Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas
Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas
Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas
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Carupia8
Benavidez, Argentina245 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
I enjoyed the road from Salta to Cafayate more than other scenery roads in Salta. I had visited the area only when I was a little girl and so everything looked new to me. The landscape is quite dramatic in hues of red with many geologic formations that are attractive to the eye and great for photography.
The road is very good, not too difficult and not too high either, and it takes long because you want to stop at every step. If you are fit enough, don't miss the views from the several high viewpoints and short trails along the way.
The road is very good, not too difficult and not too high either, and it takes long because you want to stop at every step. If you are fit enough, don't miss the views from the several high viewpoints and short trails along the way.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkA7561
United Kingdom136 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This review is for the tour run by Viajes Travel/Tiamar Travel - cos they were great. 5 hr trip with many great sightseeing stops. Stupendous views. Very friendly drivers/guides and very enthusiastic incl taking great photos. Ridiculously good value for money considering how much of this beautiful countryside we saw. Only in Spanish but tbh it’s all about the views so that doesn’t matter.
Written March 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bill49mpr
Belfast, UK226 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
We had a 5 day trip to Salta with a one day drive and overnight stay in Cafayate.We hired a gude/driver whom we found on TA and would not hesitate to recommend- Nick Evans/Poncho Tours.
This allowed us to relax and soak up the wonderful scenery of the Quebrada de las Conchas which roughly translated means Gorge of the sea-shells.
Nick explained that they found sea-shells and other fossils in the rocks proving that the mountains were once submerged, then the land was forced upwards when the Andes were formed.
You will see wonderful different coloured strata and scenary and visit The devils throat and amphitheatre caused by erosion of water and weather over millions of years. A long but worthwhile drive.
We had an overnight stay at the Killa Cafayate and next day visit to Quilmes Inca ruins.
During the trip Nick provided interesting commentary about the history and geography of the area with tales of folklore and stops along the way pic-nic lunch and photos and a-side trips.
This allowed us to relax and soak up the wonderful scenery of the Quebrada de las Conchas which roughly translated means Gorge of the sea-shells.
Nick explained that they found sea-shells and other fossils in the rocks proving that the mountains were once submerged, then the land was forced upwards when the Andes were formed.
You will see wonderful different coloured strata and scenary and visit The devils throat and amphitheatre caused by erosion of water and weather over millions of years. A long but worthwhile drive.
We had an overnight stay at the Killa Cafayate and next day visit to Quilmes Inca ruins.
During the trip Nick provided interesting commentary about the history and geography of the area with tales of folklore and stops along the way pic-nic lunch and photos and a-side trips.
Written April 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xav2000
34 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
After the bus ride from Salta we were up for some sightseeing and exercise....
That was a real nice experience
Renting a bike is easy
Take a colectivo (flecha bus at 08h30 or 10h30) they will leave you at the garganta del Diablo after 45 min drive. Cost 50 pesos + 20 pesos for the bike.
From there the way is easy but still 48 kms!!!
Make sure to bring water, sunblock and snacks.... Water can be bought on the way, at the beginning of the ride
You might get a sore but from the rental bike, but worth it
That was a real nice experience
Renting a bike is easy
Take a colectivo (flecha bus at 08h30 or 10h30) they will leave you at the garganta del Diablo after 45 min drive. Cost 50 pesos + 20 pesos for the bike.
From there the way is easy but still 48 kms!!!
Make sure to bring water, sunblock and snacks.... Water can be bought on the way, at the beginning of the ride
You might get a sore but from the rental bike, but worth it
Written May 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas T
Bruges, Belgium29 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
- Rent a car and do the roundtrip Salta-Cafayate-Molinos-Cachi-Humahuaca-Salinas Grandes-Salta ! Will be one of your best 4-5 day roadtrips ever!
- Las Conchas is one piece of this roadtrip and offers so many nice views, you gonna want to stop behind each and every corner to take pictures. The colors of the scenery can be compared to the West-Usa national parks in Utah, Arizona.
- You have got to stop at the Gargante del Diablo, it is located near the road, so no reason at all not to stop since it is free and you have parking space. Go as far as you can in the narrow canyon, climb some rocks to get to the bottom of the Gargante (throat in english). Sit back and enjoy the scenery.
