Private transfer Salta – Cachi

Cachi is a village of white adobe houses in the northern Calchaquí Valleys, more than 2,000 metres up and overlooked by the snow-capped peak that shares its name. On the map it is not far from Salta, yet the road is a proper mountain drive: up the Cuesta del Obispo, across a national park full of giant cacti and only then down into the valley.

What the road is like

After the town of El Carril the route leaves the plain and enters the Quebrada de Escoipe, a green and humid gorge. Then comes the Cuesta del Obispo, a chain of hairpin bends ending at the Piedra del Molino pass, above 3,000 metres. Low cloud and fog are common on the way up.

On the far side everything is dry. The road crosses Los Cardones National Park, named after the tall cardón cactus, and runs along a dead-straight section called the Recta del Tin Tin before joining Ruta 40 for the last stretch into Cachi.

The surface on the climb changes with roadworks and weather, and there may be gravel sections.

Stops to ask for

• The lookout on the Cuesta del Obispo.
• The Piedra del Molino pass.
• A point inside the park for a short walk among the cacti.

Name them when booking so the time is allowed for.

Summer rain

In summer, storms can leave mud or rocks on the road and close it for a while. If you travel then, leave slack in your plan and do not tie the return to a flight on the same day.

Altitude

The top of the road is well above the village. Passing it by car is rarely a problem, but take your time when you get out for photographs. If you have a health condition, consult your doctor first.

Day trip or onward journey

Many travellers go and return the same day, with the driver waiting in Cachi. Others continue to Cafayate on Ruta 40, much of it gravel, which is a job for a multi-day driver.