The Ruta 40 guide · Itinerary
The Calchaquí Valleys loop in four days
Mountain passes, giant cacti, adobe villages and high-altitude wine on a circular route from Salta.
The Calchaquí Valleys loop links Salta, Cachi and Cafayate in a circle of roughly 520 km. Drive it anticlockwise to finish with the Quebrada de las Conchas in the afternoon light.
Day 1 — Salta
Arrive in Salta and spend the afternoon in the historic centre.
Day 2 — Cachi
Climb the Cuesta del Obispo and cross Los Cardones National Park. Overnight in Cachi.
Day 3 — Route 40 to Cafayate
The unpaved stretch through Seclantás, Molinos and the Quebrada de las Flechas is slow and spectacular. Fuel up in Cachi.
Day 4 — Cafayate and back to Salta
A morning winery visit, then north through the Quebrada de las Conchas to Salta.