The Quebrada de las Conchas is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in one of the most beautiful regions in Argentina.
Salta is one of the most beautiful places in the country, earning itself the nickname “Salta La Linda.”
Salta the Beautiful.
The Quebrada de las Conchas is a scenic drive just outside of Cafayate, nearly three hours south of the city of Salta.
This post is a complete guide to all the must-see formations, view points, hikes, and empanadas (obviously) along this stunning drive
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How to Visit the Quebrada de las Conchas
The Quebrada de las Conchas – which translates to the Shell’s Ravine or Gorge – is just outside of Cafayate, nearly three hours south of the city of Salta.
If visiting for the day from Salta, your day tour – like this one – will likely visit a winery or two in Cafayate along with the red earth formations of the quebrada.
However, I recommend basing yourself in Cafayate for at least a couple couple of days. Enjoy the wineries in Cafayate, the beautiful town, and enjoy the proximity to the quebrada.
Rent a car for a Salta road trip and while in Cafayate, use your freedom to go early in the morning or late in the evening for the best light, best temperatures, and fewer people because group tours from the city of Salta tend to arrive later in the morning.
Ruta 68 from Salta all the way to Cafayate is paved and easy to drive.
Check car rental rates & availability now.
For example, we went for a hike in La Yesera to Los Estratos at 7 am – it was the best decision we made.
And with late breakfasts in Argentina, you can get back to your hotel in time for the breakfast buffet after your morning excursion!
You can also bike the quebrada. Many hotels, like ours when we stayed in Villa Vicuña, have free bikes for you to use. You can also rent one downtown.
Take a bus from the main bus terminal and have them load your bike. Get off at the Garganta del Diablo and bike back to town.
Quebrada de las Conchas Highlights
The Quebrada de las Conchas is a series of natural formations and photo ops.
The two largest formations – the Amphitheater and the Devil’s Throat – were formed by waterfalls slowly eroding the rock.
Other formations are rocks that have been worn into the shapes of familiar objects like an obelisk or a toad.
The following is a list of the landmarks to see along the way, starting in Cafayate and working your way north in the direction of Salta.
El Obelisco
Compared to the obelisk in Buenos Aires, this small stone pyramid is a little underwhelming.
Nevertheless, I always stop for an obligatory photo.
La Yesera, Los Estratos, Empanadas, & Llamas
In 2018 we arrived at La Yesera at 7 am to hike out to Los Estratos. We had the place to ourselves all morning and the light was spectacular.
The hike takes 30 minutes each way and is completely flat, feeling more like a leisurely walk and easy for all skill levels.
If you miss the sign, keep an eye on the kilometer markers. La Yesera is at kilometer 28. For a good landmark, look for the small white house selling clay pots and handicrafts and coincidentally, some of the best empanadas we had in Cafayate.
The small shop also had a few llamas tied up (I know, it isn’t ideal but they seemed healthy and cared for). My son loved feeding them and they seemed content as well.
El Sapo – The Toad
Another random rock worn by the wind into an odd shape, this time a toad.
It’s a little more warped from the other end so you do need to see it from the right angle to see the toad.
Casa de los Loros – Parrot’s Nest
I found the parrot’s nest to be surprisingly interesting.
Parrots have made their homes in the niches in the rock (see above).
They feed on seeds and plants in the region, proving that even in a desert, where there’s a will to live, there’s always a way.
El Fraile – The Friar
Can you spot the friar perched on top of the small cliff in the center above?
I have to admit I had a hard time finding him at first.
Mirador Tres Cruces Viewpoint
The Mirador Tres Cruces is an absolutely must see view point.
There’s a small parking lot to pull over and there will be a couple vendors selling handicrafts, it’s impossible to miss.
There’s a small staircase to climb for an epic view of the Calchaqui Valley below.
We were lucky with the morning light that bathed the valley in the most perfect light possible.
El Anfiteatro – The Amphitheater
The final two formations (or first two if you’re coming from Salta) are the most stunning.
Once inside them, you’ll feel like you’re being enveloped by the cavernous rock towering overhead.
The amphitheater is very appropriately named.
The acoustics are magnificent, and there are usually musicians inside playing local folkloric music.
On our first visit we were lucky to arrive at the same time as a massive tour bus. I have never said that before (and likely never will again).
However, this particular tour group was a large group of Argentine retirees. They formed a dance party, singing and dancing with the musicians in the amphitheater. It was such a memorable experience.
Garganta del Diablo – The Devil’s Throat
Such a menacing name and they seem to love it Argentina.
