Cafayate Off The Beaten Path Tips by swesn

CAFAYATE : RIO COLORADO

Another pleasant little walk through the vineyards to get to the tiny Rio Colorado, about 5km north of Cafayate town.

As it can get very hot to walk out here, as there is no shelter for a large distance, do start out really early, like 7am, to beat the heat.

There are some trees and shelters when you arrive near the river.

One can observe some traces of the ancient culture of the a group of Indians that used to settle here - Calchaqui. They were here even before the Incas arrived. For example, on some rocks there were holes which the Indians used to pound maize. They resisted the colonization of the Spanish bravely but many died as they were brought to Buenos Aires to build the city there. I believe the race is now extinct.

There is also a water-fall further out but I was too hot and tired to check it out. Boy, was it HOT here in Cafayate!!

CAFAYATE : CERRO SANTA TERESITA

Just a little altar located 2km to the north of the Cafayate town.

A nice pleasant walk through the dusty little town and a short hike up the rocky hill to the altar.

There, you have quite a pleasant view of Cafayate.