When it comes to wine regions, Argentina has some of the world’s most renowned destinations. Mendoza often steals the spotlight, but there’s another region in Argentina that’s worth your attention – Cafayate. Nestled in the heart of the Calchaquí Valley, Cafayate is a small town known for its incredible wine, scenic beauty, and laid-back atmosphere. If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Argentina, 3 days in Cafayate, Argentina, will not disappoint. Join us at Money Left For Travel as we take you on a journey through this charming destination.

Day 1: Immersing Yourself in Cafayate’s Wine Culture

Exploring Cafayate’s Vineyards

Cafayate is a wine lover’s paradise. The main reason most travelers visit this quaint town is for its famous wineries. The beauty of Cafayate is that the wineries are incredibly close to the town itself, which means you can explore them at your own pace without feeling rushed.

When we arrived, we immediately knew that Cafayate was going to be special. The town’s charm is in its relaxed pace of life, with wide, walkable streets and fewer cars than you might expect from a place so rich in wine culture. On our first day, we explored some of the closest wineries, which offered a perfect introduction to Cafayate’s renowned Torrontés and Malbec wines.

Bodega El Transito

Our first stop was Bodega El Transito, a small family-run winery. While the tasting room wasn’t particularly large, the atmosphere was warm, even though communication proved tricky since neither of the staff members spoke English. Despite the language barrier, we selected a white, a red, and a red blend to taste. Unfortunately, the wines weren’t our favorites, and we left the tasting without purchasing a bottle. But the experience was unique, as we got a feel for the rural, authentic winemaking process in Cafayate.

Bodega Nanni

Next, we headed to Bodega Nanni, a slightly more refined winery. The tasting was affordable, and while we didn’t speak Spanish fluently, we made the best of it by taking a quick tour around the property. We sampled some local wines, which were a bit better than those at El Transito, but not quite what we were hoping for. However, the real highlight came after the tasting when we dined at Retono, the winery’s restaurant. The meal of steak in Malbec sauce with quinoa and vegetables was the best meal we had in Cafayate. With a 5% discount from the tasting, the experience was a steal.

Getting to Know Cafayate’s Culinary Scene

While wine is a major draw in Cafayate, the food scene in the town leaves much to be desired. Most restaurants offer standard tourist fare such as pizza, pasta, and fried milanesa. But after some exploration, we found a few gems. Retono, where we had dinner at Bodega Nanni, and a local restaurant near the main square stood out for offering delicious, albeit overpriced, alternatives.

Day 2: A Biking Adventure Through Cafayate’s Vineyards

A Scenic Ride to Cafayate’s Wineries

On Day 2, we wanted to explore more wineries, but this time we decided to go off the beaten path. Instead of relying on taxis or organized tours, we rented bikes for the day. The cost was around 100 pesos ($7 USD), and while the bikes were rough, the ride promised a unique way to explore the region.

The ride to the wineries started out easy on flat, paved roads, but soon transitioned to dirt paths with large rocks and some tough uphill terrain. Despite the heat and difficulty of the ride, it was an unforgettable adventure. The views of the vineyards and the Calchaquí Valley were breathtaking, and we were able to explore the region at our own pace, stopping for pictures and to take in the scenery.

Domingo Molina Winery

Our first winery stop was Domingo Molina, located on top of a hill with stunning panoramic views. This was by far the best tasting experience we had. The wines were delicious, and we got a great deal on the tasting, including crackers and cheese, which were a much-needed snack after our ride. The tour of the winery was informative, and we learned a lot about the different types of wines that Cafayate produces. It was at this winery that we finally bought a bottle of Torrontés, which we enjoyed during our stay.

Bodega Piattelli

Next, we visited Bodega Piattelli, one of the more upscale wineries in the region. Here, we joined an English-speaking tour and tasted a variety of wines. The highlight was the chance to compare wines from Cafayate with those from Mendoza, which gave us a deeper understanding of the regional differences. The wines were good, though we were still not blown away. This was, however, the winery that offered us the most luxurious experience, with a beautiful setting and high-end service.

The Fall That Made Us Laugh

It wasn’t all smooth sailing on our biking journey. At one point, I wiped out while trying to avoid a rock. Andy caught the entire incident on camera, and we couldn’t help but laugh about it. After all, what’s an adventure without a few bumps along the way?

Day 3: The Stunning Quebrada de las Conchas and Final Moments in Cafayate

Exploring the Natural Wonders of Cafayate

While Cafayate is primarily known for its wine, the surrounding landscapes are equally captivating. On our last day, we decided to take a tour of the Quebrada de las Conchas (Shell Canyon), one of the most scenic areas in the region. The 47-kilometer route is lined with dramatic rock formations, and the natural beauty was unlike anything we’d seen before.

Our small group tour with iPuna Tours was fantastic, and the guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the area. We stopped at several viewpoints, each one offering a unique perspective of the canyon. The most memorable stop was La Yasera, where we hiked through the vibrant striped rocks. The natural colors and patterns reminded us of places like Serranías del Hornocal, though on a smaller scale.

Other Notable Stops

During the tour, we also stopped at Los Castillos, Las Ventanas, and El Anfiteatro, each of which offered unique rock formations and stunning views. Though the crowds at these spots made it harder to get perfect photos, we still appreciated the beauty of the landscape.

A Peaceful Farewell to Cafayate

Our trip to Cafayate ended quietly as we sat on the balcony of our hostel, sipping sparkling wine and watching the sunset. While we had initially planned a grand New Year’s Eve celebration, the quiet evening gave us the chance to reflect on the incredible experiences we’d had during our 3 days in Cafayate, Argentina.

Final Thoughts: Why Cafayate Should Be on Your Travel List

Cafayate is an underrated gem in Argentina. The combination of world-class wineries, breathtaking landscapes, and the small-town charm make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to get away from the crowds of Argentina’s major cities. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or nature lover, Cafayate has something to offer.

If you’re planning a trip to Argentina, don’t miss out on 3 days in Cafayate, Argentina. It’s the perfect escape into Argentina’s heartland, with stunning vineyards, captivating rock formations, and unforgettable memories. At Money Left For Travel, we can’t wait to go back!