- Stop at the viewpoint Las Tres Cruces. There is a sign and you can see the white crosses. One of the most beautiful views along this way. While there, go walk up the little, short trail. From there you can make astonishing pictures of the valley.
- Make sure you have food and drinks because there are no big shops, restaurants along the way. You might find a little hut/shack with locals trying to sell some water, coke, ...
- Las Conchas is one piece of this roadtrip and offers so many nice views, you gonna want to stop behind each and every corner to take pictures. The colors of the scenery can be compared to the West-Usa national parks in Utah, Arizona.
- You have got to stop at the Gargante del Diablo, it is located near the road, so no reason at all not to stop since it is free and you have parking space. Go as far as you can in the narrow canyon, climb some rocks to get to the bottom of the Gargante (throat in english). Sit back and enjoy the scenery.
- Stop at the viewpoint Las Tres Cruces. There is a sign and you can see the white crosses. One of the most beautiful views along this way. While there, go walk up the little, short trail. From there you can make astonishing pictures of the valley.
- Make sure you have food and drinks because there are no big shops, restaurants along the way. You might find a little hut/shack with locals trying to sell some water, coke, ...
Written December 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
London, UK914 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
About 2hrs from Salta, Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas is an area on unrivalled beauty with red rock hills that resemble a martian landscape.
Unfortunately the famed multi coloured rock layers are only visible in certain sunlight and we went on a grey cloudy day, but that didn't diminish our enjoyment.
Unfortunately the famed multi coloured rock layers are only visible in certain sunlight and we went on a grey cloudy day, but that didn't diminish our enjoyment.
Written May 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jared13
41 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Beautifully diverse landscape featuring a myriad of mineral coloured sands. The road taken follows the river so the scenery just gets better by the minute. If you take the day tour you'll learn a lot about the plants and animals that inhabit the area which is great!!...there's a natural amphitheatre carved into one of the mountains here, where you can hear local guitar maestros play.
Written July 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donmegawatt
Bangkok2 contributions
Puna Turismo books tours of the "Quebrada (Canyon) del Rio de las Conchas Cafayate", is located on the north side of the central plaza, and recommended in the Lonely Planet. The attaction itself is enjoyable ... our overall experience was not. This is the second tour we'd taken in 20 months of travel and thought it was a bargain at 60 pesos.... it's also the first time we've had anything stolen from us.
A blue van picked us up, along with travelers from other hostels. We stopped to buy water and the driver filled the cooler next to him with beer. We never got any, never saw him drink any, but don't understand why it was there. We made about eight stops in the canyon. I kept my bag with me the whole time but at the last "mirador" (lookout point) I left my bag in the van with the driver because it seemed like we were only going to walk ten feet and take some pictures. Moments later people were walking up a small hill to get a better view ... we went with them. The driver was in the van the whole time and we were the first travelers back to the van. Upon return my wife remembered that her DSLR camera bag was disorganized inside but she thought little of it because it held nothing of value. She didn't realize I'd left my bag in the van. Once we got back to town, we went straight back to our hostel and didn't leave for the night. The next morning I realized my Canon IXUS digital camera/8gig card was missing. I never used it or took it out of my bag during the tour because my wife had brought her DSLR.
I went to Puna Turismo guy and asked if he could have the owner of the van check the floor. After telling him the whole story he seemed geniunely dissapointed. He made some phone calls ... brought the driver in to talk to ... but nothing happened. Later that day I realized that my pricey windbreaker winter hat was also missing out of my bag.
Long story short: If you're going on the canyon tour in a blue van ... don't let your guard down for a second.
A blue van picked us up, along with travelers from other hostels. We stopped to buy water and the driver filled the cooler next to him with beer. We never got any, never saw him drink any, but don't understand why it was there. We made about eight stops in the canyon. I kept my bag with me the whole time but at the last "mirador" (lookout point) I left my bag in the van with the driver because it seemed like we were only going to walk ten feet and take some pictures. Moments later people were walking up a small hill to get a better view ... we went with them. The driver was in the van the whole time and we were the first travelers back to the van. Upon return my wife remembered that her DSLR camera bag was disorganized inside but she thought little of it because it held nothing of value. She didn't realize I'd left my bag in the van. Once we got back to town, we went straight back to our hostel and didn't leave for the night. The next morning I realized my Canon IXUS digital camera/8gig card was missing. I never used it or took it out of my bag during the tour because my wife had brought her DSLR.
