This day trip running from Cafayate has become really popular as people realise what a great variety of sites they will get in one day.
People ask - Is Quilmes Ruins worth it and I say depending on whether you like ruins. It is the most important site in Argentina and really interesting even for the hike to the top and the view across the Calchaqui Valley. Then there is the popular Pachamama Museum which people are always surprised at. They expect a typical dark two roomed space and are treated to a stone mosaic garden and history of the area. The leaflet photo shows the gate. It has been tricky when the cafe is closed as people are usually flagging from the heat and keen for a cold glass of Torrontes. The restaurants in Amaicha are not great. Now I have discovered a boutique hotel on a hill who will serve us lunch at whatever time.
Then it's on to Tafi over the Infernillo at 3000 metres above sea level. The views from halfway up across the cactus park are marvellous - it's the Nevado de Aconquija. There is a space observatory that was built to view Hailey's Comet and can be visited on summer evenings.
Tafi is a verdant summer escape for rich Tucumanos and the start of the Northern hippy trail - lots of friendship bracelets for sale. We visit a two-hundred year old estancia where they still make goat cheese in the original manner started by Jesuit monks.
A traditional Criollo Afternoon tea including homemade cheeses and dulces sets everyone up for the ride back to Cafayate. (Option of course to stay in Tafi and continue on to Tucuman for bus or flight ot to go through Catamarca towards Mendoza)
Great pics! My son is living in Salta. Very fun to see pics of the area he is in!! Thanks!
Crystal...:)
Posted by: Crystal Manning | January 18, 2010 at 04:39 AM