Salta Calchaquí Valleys Loop
Argentina's classic northwest loop: from Salta via Cuesta del Obispo, Cachi and Los Cardones, on Route 40 to the Cafayate wine country, returning through the Quebrada de las Conchas.
This is the classic self-drive loop in northwest Argentina. From Salta, head southwest on Provincial Route 33 into the Escoipe Valley, then climb the Cuesta del Obispo ('Bishop's Slope') in countless switchbacks to the Piedra del Molino pass, at about 3,348 m. Continue through the straight 'Echo Road' of Los Cardones National Park, flanked by huge cacti, and descend to the whitewashed town of Cachi. From Cachi, take Route 40 south (mostly gravel) through Seclantás, Molinos, Angastaco and the Quebrada de las Flechas ('Arrow Gorge', with its tilted, sawtooth rock layers) to Cafayate, where you can taste high-altitude Torrontés white wine. On the return, take Route 68 through the Quebrada de las Conchas ('Shell Gorge'), with red sandstone formations such as the Devil's Throat, the Amphitheater, the Castle and the Window, and back to Salta. The total distance is about 520 km; allow 3 to 5 days, with overnight stops in Cachi and Cafayate. The Cachi–Cafayate section is slow, averaging only 30 to 40 km/h. At high altitude, watch out for altitude sickness and protect yourself from the sun. Fuel is mainly available in Cachi and Cafayate.