I went to Puna Turismo guy and asked if he could have the owner of the van check the floor. After telling him the whole story he seemed geniunely dissapointed. He made some phone calls ... brought the driver in to talk to ... but nothing happened. Later that day I realized that my pricey windbreaker winter hat was also missing out of my bag.
Long story short: If you're going on the canyon tour in a blue van ... don't let your guard down for a second.
Written November 20, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna845
Lakewood, CO26 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
Traveling from Salta to Cafayate through the Quebrada has to be one of the most scenic drives I've ever taken. The colors, textures and shapes in the canyon are a truly sensory event! I thought that a day tour would be the best way to experience it but I was wrong. It left me wanting more. The day tour began was 13 hours but the two hrs. were spent picking up and dropping off passengers. There were about six photo opportunities in the canyon and a lot of waiting around for a few inconsiderate people to get back to the bus at each stop. When we arrived at Cafayate we stopped at a horrible and slow restaurant so shortly after eating we turned around to go back to Salta. I was compelled to go back to this incredible place by a more satisfying means.
So I took the FlechaBus at 10:35 am. This bus was a double decker. (Not all of them are so make sure your view is not obstructed when you buy your ticket). I sat in the front seat, upstairs. Due to the time of day, the way the light was shining and my panoramic view, this trip through the canyon was even more spectacular than the last time. If I had wished, I could have stopped at any location along the way, hiked and photographed and then taken another bus onto Cafayate.
The town of Cafayate is enchanting. I ended up staying four days and still didn't want to leave. The trip from Salta to Cafayate is both a journey and a destination. Take the time to enjoy it.
So I took the FlechaBus at 10:35 am. This bus was a double decker. (Not all of them are so make sure your view is not obstructed when you buy your ticket). I sat in the front seat, upstairs. Due to the time of day, the way the light was shining and my panoramic view, this trip through the canyon was even more spectacular than the last time. If I had wished, I could have stopped at any location along the way, hiked and photographed and then taken another bus onto Cafayate.
The town of Cafayate is enchanting. I ended up staying four days and still didn't want to leave. The trip from Salta to Cafayate is both a journey and a destination. Take the time to enjoy it.
Written January 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wilhelmm-norway
Fornebu, Norway188 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
The drive from Cafayate to Cachi is unique and should not be missed. You pass through so many different landscapes that makes you stop, take pictures, and just say wow!
No problem to do this drive in an ordinary car, although the road is not paved and there could be small floodings in the rainy season. On your way to Cachi: Do stop at the Hacienda de Molinos in Molinos (ca 2/3) of the way from Cafayate to Cachi. This is a wonderful small hotel and restaurant set in an old convent just in front of the main church (from 1648) in Molinos. The drive will probably take ca 5 hours including all stops you will want to do on the way.
No problem to do this drive in an ordinary car, although the road is not paved and there could be small floodings in the rainy season. On your way to Cachi: Do stop at the Hacienda de Molinos in Molinos (ca 2/3) of the way from Cafayate to Cachi. This is a wonderful small hotel and restaurant set in an old convent just in front of the main church (from 1648) in Molinos. The drive will probably take ca 5 hours including all stops you will want to do on the way.
