Cachi and Los Cardones Park: 12-hour Mountain Tour

You climb to 3,384 meters on a single road through five gorges and high-altitude valleys.

This 12-hour tour departs Salta and drives through the Lerma Valley to Cachi, a mountain town in the Calchaquí Valley, stopping at Los Cardones National Park and traversing the Cuesta del Obispo, a steep road with sharp curves, to reach the highest point at Piedra del Molino. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with a professional guide and air-conditioned vehicle. The tour visits Cachi's Archaeological Museum and colonial San José Church, and crosses the Tin Tin Straight Line, an ancient Inca road that cuts through the national park.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tin Tin Straight Line30m
2. Calchaqui Valley3h
3. San José Church20m
4. Historical Museum of the North20m

Full-day tour from Salta to Cachi

• Pickup from Salta hotel at 7:30am
• Drive through Lerma Valley and El Carril
• Continue to Chicoana and visit Quebrada de los Laureles
• Visit Quebrada de Escoipe Gorge
• Drive Cuesta del Obispo with panoramic views
• Reach Piedra del Molino at 3,384 meters altitude
• Cross Los Cardones National Park via Tin Tin road
• Arrive in Cachi and enjoy views of Nevado de Cachi
• Visit Archaeological Museum and Church in Cachi
• Admire the Historical Museum of the North
• Return to Salta accommodations

The experience

The drive begins at 7:30am from your Salta hotel and heads first into the Lerma Valley, passing through El Carril and Chicoana before entering the Quebrada de los Laureles. A gorge carved through dense vegetation. From there you move into the Quebrada de Escoipe, another steep ravine, then climb the Cuesta del Obispo, a winding mountain road with abundant curves that opens onto panoramic views of the Enchanted Valley and small farming settlements surrounded by maize and fruit trees. The landscape shifts as you gain elevation.

By the time you reach Piedra del Molino, you're at 3,384 meters above sea level, the highest point of the day. From there, the route crosses Los Cardones National Park along the Tin Tin Straight Line: an ancient Inca road that runs in a direct line across the high desert. When you arrive in Cachi, the views open to Nevado de Cachi and Payogasta, snow-capped peaks that frame the town. You stop to visit the Archaeological Museum of Cachi and the colonial San José Church, then return to Salta by late afternoon or early evening.

The tour operates with a professional guide who speaks English or Spanish, and the air-conditioned vehicle is essential given the altitude gain and the length of the day. All physical fitness levels can manage the itinerary, though the high elevation and long hours in the vehicle matter if you're sensitive to altitude or need frequent breaks. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Salta hotels.
• entry to the Archaeological Museum and San José Church in Cachi.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably in whichever language you choose. If you're traveling with Spanish speakers or English speakers only, confirm the language at booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is the Tin Tin Straight Line and why does the tour cross it?

The Tin Tin Straight Line is an ancient Inca road that runs in a direct line across Los Cardones National Park. The tour crosses it as part of the route through the national park on the way to Cachi, making it one of the few ways to experience this historical pathway.

How high does the tour climb, and what should I know about the altitude?

The highest point is Piedra del Molino at 3,384 meters above sea level. The climb is gradual over the course of the morning and afternoon, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though you may want to take it easy if you're not accustomed to high elevation.

What stops does the tour make in Cachi itself?

In Cachi, you visit the Archaeological Museum and the colonial San José Church. Both are in the town center and you'll have time to walk through them and take in the views of the surrounding peaks before returning to Salta.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

Meals and drinks are not included. You'll want to bring water and snacks for the 12-hour day, or plan to purchase food in Cachi during the stop there.

What is the Cuesta del Obispo and why is it notable?

The Cuesta del Obispo is a steep mountain road with abundant curves that climbs from the Lerma Valley toward Piedra del Molino. It's the most dramatic section of the drive and offers panoramic views of the Enchanted Valley as you ascend.