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HomeRoad TripsSouth AmericaArgentinaCalchaqui
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Calchaqui Road Trip

Salta - Cafayate - Cachi

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Culture Culture
Calchaqui Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km494 h/stage4.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Calchaqui Road Trip in Argentina?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 189EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 99EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 306EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 495EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 405EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 297EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 601EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,006EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 594EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 594EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,007EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,601EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 138EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 447EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,122EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Calchaqui Itinerary

The Calchaqui Road Trip is a 494 km drive through the stunning scenery of Argentina, starting and ending in Salta. It is recommended to take 3 days to complete this journey, and the best time of year to drive is between April and September (dry saison). Along the route, you will experience the unique landscapes of Cafayate and Cachi, with their towering mountains, rolling hills, and lush valleys. You may also find some local wildlife. The roads are in good condition, though some sections may be narrow and winding. This road trip is perfect for everyone, regardless of experience level. It is also possible to enjoy the adventure on a moderate budget. With its beautiful scenery and unforgettable memories, the Calchaqui Road Trip is an incredible experience, and one you will never forget.
number of days 3 number of days
route length 494 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Salta

Distance 494 km Driving time 11.9 h Pace: slow 113.6 kWh Airports SLA , JUJ
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Salta, situated on the banks of the Rio Lerma in the northwest of Argentina, is the perfect place to begin your Calchaqui Road Trip. Salta is the capital of the Salta Province and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, its vibrant culture and its beautiful mountain scenery. The city is home to numerous attractions, such as the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology, the San Francisco Church and the Cabildo, a museum housed in a historic building. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Cerro San Bernardo offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. Travelers wishing to begin their road trip in Salta can fly into the Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA), located just 11km from the city center. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to explore the region. Once you have your vehicle, take a drive along the Calchaqui Road Trip, a scenic route that passes through the villages of Purmamarca, Humahuaca and Tilcara. Along the way, you can explore the colorful hills of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, visit ancient Inca ruins and take in the breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. When you reach the end of the road trip, you will have experienced the best of Salta and the surrounding region.

1 Salta - Cafayate

Distance 184 km Driving time 3.6 h Pace: modest 47.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Experience the captivating beauty of Argentina on the road trip from Salta to Cafayate! This amazing journey covers a distance of 184km and can be completed in less than 4 hours. Along the way, you'll be greeted with spectacular views of the magnificent landscapes of the Andean Plateau, and the winding roads will take you through picturesque villages. Be sure to keep your eyes open for the historical sites and monuments, like the San Bernardo Convent and the San Francisco Church in Salta, and the colonial-style buildings in Cachi. As you make your way through Quebrada de las Conchas, marvel at the stunning rock formations and the diverse wildlife. Don't forget to take a break in Cafayate to enjoy the colorful vineyards and the local wine! The road in some sections can be narrow, so be sure to drive carefully. Along the route, you'll find plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites. For more information about attractions, accommodation, and restaurants, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

2 Cafayate - Cachi

Distance 159 km Driving time 5.0 h Pace: slow 36.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Get ready for an exciting road trip from Cafayate to Cachi! This 159km drive will take you less than 5 hours, offering plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning landscapes of Northern Argentina. Start by admiring the colonial architecture of Cafayate and then hit the road. Along the way, you'll be able to spot some of the most picturesque landscapes, including the Calchaqui Valley and its vineyards. The road is often winding but it's well-paved and the scenery will make up for any discomfort. Be careful in some sections, as the road can be quite narrow. Try to stop often to take pictures of the incredible views. Once you reach Cachi, you'll be able to appreciate the town's colonial architecture, the breathtaking views of the Andes, and the nearby Los Cardones National Park. Don't forget to make a stop at the highest point in the region, La Cienaga, to enjoy the endless views. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Cachi - Salta

Distance 151 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: modest 39.3 kWh View map Itinerary
stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Cachi to Salta, Argentina and experience the most interesting places of these two cities! This journey will take you on a 151 km drive, lasting for less than 4 hours. While you drive, you can admire the picturesque landscapes of the Calchaquí Valleys, as well as the historical sites of the region. As you drive, pay attention to the winding road in some sections, and be mindful of the narrow sections. You will pass through the towns of Molinos, Seclantás and La Poma, and will find plenty of attractions to explore along the way. In Cachi, visit the Iglesia San José and the Museo Arqueológico, and in Salta, don't miss the Cathedral of Salta and the El Palacio Galería de Arte. For more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, hop in your car and enjoy the scenic road trip from Cachi to Salta!

  Salta

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Salta, the charming city of Argentina, is the final destination of the famous "Calchaqui Road Trip". Located in the Lerma Valley, this city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and rolling hills. The historical center of Salta is a must-see for visitors. Here you can find the neoclassical Cabildo, the main square, as well as the Cathedral and many other attractions. The picturesque surroundings offer an ideal place for a stroll. For those who like adventure, the surrounding area offers numerous possibilities. Cerro San Bernardo, Cerro San Lorenzo and the Quebrada de las Conchas are a few of the most popular activities. Mountain biking, trekking, and other outdoor activities are also available. The nearby Calchaqui Valley also offers a unique experience. Here you can explore the traditional culture of the area while visiting small towns and villages. Salta is the ideal end destination for the Calchaqui Road Trip. The city is served by the international airport of Martín Miguel de Güemes (SLA) and is well connected with other parts of Argentina. Those who are looking for the perfect end to their road trip should consider Salta. The city has something to offer for everyone, from stunning views to unique experiences.

Calchaqui at a glance

Facts for safer driving in Argentina

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 70 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 110 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 130 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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