Written February 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola a todos!! me gustaría que me dijeran donde parar y qué ver en el camino de Rafaela a Cafayate. salgo de Rafaela y mi destino es cafayate, pero son tanto km que no se qué puedo hacer en el medio aunque me desvié unos pocos km
Written July 25, 2023
Alejandra buenas tardes desde Rafaela a Cafayate tenes minimo 12 hs de viaje desde la ruta 34 hasta Santiago del Estero donde podes ver el nuevo estadio único madre de ciudades, luego tomas la ruta 9 pasas por termas de Rio Hondo ahi esta el autodromo y el lago para ver, luego seguir con mucho cuidado por la ruta 9 siempre de dia porque tiene presencia de animales sueltos en la ruta como cabras,chanchos y burros, ya entrando a la provincia de Tucuman vas observar ingenios azucareros, caña de azucar por la ruta 38 hasta tafi del valle lugar turistico, desde Tafi del valle a Cafayate vas a ir por la ruta 38 para luego tomar la 40 ..ruta en malas condiciones y de montaña por lo que la marcha de tu vehiculo v aser siempre entre 40 a 60 kms x hora si pasas de esa velocidad podes romper vehiculo ademas de animales en ruta que es un peligro, una vez que llegas a Cafayate mejora la ruta.Recomendacion: hacer Rafaela a Termas de Rio Hondo, tomar noche alli y despues de termas ir a Cafayate porque por esa ruta tenes que ir despacio. Saludos
Written July 26, 2023
Buenas buenas, estamos planeando viaje para fines de septiembre y queria saber si da lo mismo hacer cafayate, cachi salta o es mejor hacer salta cachi cafayate?
Si tienen lindo hoteles para recomendar agradezco info.
Written July 6, 2023
92Laura C: mira la mejor opcion es Salta siempre, despues un duia podes hacer cachi por la cuesta del obispo y volver a Salta... otro dia hacer Salta a Cafayate. si queres hacer toda la vuelta en un solo dia no te van alcanzar las horas para poder disfrutar del paisaje hermosos. De Salta a Cachi ruta 68 y luego la ruta 33 a la altura del poblado El Carril (estar atento a los carteles que son pocos),pasas por la cuesta del obispo camino de cornisa y muchas curvas, ojo que tenes un trecho largo de camino de ripio para volver despues a ruta ... desayunar o comer livianito para que no le caiga mal, salir de Salta a mas tardar 8:00 de la mañana para regresar tipo 20:00hs. Con respecto a Salta hasta Cafayate si vas en auto salir a mas tardar 8:00hs por ruta 68 ir directo hasta Cafayate para llegar tipo 11.30 hs si parar en el camino, visitar cafayate, almorzar liviano y tipo 14 hs regresar por misma ruta para apreciar el paisaje y hacer parada en los castillos, tres cruces, anfiteatro y garganta del diablo como minimo, tener en cuenta que no se le haga la noche en esa ruta por tema de animales sueltos como vacas y burros , esa es mi recomendacion, llegarian tipo 20:00 hs a Salta.
Written July 26, 2023
Cristina B
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hola Gente
Quería confirmar si en Cafayate es posible contratar taxi o remis para hacer la Quebrada delas Conchas, parando en el anfiteatro, la garganta etc. Por supuesto si alguien tiene un Te o contacto sería un golaso
Voy a ir a Salta y Jujuy en febrero, sola, sin auto ( no manejo). No me gustan las excursiones y además están carísimas. Por todo esto voy a hacer casi todo con transporte público.
Desde ya muchas gracias
Written December 4, 2022
Hola. Como estás? Nosotros contratamos una excursión para ir a la Quebrada de las Conchas. No hay un transporte público que te lleve hacia la zona, las distancias entre una atracción y otra son largas. En taxi o remis era bastante más caro. Los chicos de Majo viajes que se encuentra frente a la plaza, casi al lado de la iglesia son muy responsables y el paseo fue increíble. Te lo recomiendo. Averiguamos en otro lugar, el precio era el mismo, nos informaron que vayamos directamente sin reservar unos quince minutos antes de la hora de salida, pero cuando fuimos nos dijeron que no tenían espacio para dos personas más y nos hicieron perder el día. Espero te haya servido mi respuesta. Saludos y buen viaje.
Written December 7, 2022
osvaldo I.. podes ir con tu mascota siempre que lleves bolsitas para juntar su excremento y que no quede en la ruta
Written July 26, 2023
hola buenas tardes, alguien me ayuda? voy a estar parando en san carlos dos noches. Quisiera ir de san carlos por la ruta 40 y recorrer cachi volviendo a salta en el dia haciendo la quebrada de las fechas y garganta del diablo... Se puede? tengo muchas horas? Gracias
Written January 6, 2022
tripO1221 si vos lo googleas esa vuelta tiene minimo 10 hs de viaje sin hacer paradas no lo recomiendo.
