Most travelers roll through Cachi on a scenic drive such as La Vuelta a Los Valles. The 5,000-person town at the foot of Mount Cachi it is a pleasant place to kick around for a few hours. Here you can see the hilltop cemetery, dine around the central plaza and do some shopping for local arts and crafts. Rock climbers will also find Cachi a good base to do some local climbing.
When to go
All year, spring is ideal
Getting there and away:
By Car
Cafayate to Cachi: 165km. Rough road conditions 5.5 hours.
Cachi to Salta: 160km. The first 1/3 of the route is unpaved followed by paved roads. Some parts of this route wind around steep mountain terrain. 3-4 hours
by Hired Car
For the same price as larger bus services, you can share a comfortable four-person ride in a private car
Remises Interurbanos San Jose
Chachi
Tel: (03868) 491-907
Salta office: (0387) 424-3077
Remises Interurbanos Los Calchaquies
Also a good pick. Low price, less people, accommodating drivers
Cachi
Tel: (03868)/491-071
Salta’s office: 0387/4247877
Public Transport
From Salta, the Marcos Rueda (tel. +54 03868/491063) bus leaves twice daily except of Tuesdays and Wednesdays when only one bus departure is available for US$8- US $10.
Dining
Surrounding the plaza you’ll find a handful of good choices for dining.
Oliver — A popular restaurant with friendly waiters, outside seating, killer empanadas and good wine.
Ruíz de los Llanos 160
Tel: (03868)/491-052
Ashpamanta —
For Argentine flavors flavors like pumpkin soup and quinoa empanadas in a cozy atmospheric spot, try Ashpamanta, a charming family run restaurant.
Bustamante no address
Tel: (0387)15-5782244
Luna Cautiva — Another local favorite offering an authentic ambiance, regional favorites and good wine.
Pasaje Borja and Suarez
Tel. +54 03868/491029
Shopping
The town has quite a few shops selling typical northern Argentine arts and crafts. You may want to compare prices before purchasing anything. In general, most shops sell similar, if not identical, arts and crafts. Many vendors are willing to bargain.
Attractions
A few steps away from the plaza, admire Iglesia San José’s brilliant eggshell-colored facade. Run your hands over old cardón (a type of cactus) wood pews that rest quietly inside the cathedral’s dark and narrow interior.
Iglesia San José
Plaza 9 De Julio
Museo Arqueologico Pio Pablo Diaz
Juan Calchaqui s/n
Tel: (03868) 491-080
Take in some of the region’s rich history in this modest but well-curated exhibit, all in Spanish.
• Suggested donation: AR$2
Hilltop Cemetery
With a spectacular panoramic view of the town and surrounding mountains, Cachi’s magnificent hilltop cemetery is a must see.
Money
Banco Macro has an ATM on the corner of Ruiz de los Llanos and Güemes
Post Office
Güemes s/n
One block south of the main plaza on Güemes Street you will find the Correo Argentino building.
Cachi tourist office
Plaza 9 de Julio. Güemes/no address
Tel: (03868)491-053