at Ezeiza International airport (EZE).

You need to transfer to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) for all domestic flights.

www.ProjectArgentinablog.com has a good article on the transfers between airports in Buenos Aires. Basically, it can take you between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending if you take a taxi or a shuttle bus, depending on the time of the day.

Arrival by Air in Salta City

It takes 2 hours to fly from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) to Salty City (SLA).

Aeropuerto Internacional de Salta “Martín Miguel de Güemes” (IATA: SLA, ICAO: SASA) is located 7 km (4.3 mi) southwest of the center of Salta. 

Arrival by Air in Cafayate

Flying from Salta to Cafayate is only an option if you fly by Private Jet.  Commercial flights will hopefully become a reality in the future.

The Cafayate municipal airport is located just 3 km from Cafayate and is open to all aircraft.  Before flying in, pilots are advised to recognize their intentions by Fax to +54 387 437 5110 or by emailing gmunoz@salta.gov.ar.

  • Coordinates: S26 03 51 W065 55 50
  • Location: 0.8 Nm NE Cafayate City, Province of Salta, Argentina
  • Length: 15/33 5900’
  • Surface: asphalt

n1

Arrival by Road in Cafayate, from Salta

Cafayate is a 2 ½ to 3 hour drive to the South of Salta (183 km or 114 miles). Route 68 is fully paved and passes through the picturesque Quebrada de las Conchas Nature Reserve. The scenery is wonderful! Please note that the last gas stop is in La Viña.

Rental cars are rather expensive in Argentina.  Cars are available in Salta through Hertz, Avis, Sixt, EuroCar or Cactus. Cactus is a Salta Car Rental company with generally lower rates, both for short and long term rentals.

There is also a regular bus service between Salta and Cafayate, organized by Flechabus: https://www.flechabus.com.ar/.

You need to catch the Flecha bus in Salta from the Bus Terminal (“Terminal Omnibus”). The Flecha bus stop in Cafayate is on Mitre 140, not far from the main square.

Below is the Flecha time schedule. If you can, make sure to reserve the front seata. The trip takes between 3 to 4 hours.

  • Salta to Cafayate: 6.50,10.30,13.00,17.00,19.30,21.00
  • Cafayate to Salta: 5.00,8.30,10.30,13.30,16.00,19.30.

When arriving in the airport in Salta, you can either take a taxi to the Bus Terminal, or alternatively take bus 8A (“Colectivo 8A”). The bus trip takes about 30 to 40 minutes and is cheap and quite comfortable. The bus stop is just outside the Airport compound. Below you will see the map with the convenient trajectory.

Corredor 8 A - Bus Salta


Amenities in La Estancia de Cafayate

The following document has an overview of all amenities within La Estancia de Cafayate, indicating the relevant opening hours and fees, up to date as per October 2015:  2015 Estancia Amenities with Fees

All amenities are open to tenants.

The Grace Hotel has an open air swimming pool, accessible to non-guests of the hotel for a fee, towels included.


Calling in Cafayate

Here is how Cafayate phone numbers are configured: (3868) 44 4444

Here is how Salta phone numbers are configured: (387) 555 5555

Area code + cell number always total 10 digits.

Many times you will see phone numbers given with an extra 15. (For example: 387 15 555 5555) You can dial it this way, it doesn’t hurt. You have to dial the 15 only if calling a cell phone from a landline.

You will also often see a 0 on the front (03868 44 4444). That is optional as well.

Calling Salta to Salta (or Cafayate to Cafayate) you can drop the local prefix and just dial the phone number. (ie. 555 5555, or 44 4444).

Numbers in Buenos Aires will start with 11, Mendoza with 261, Cordoba with 351, …

To call a mobile in Argentina from abroad, you need to add the country code 54 and 9. So to call a cell phone in Salta from abroad, you dial: +54 9 (387 555 5555). Please make sure to drop the extra 15, just in case.

Please read the above three days in a row and the simple logic might reveal itself.

The excellent www.projectargentinablog.com also have a good article on how to get set up with a cellphone in Argentina.

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