There’s a Devil’s Throat waterfall in Iguazu Falls and a Devil’s Throat waterfall hike in Tilcara in Jujuy.
This particular Garganta del Diablo (below) is the remains of a waterfall long gone dry.
This final formation is smaller than the Anfiteatro but no less stunning. You’re allowed to climb up the rocks and explore inside the canyon.
The sign says not to climb in sandals but I have twice and lived to tell the tale.
Don’t miss the woman outside selling tortilla rellena (with regional goat cheese). There are also artisans here selling jewelry and other handicrafts.
Read More: How to Spend One day in the City of Salta
Puente Morales – The bridge from Relatos Salvajes
If you haven’t seen Relatos Salvajes (Wild Tales) yet, then watch it immediately. You can stream it on Amazon here.
It’s one of the best Argentine movies I’ve ever seen. It’s made up of a collection of short films about situations where things get out of hand, very quickly.
One of the storylines was filmed right here in the Quebrada de las Conchas and at kilometer 61 you can pull off to the infamous bridge where they filmed their scene.
Obviously, we had to stop for a photoshoot pretending to be the characters beating each other up on the side of the highway in Salta.
Hotels in the Quebrada de las Conchas
In 2021, we chose to stay in this hotel in the quebrada instead of in Cafayate.
It’s not ideal for everyone, but if you have a rental car to get around and want these stunning views, we really enjoyed it.
It was about a 15 minute drive to get into downtown Cafayate, so it wasn’t as comfortable as when we stayed at Villa Vicuna downtown. Downtown we could be in a winery within 5 minutes on foot.
But staying at Castillos de Cafayate also had it’s benefits. Namely, the view. Our room had a huge window with a view of the Castillos formation. Sunset and sunrise was a spectacle each day.
Secondly, our room was large with a living area that made staying there with our toddler more comfortable. The pool is also wonderful if going in the hot summer months.
Read More About Argentina’s Northwest:
- Things to do in Cafayate
- A 9 Day Itinerary for Salta & Jujuy
- 9 Days in Salta – The Ideal Road Trip
- Things to do in Jujuy, Argentina
- Guide to the Salinas Grandes, Salt Flats
- The Best Wineries in Cafayate
- How to spend 1 day in Salta
- Things to do in Cachi
- The best wineries in Cachi, Salta
Argentina Travel Resources
- TRAVEL INSURANCE | It is always a good idea to travel insured. It protects you in so many cases, like lost luggage and trip cancellations, medical emergencies and evacuations. It’s very affordable with the potential to save you thousands in the case of an emergency. I recommend SafetyWing.
- PHONE PLAN | These days, traveling with data is essential. Especially in Argentina where everything is managed on Instagram and WhatsApp. I recommend this E-SIM card. It’s hassle-free and affordable, for more read how to get an Argentina sim card.
- ACCOMMODATION IN ARGENTINA | booking.com is the most common hotel site used in Argentina and it’s where you’ll find the most options.
- RENTAL CARS | I love to travel Argentina via road trip, I’ve always used rentalcars.com, now they are operating under the umbrella of Booking.com’s car rental system.
- BUS TICKETS | Check Busbud for long distance bus routes and tickets.
- VPN | If you’ll be using a public WiFi connection and want to secure your data, I highly recommend using a VPN, I personally use and have had a good experience with ExpressVPN. I also use it to access Hulu and American Netflix from Argentina.
- FLIGHTS | Always check Google Flights and Skyscanner for flights to and within Argentina. Aerolineas Argentina is the local airline with the most routes. FlyBondi and Jetsmart are two budget airlines with dirt-cheap prices (but expect to pay for every add-on like luggage).
- BOOK A CONSULTATION | I offer one-on-one travel consultations to help you plan your trip to Argentina. Pick my brain to get a local’s insight. Click here for more information.
Pin It For Later
Wow, these photos are spectacular! I wish I had more time to spend in South America to explore Argentina and Chile that just means that I will have to plan another trip. This is definitely something that I want to see.
Thanks so much! yeah, there’s so much to see in this corner of the world that it’s hard to get it all in. I hope you can plan a return trip!
This was possibly the best road trip of my life!
All I wanted was more time to explore everything.
And so few tourist, the region is really an insider’s tip.
Thank you very much for your guide, it helped us a lot with the planning!!
I’m so glad you loved it, this is such a gorgeous stretch of road!
Is there anywhere to stop for lunch along the drive from Cafayte to Salta?
I have heard good things about Posta de las Cabras but haven’t been:
https://g.co/kgs/yedEMh