Mejor seria que el dia que llegues a San Carlos, tipo 14 hs salgas a recorrer Cafayate , tomes la ruta 68 hacia la Quebrada de las conchas y recorras 60 kms hasta la Garganta del diablo,despues de ahi regresas como regresando a cafayate donde podes ver el Anfiteatro , tres cruces , los castillos, vas a estar regresando a san carlos tipo 19 o 20 hs. Al otro dia haces san carlos - Cachi - cuesta del obispo .. salir minimo 8 de la mañana porque hasta Salta tenes 300 kms de camino sinuoso y vas a perder tiempo en fotos, yo recomendaria llegar hasta puente malcante y que regreses asi llegas tipo 20:00hs a San Carlos porque si vas a Salta capital tendrias que hacer noche alli porque serian muchas horas y esa ruta de noche no es aconsejable por animales sueltos.
Written July 26, 2023
Hola!! Saben si se puede llegar en micro? No tenemos auto y tampoco podemos alquilar porque no manejamos. Pense también en contratar excursion pero no se que tan completa será. Gracias!
Written August 19, 2021
Si, hay excursiones para Cafayate en Salta.
Written November 23, 2023
Hola! Voy a ir a salta, quería recorrer en auto cafayate, cachi y tafi, quería saber que recorrido me recomiendan y cuanto tiempo parar en cada lugar. Gracias!
Written June 28, 2021
Te recomiendo que visites en Tafí la estancia las carreras. Hermosa. Te podes quedar tres o cuatro días. Las bodegas son muy buenas. Y en Cafayate también esa cantidad de días. Son encantadoras. Guardare más de cuatro días para la cuidad de salta. Imposible menos si querés recorrerla.
Written June 28, 2021
Hola quería saber que me recomiendan o si conocen alguna excursion para hacer desde Salta hacia Cafayate que no incluya viñedo ni cosas de ese estilo. Que sea solo paisajista y que podamos quedarnos un rato a disfrutar de cada lugar. Gracias!
Written February 14, 2020
Hola Fede; personalmente evito contratar excursiones porque obviamente, estás sujeto a paradas y tiempos ya preestablecidos. Y hacerlo por tu cuenta en este caso, tiene el encanto de parar en lugares que a vos te gusten y quedarte recorriéndolos. No te vas a perder nada, ya que todo está al costado de la ruta..y los lugares más emblemáticos los tenés señalizados (el Anfiteatro, Los Castillos, etc) . Así que depende tu conveniencia, podrías alquilar un auto o arreglar con un remis de la zona. Que lo disfrutes!
Written February 18, 2020
Hola en qué podemos ir desde cafayate a quebrada de las conchas? Y alli queriamos recorrer todo caminando es posible? Somos 4 adultos
Written October 27, 2019
Ojo yo te contesté como para hacer trekking , sino la otra opción es alquilando un auto y van parando en el anfiteatro y en la garganta del diablo.
Pero hay un lugar que es una ruta para trekking que está buenísima y van a disfrutar más.
Written October 28, 2019
Yamil Alejandro
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hola grupo, como estas? si me pueden dar una mano genial.
Quiero ir de tucuman a cafayate, de ahí quebrada de las conchas, cachi y salta capital y quedarme ahí. Saben si se puede alquilar auto con chofer? el tema es que no volvería para cafayate. Si tienen precio genial!!!
Written October 10, 2019
Hola Yamila: si pensas quedarte en salta capital,tal vez te convendria contratar tours hacia cachi y hacia cafayate(este ultimo pasa por la quebrada de las conchas) desde salta.No conozco que se pueda contratar auto con chofer,salvo taxis que puedan hacer esos trayectos,pero tene en cuenta que lleva un tiempo....(y no debe ser barato),Y si sabes manejar no tengas miedo en hacerlo contratando un auto e ir con tus tiempos , el unico tramo de ripio(para el recorrido que propones) es cafayate /cachi ,pero si vas despacio se hace sin problemas(maso 4 horas),el resto de las rutas esta muy bueno y los paisajes son hermosos!!!!. Incluso si paras en salta tambien tenes la opcion de visitar tilcara y purmamarca,por eso salta es el punto de partida ideal para visitar el norte y hay varias opciones para tener en cuenta antes de decidir el camino. Si queres consultar algo sobre este viaje estoy a tu disposicion.Saludos
Written October 11, 2019
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