Things to do in  Cafayate

With its jagged cliffs and red-rock formations, Shells' Ravine (Quebrada de las Conchas) is one of Northern Argentina’s most impressive natural wonders. Located just outside Cafayate, the ravine is the star attraction of the Calchaquí Valley and is a must-see sight for first-time visitors and budding photographers.

Located in northwestern Argentina’s Jujuy province, the Calchaquí Valley is known for its wineries, waterfalls, and myriad red rock formations, the most famous of which is the 160-foot-high (49-meter) red rock gorge known as the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo).

To the native Mapuche of Argentina’s Andes, the name Huechulafquen means “long lake” or “lake at the end.” It’s an apt title for this azure wonder that stretches for 19 miles (30 kilometers) and is officially the largest of the 24 lakes in Lanin National Park. Next to the lake, on the northern shore, the conical, snow-capped Lanin Volcano rises 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) into the sky.

One of the oldest wineries in Cafayate, Vasija Secreta Winery (Bodega Vasija Secreta) is a popular Salta destination for learning about wine. Visit the vineyard to learn about the high-altitude microclimate of Cafayate and its aromatic wines. Head to this winery for a guided tasting and to explore the small on-site museum that includes winemaking artifacts from the last century.

Located amid the vineyards and cacti-dotted ravines of the Calchaquí Valley, the Quilmes Ruins are a collection of ancient walls and fortifications perched on a hillside. The ruins are the remains of Argentina’s largest pre-Columbian settlement, which dates back to AD 75 and once housed 5,000 people.

When it comes to wine-producing regions in Argentina, Mendoza hogs the limelight. But the small town of Cafayate in the northern desert province of Salta is one of the country’s prime spots for vinophiles. It’s home to the Museo de la Vid y el Vino, dedicated entirely to vines and wines. Sleek multimedia displays take you through the history and production process of each.

A family-owned winery known for its high-altitude wines, Bodega Domingo Hermanos is a destination for tasting the many flavors of Salta. Founded in the 1960s, this bodega offers tours of its production facilities and an introduction to the traditional winemaking methods in this corner of Argentina. Experiences range from tours and tastings to joining harvest activities (a seasonal offering).

Sweeping red-rock ravines, winding mountain roads, and cacti-dotted plains make up the landscapes of the Calchaqui Valley. Stretching between the Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca provinces, in the foothills of the Andes; the scenic region is dotted with photo-worthy natural wonders, high-altitude vineyards, and ancient ruins.

Stretching across northwest Argentina in the province of Salta and beyond, the Calchaqui Valleys are known for their dramatic canyon landscapes. The top draws are the red rock formations of Quebrada de las Conchas or the wineries of Cafayate. It’s also a very popular destination for hiking and photography.

One of the most centrally located wineries in Cafayate, Bodega El Transito is a family-owned winery offering tours and tastings. Popular with visitors who don’t have a car or are short on time, this boutique winery provides quick and convenient tours and guided tastings. During a visit to this charming winery in Cafayate, sample malbec, cabernet sauvignon, torrontés, and other blends of these grapes.