Experience Cafayate

Overview

Cafayate is a wine town nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Andes in northwest Argentina. A popular destination for wine lovers and tourists alike offering abundant vineyards, wineries, and bodegas that dot the land. This tranquil small town is surrounded by breathtaking scenery including the stunning colorful cliffs of the Quebrada de las Conchas, the verdant green of the vines, and the soaring mountain ranges. It is one of the most captivating destinations in the country, a world of colors and sensations. It's part of the stunning Calchaqui Valley wine region that is world-famous for its amazing Torrontes and Malbec grapes and vineyards. Cafayate sits at 5,522 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest places in the world which affects both the climate and the terroir making it suitable for viticulture. 

Things to see and do

Take an exploratory wander around the central plaza in town, Cafayate is a 5,000-foot-high colonial town that dates from the 19th century. The Plaza 20 de Febrero is a hub of activity, one of the most iconic places in the city of Cafayate, a meeting point for many locals and tourists alike, and a buzzing location in the evening time. Large trees surround this perfect plaza, there are many local shops, restaurants, and bars. On the weekends the plaza is filled with a fantastic fiesta vibe and a popular market. 

The Municipal Artisan Market is held in front of the popular square, on Guemes Avenue. There are several local artisans who set up stalls to sell a number of things such as handicrafts, weavings, pottery, ceramics, basketry, and products made from leather, wood, metal, and silver. This is the perfect place to pick up a unique, authentic souvenir to take home. 

Visit Bodega Nanni in the heart of downtown, and enjoy lunch and some fantastic local wine. This popular bodega boasts a rich family history of producing certified organic wines. It was founded in 1897 by Italian immigrants, and today is still run by its descendants. The grapes are grown at their century-old San Jose de Chimpa estate just outside the city. The wine has held a Full Organic certification since 1996. 

Check out the Museum of the Vine and Wine (Museo de la Vid y el Vino) which features two main exhibition rooms filled with memorabilia related to wine traditions from the Calchaqui Valley wine region. There is a dynamic, and interactive exhibition provided on the history and characteristics of the vineyards in the Calchaqui Valleys and its high-altitude wines. 

Also in the main square is the Parish of Nuestra Senora del Rosario, or Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. This is the main church that dominates the square, is one of the most important monuments in Cafayate, and is an essential place to check out when visiting. It features a mixture of architectural styles including Colonial, Renaissance, and Arab with five naves, and a small transept. 

Travel outside the city to explore the surrounding Calchaqui Valleys and all of its sights, attractions, and destinations. The surreal landscapes of the famous natural wonder of the Valley of the Rio las Conchas are filled with unearthly rock formations, and colorful canyons, where hiking, biking, and horseback riding give visitors a glimpse of some of the most imposing landscapes in the area. There are also several signposted viewpoints, photo opportunities, and different trailheads which can be found on the drive-through of the valley stretching for over 30 miles from Cafayate to Salta along the Ruta 68. 

The surrounding region is a hiker’s dream with the River Conchas which cuts away at these impressive rocks, leaving all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors. The valley and the river bed are filled with all kinds of hidden nooks and crannies to climb in, through, or over. 

Head to the Cascadas del Rio Colorado from Cafayate where you will find the Colorado River Springs just outside of town. This trailhead leads adventurers to a combination of hiking, climbing, and swimming. The Colorado River forms seven waterfalls or Camino de los Siete Cascadas. The falls vary in height running anywhere from 15-30 feet tall with small lagoons varying in depth which are good places for swimming and picnicking. The trek to the waterfalls is an incredible journey and experience to immerse one’s self in the enchanting natural environment.

Bodegas

Cafayate is part of the famed wind regions in Argentina, Mendoza tends to get all the credit in the country for being “the” wine region. However, Cafayate is home to many diverse wineries, verdant vineyards, and charming Bodegas that are well worth a visit for wine lovers. There are many popular winery tours along the Ruta del Vino in Cafayate, here are a few of the options. 

Bodega El Esteco has a long history dating back to 1892, it is one of the most renowned in the area housed in a 19th-century estate with a whitewashed tower. There is the Patios de Cafayate hotel on site, La Rosa Restaurant, a tiny chapel, a pool, and courtyards complete with fountains. The bodega combines traditional methods of wine-making with modern-day techniques to produce some of the most exceptional wines in the country. Taking a tour here gives wine lovers a glimpse into the winemaking process, from vine to bottle along with the chance to sample the acclaimed Torrontes and Malbec. 

Bodega Piattelli Vineyards Cafayate is the newest of two Piattelli wineries (a sister winery in Agrelo, Mendoza). This well-known bodega and vineyard is known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views as well as its dining experience with a five-course tasting menu. This state-of-the-art winery is set amidst the verdant vineyards which provide the perfect setting for a tasting of elegant wines including Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontes. There are so many opportunities including horseback riding, picnics, lunch, tastings, and wine tours, a reservation is required. 

Bodega Tacuil is a high-altitude boutique winery experience set high in the mountains. It's a quaint, family-run winery that produces high-quality low-yield wines. They offer an intimate look at their verdant vineyards along with a unique tasting of their limited-production wines. It is run by Alvaro Davalos, the 6th generation of the Davalos family.

Shopping

The quaint town offers shoppers a few retail options, and many of the charming shops, artisan markets, and dining options in Cafayate can be found around the main plaza in the heart of town. There are plenty of wine stores dotted around town where wine lovers can pick up some of the region's famous wines. Vinoteca La Escalera is one of the most popular and established wine stores carrying a wide variety from around the valley. Other items to pick up when shopping in the area include fabric, pottery, and other local specialties like herbs, spices, and food.

Dining

A trip to Cafayate allows food lovers to experience some of the area's excellent cuisine, which perfectly complements the region’s wine. Many of the dishes served in the area highlight the flavors of the land. The village of Cafayate offers visitors a very laid-back dining experience in local restaurants, and rustic eateries scattered around the main plaza. Restaurants here specialize in local cuisine, and regional cooking with some of the popular traditional Argentine asado restaurants serving up mouth-watering succulent cuts of meat from across the region. The vegetables are locally grown, and the local cheeses, especially goat cheese are produced at local farms. These cheeses are excellent especially when paired with the right Torrontes or Malbec wine. There are many upscale wineries to visit in the area that offer excellent food and wine-paring experiences, which offers diners some of the best of Cafayate’s culinary delights alongside award-winning wines. When visitors go on wine-tasting tours at the many different vineyards, wineries, and bodegas in town they are often served a delicious lunch. The charming streets of downtown Cafayate are full of sweet little ice cream parlors serving wine-flavored ice cream! Try Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Tannat ice cream.

Nightlife

The wine town of Cafayate offers a captivating nightlife experience with charming upscale wine bars dotted along the main road where wind lovers can enjoy a variety of unique blends in a sophisticated atmosphere. There are so many options to participate in an exclusive evening filled with wine tasting at many establishments in Cafayate. A notable one is Bodega El Esteco who offer some of the best Torrontes wines in a local atmosphere. There’s plenty of live music and venues to enjoy in town, especially around the main plaza. Cafayate’s nightlife draws in tourists from all over with its exciting array of nightclubs offering partygoers an unforgettable night filled with drinks, and dancing. The quaint town is a vibrant hub after the sun goes down, it really comes to life after dark with a captivating mix of music, culture, and social interactions. The stunning surrounding natural landscapes of Cafayate provide the perfect backdrop for a night out in town, an excellent addition to sipping exquisite regional wines on an enchanting outdoor terrace with the sound of authentic Argentine music.