Major city · Argentina
Cafayate
Spend 1–2 days in Cafayate: walk the plaza, visit vineyards, Quebrada and 7 Cascadas; reach by 4 h bus or 3 h car from Salta.
Cafayate is a small town in Salta province famed for its vineyards and striking rock formations. The centre is walkable; nearby Quebrada and waterfalls add outdoor appeal. One full day covers the main sights; a second day allows a guided hike to the 7 Cascadas.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- ARS
- Best months
- Apr–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (rainy season, road closures)
- Airport
- SLA
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Cafayate911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cafayate, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Argentine peso (ARS, $).Argentina-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar and Personal cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their shops with a passport, or an eSIM before you fly.Argentina-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable in Buenos Aires and most cities; in the Northwest and rural areas ask or use bottled.Argentina-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10% in cash; the cubierto (cover charge) is not a tip.Argentina-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Argentina-wide
- SafetyCafayate is safe for tourists; the main risks are summer road closures due to rain and the mandatory guide requirement for the 7 Cascadas hike.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés, shopping centres and bus terminals (small fee sometimes); carry tissues.Argentina-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 107 ambulance · 100 fire
- Sundays & holidaysSiesta hours (13:00–17:00) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Siesta hours (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Argentina-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSLA Salta Airport (Flights to Salta; then 3 h car or 4 h bus to Cafayate).
- Getting aroundThe town centre is best explored on foot; bicycles can be hired for nearby vineyards and Quebrada.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeARS 150–300
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personARS 1,500
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per roomARS 6,500
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per roomARS 10,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ARS 12,000 · Mid ARS 18,000 · High ARS 30,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SLA Salta Airport (Flights to Salta; then 3 h car or 4 h bus to Cafayate)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Apr–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Dec (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jun (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cafayate: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
12 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
2 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
2 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre is best explored on foot; bicycles can be hired for nearby vineyards and Quebrada. Taxis are scarce; arrange rides for longer trips.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
7 Cascadas del Rio Colorado
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Taxi or drive 10 min southwest of town
Guided hike required; trail can be steep.
Quilmes ruins
goDoor to door: ≈2 h round trip
Car or taxi ~1 h south of Cafayate
AR$12,000 entry; explore Inca‑Andean settlement.
Salta city
overnightDoor to door: ≈4 h
Bus 4 h (FlechaBus) or car 3 h
Consider a night in Salta for broader region exploration.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
El Balcón Hostel
Central, free breakfast, dorms from AR$50
Killa Cafayate
Hotel in town centre, pool, breakfast included
Casa de Peter
B&B with art gallery, Wi‑Fi, breakfast; AR$?? (check)
Vieja Posada
Steps from plaza, pool, restaurant; double ~USD 40 (blue rate)
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ARS 12,000–18,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- ARS 18,000–30,000 excl. bed
- High
- ARS 30,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed2 × 1 night × ARS 2,500 | ARS 5,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ARS 18,000 | ARS 36,000 |
| Bus Salta → Cafayate (round trip)2 × ARS 8,000 · check | ARS 16,000 |
| Guide for 7 Cascadas hike2 × ARS 1,200 · check | ARS 2,400 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ARS 5,900 |
| Trip total≈ ARS 32,700 per person per day, bed included | ARS 65,300 |
2026 estimate in Argentine pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ARS 150–300 |
| Empanada | ARS 200–350 |
| Wine tasting (bodega) | ARS 1,200–2,500 |
| Bus Salta → CafayateFlechaBus, 4 h | ARS 7,500–9,000 (≈US$40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer (Dec–Feb) brings heavy rain, road flooding and rockfall; check the tourist office for road status.
- Guides are mandatory for the 7 Cascadas hike; arrange locally.
- Bus schedules may change in rainy season; confirm departure times.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Ambulance
- 107
- Fire
- 100
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CafayateCafayate
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Ambulance107
- Fire100
Embassy
US consulate in Salta (check address); other embassies in Buenos Aires.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Salta → Cafayate bus: ≈ AR$7,500–9,000, 4 h (check)
- Taxi to 7 Cascadas: ≈ AR$1,200–1,800 (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (ˈɡɾasjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkwesta)
- ¿Dónde está la parada del ómnibus? — Where is the bus stop? (ˈdonde esˈta la paˈɾaða del ˈomnibus)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cafayate. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Nov · avoid Dec–Feb (rainy season, road closures) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Cafayate
Loading…
Was this useful?