Feb-2014
Staying in Salta to explore Cafayate
Argentine man singing and playing his guitar in Cafayate
We just arrived to Salta, but the best parts of this visit are located a few kilometers away from town. Cafayate is one of them. A day tour to the beautiful surroundings of Cafayate is something to put high on your list for a visit to Salta.
Early morning pick-up
Rise and shine! We leave early in the morning, at 7am. Even if you’re not an early bird, you’ll be fine. You’ll have enough time for some siestas in the minibus during the day, so don’t worry so much about having to get up on time today. You’ll catch up.
Eduardo, the best guide ever!
Tobacco plantations everywhere
The first villages we pass on our way to Cafayate have many tobacco plantations. The tobacco farms still process everything without machines.
So how do you recognize these tobacco plants? It’s actually something that looks like let’s say anything between a banana plant and a crop of salad…
We pass the town La Merce/Lamberced, the capital of the flowers (mainly roses). Another interesting village we pass is Cerrillos, the capital of carnival for the people from Salta!
There are many colonial Spanish houses to be seen during the trip and it seems that it’s not just tobacco we’re passing by since there are a couple of signs letting us know we’re on the “ruta de vino”.
In the village of Alemania, pronounced as Alemanía, we see a train station which was last used in 1972, and was important for its commercial use from Cafayate to Salta.
Wine tasting
We have a stop at the wineries near Cafayate where we get to try the white, red, and rosé wines. Though what we did was even better: we sat at the terrace of the wine estancia where they serve you a glass of wine and they even have delicious empanadas for your pre-lunch. I’d recommend you to go for the terrace and try the wines at the tasting-room 5 minutes before you have to be back on the bus again.
If you’re interested, there is an explanation of the wine making process too.
Local man from Cafayate enjoying his retirement on a terrace near the main-square
The church of Cafayate
Amazing sceneries
After all the interesting villages with all their own history and the wines we finally reach what we actually came for. The city of Cafayate where we have lunch, but even more important are the beautiful sceneries of the colorful mountains named the “Quebrada de Cafayate”.
Due to all the erosion these mountains have some amazing formations. We make a photo stop at “la garganta del diablo” (the devil’s throat), which reminds me of the staircases in the paintings of Salvador Dali. It looks as if it’s not really located where you think it is located because of all its depths and shades. Amazingly magical I can say.
Looking forward to seeing these sceneries for yourself? Book the tour with Argentina4u for the best service and enjoy your stay in Salta as much as I did!
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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Loved the post! Amazing pics! Got go there myself someday! Thanks for sharing your experience!
You’re very welcome and thanks! I hope you’ll find a moment to explore it for yourself and share your experience with the world 🙂
The ghost town of Alemanía, now that’s a fascinating place!
Have you been to Alemanía? I’d love to hear your stories!
Great memories!
When were you there? Did you go on a tour? I’d love to hear about it 🙂
You booked with Argentina4U, do you recommend them? IF you can recommend other tour companies I would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!
Hi Heather, yes a very good company! 🙂