Self-drive Adventure to The Calchaquí Valleys

• Self-drive tour to Cachi and the Calchaquí Valleys

Start your self-drive adventure through Argentina driving to the Calchaquí Valleys,  where little pre-Columbian villages spread all over the place, with amazing gorges backdropped by multi-colored mountains. Leave Salta early in the morning, there is a lot to see before arriving at Cachi where you’ll spend the night!

Directions for today:

• Leave Salta in the morning, taking RN 68 driving through the Quebrada de Escoipe valley and reach the town of El Carril. Enjoy some of Northern Argentina’s most fabulous countryside!
• Take the RP38 passing through lush, jungle-like vegetation as you follow the Escape River. Continue for 80 km, the landscape will change little by little as the road climbs into the mountains and the air becomes drier.
• Entered the section of the highway known as the Cuesta del Obispo which meanders up the mountainside. Make a stop at Piedra del Molino viewpoint (3620 meters), where you will enjoy a wonderful panoramic view. Sometimes you may find artisans selling their crafts nearby.
• Take the 13-km Tin Tin straightway 600 meters below, that cuts through Los Cardones National Park (a cardon is a cactus that grows in a typical candlestick fashion). Inside the park, you may see some animals like the vicuña and condors! 
• Continue until reaching RN40, passing by the native village of Payogasta. This is a paved route, except for a 25 km stretch of gravel road in very good condition and well signposted
•  Reach Cachi after midday

The self-drive adventure of today will take you to travel along 170 km, mostly paved road except for 25 km of gravel road in the RN40, and for 3h 30 min (plus the time spent on-site). 

• Self-drive trip from Cachi to Cafayate

Today you will leave Cachi behind and head to Seclantas whose townsfolk are known for theirexcellent knitting skills, especially ponchos. Then continue to Molinos, a town founded in the 17th century where you’ll appreciate the beautiful architecture of its adobe houses, and towards Angastaco. Your next stop will be San Carlos, where we recommend that you visit the town square and church, built on the banks of the Las Flechas River. Your last stop will be Cafayate where you’ll spend the night. Cafayate wine is renowned in Argentina, especially because of the star product of the region: the Torrontes wine. We recommend that you take some time to visit the wineries of the area and its wine museum.

Directions for today:

• Leave Cachí through RN40 and on the way visit Seclantas, Molinos, Angastaco, San Carlos and reach Cafayate.

The self-drive journey of today will take you to travel along 165 km of gravel road (be careful during the rainy season since the road may be washed out), and for 5 hours (plus the time spent on-site).