Renting a car when visiting Cafayate is a good idea. From the moment you arrive it’s a long journey to reach the town from either Salta or Tucuman airports, so renting a car at one of these airports is your best and cheapest option. Having your own car gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel at your own pace, and visit sights and attractions at your leisure. There are some great places to take a scenic drive to in the region as well as exciting road trips along the stunning landscapes of Ruta 68.

Taxis are available in Cafayate and can be found throughout town, especially around the main plaza. It’s a good idea to hire a taxi for the day to travel around the city and visit the many vineyards, wineries, and bodegas. 

Walking around Cafayate town is one of the easiest things to do and one of the easiest ways to get around the quaint town to see the local attractions. There are many things to see and do in the heart of town including several bodegas to visit, along with shops, restaurants, and bars. When visiting the many vineyards and wineries on the outskirts of town walking around is the best way to explore and partake in the guided tours.

Yes, riding a bicycle around the wineries in Cafayate is a very popular activity, there are quite a few places around the main plaza in town to rent a bicycle from as well as many accommodations. There are opportunities to partake in guided bike tours especially to see the breathtaking colorful landscapes of the Quebrada. 

Cafayate is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years crimes against tourists are becoming more common with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions.

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. 

The official languages spoken in Cafayate are Spanish and English. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. We recommend getting a good Spanish guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

The climate in Cafayate is a desert climate with low rainfall and humidity. The city sits at an altitude of 5,600 feet above sea level, at a latitude of 26°S, which it shares with the Kalahari desert in Africa. The high altitudes define the terroir of the region and make it suitable for viticulture, despite its close proximity to the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. The wines here are aided by irrigation from the meltwater rivers in the region which help to keep them hydrated over the hot humid summers. Cafayate can be visited year round as it offers pleasant weather throughout the year, the best times to visit are said to be April to November when the weather is at its absolute best. December and January are the hottest months here and if you want to visit during harvest season then the best time is February and March when the vineyards are at their greenest and there is plenty of action. 

The currency of Cafayate is the Argentine peso. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Argentine pesos upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

A trip to Cafayate allows food lovers to experience some of the area’s excellent cuisine which is the perfect complement to 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 producing this high-quality cheese. 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.

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. 

In case of an emergency dial 101 for Police, 107 for an Ambulance, and 100 for Fire.

Hospital: Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital tel. 54-3868-42-2011.