Tucked in a desert valley framed by the Andes, Cafayate is the heart of Salta’s high-altitude wine country.
We spent several days here exploring wineries, riding horses through canyons, and staying in historic haciendas - and it quickly became one of our favourite towns in Argentina.
We list 8 of the best things to do in Cafayate, from vineyard lunches and scenic drives to unique experiences that capture the character of this remote region.
8 Top Things to Do in Cafayate
1. Enjoy a long vineyard lunch with mountain views at Piattelli
Set just outside town, Piattelli Vineyards feels more like a grand estate than a typical bodega.
It’s one of Cafayate’s best places for lunch, with sweeping vineyard views framed by the Calchaquí Valley and Andes mountains.
We had slow-cooked pork ribs from their clay oven with a generous pour of Malbec and could’ve stayed all afternoon.
✔️ Top Tip: Book an early lunch on the terrace so you can snag one of the best tables with vineyard and mountain views.
They lunch reservations by email: reservas@piattelli.com.ar
2. Ride through red canyons on horseback at Santa Elena Ranch
For a peaceful start to the day, head to Santa Elena, a small family-run ranch about 30 minutes from Cafayate.
The experience feels very local - you’ll meet the family’s goats and alpacas before setting out on an easy horseback ride through the red canyons of Quebrada de las Conchas.
Afterwards, you can choose between a goat cheese & wine tasting or a homemade breakfast, both made with ingredients from the farm.
The setting felt calm, with wide-open valley views framed by red cliffs and mountains.
The 1.5–2 hour horse ride costs $54 USD per person. You can book directly with Alejandro via WhatsApp at +54 9 3876 83 7056.
3. Taste high-altitude wines at family-run bodegas
Cafayate is home to some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the world. The landscape is so dramatic it almost feels impossible for vines to grow here, yet they do.
The climate is harsh, with vines tough enough to survive the occasional freeze, producing wines that are bold and full of character.
We loved how distinct the wines tasted - the Torrontés is bright and floral with a crisp finish, while the Malbecs are rich and powerful.
Our favourite wine tour was at Bodega Yacochuya. The small family-run bodega is one of the best wineries in Cafayate for its award-winning Malbecs.
Yacochuya takes reservations by email: turismo@yacochuya.com.ar
We also enjoyed Domingo Molina, a peaceful spot perched above the valley where you can try different wines from its Coravin dispenser. You don't need to make a reservation.
4. Wake up in a 19th-century hacienda surrounded by vines
Patios de Cafayate hotel at El Esteco Winery
The Spanish colonial-style hacienda is surrounded by vineyards, with spacious rooms featuring antique furnishings, terracotta floors, and views of the Andes.
On sunny mornings, enjoy breakfast in the courtyard, and spend your afternoons by the pool as the light shifts across the mountains.
Since it’s right next door to El Esteco Winery, you can easily pop over for a tasting and happily wobble back to your room afterward.
🛏️ Browse more hotels in Cafayate5. Drink wine under the stars at Bodega El Esteco
Bodega El Esteco's "Night Under the Stars" tour is one of the best things to do at night in Cafayate.
Founded in 1892, Bodega El Esteco is one of the oldest wineries in the Salta region.
The tour starts with a walk through the historic winery and a guided tasting of their wines, followed by stargazing around a bonfire with small bites.
It's a really fun way to spend the evening!
Note: Tours are in Spanish only, so we recommend doing it if you know a little bit of the language.
6. Explore Cafayate’s creative town centre and artisan shops
We didn't expect Cafayate to be such a cute town.
Save time to wander around the main square, browse the local market and pop into artisan shops.
We loved Puyo Cafayate, a textile boutique tucked down a side street, filled with handwoven artisan pieces.
When you’re ready for a break, grab a seat at one of the shaded cafes or wine bars on the plaza and enjoy some people-watching.
7. Take a scenic drive through Quebrada de las Conchas
Just north of Cafayate, Highway 68 towards Salta winds through the Quebrada de las Conchas, one of Argentina’s most scenic drives.
The paved road follows a river valley surrounded by towering cliffs that shift from deep red to gold as the light changes.
The drive itself is smooth and winding, with plenty of pullouts to stop for photos.
Along the way, you’ll pass incredible rock formations, like Los Castillos (The Castles), with fortress-like cliffs, and El Obelisco (The Obelisk), a lone rock spire rising from the desert.
Don't miss The Amphitheatre, a vast natural chamber surrounded by 20-metre-high walls where local musicians sometimes play - the acoustics are unreal.
There are also stunning hiking trails along the route. If you plan to hike, it’s best to visit on a day trip so you don’t have to leave your luggage in the car.
8. Dine on Salteño dishes at Patios de Cafayate
Their restaurant, La Rosa, features fresh, regional Salteño dishes paired with El Esteco wines from the vineyard next door.
Head inside for a romantic dinner in the cozy dining room, or choose the back patio at lunchtime to soak up the beautiful mountain views.
We hope you enjoyed these 8 fun things to do in Cafayate!
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