Is Cafayate expensive to visit?
In Cafayate, budget travelers spend $29 (AR$34,301) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $66 (AR$78,723) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $128 (AR$152,458) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Cafayate.
Cafayate is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Cafayate has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within South America, Cafayate is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Huaraz or Quito.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cafayate Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cafayate?
The average Cafayate trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cafayate travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cafayate cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Cafayate on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $29 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Cafayate is home to plenty of hostels, including Huaka Hostel and Guest House, Hostería Neny, and Cielito Lindo Hostel. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Tourists visiting Cafayate generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $66 per person, per day.
Cafayate offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Altalaluna Hotel Boutique & Spa is an excellent option for kids, and Villa Vicuna Wine & Boutique Hotel is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Cafayate here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $128. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a premium budget.
Accommodation Budget in Cafayate
The range of hotel prices in Cafayate can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $136, but during peak season the average price can reach $254. From $53 for budget hotels to $828 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cafayate for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $85 (AR$101,230). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $43 (AR$50,615) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cafayate? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cafayate include:
- Patios De Cafayate starting at $174
- La Casa De La Bodega - Wine Boutique Hotel starting at $125
- Hotel Portal del Santo starting at $108
- Altalaluna Hotel Boutique & Spa starting at $155
- El Porvenir Casa de Bodega starting at $200
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip ), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Cafayate
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $6.30 (AR$7,483) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cafayate. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cafayate is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.30
AR$7,483
Cafayate can be reached by bus from the city of Salta in about four hours. There are six buses every day. Buses also travel to Cafayate from Tucuman and the trip takes approximately five hours. There are four buses a day, but it is important to note that this route sometimes closes when the rains are bad. If your budget isn't so tight you can easily hire a guide in Salta. They will provide you air conditioned, private transportation from Salta with an English speaking driver. You can also choose to stop along the way at bodegas, towns, and historic points of interest along the way.
Once you reach the town of Cafayate, it is small enough to explore easily on foot. If you want to travel outside of town, a bicycle is probably your best option. Taxis are available near the town's main square. These taxis can take you to any of the vineyards if you choose not to rent a bike. Taxis do not have meters, but prices are usually reasonable. There are no car rental places in Cafayate, but it is possible to rent a car in Salta.
How much does it cost to go to Cafayate? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cafayate will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cafayate
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Cafayate can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cafayate is $8.03 (AR$9,541) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$8.03
AR$9,541
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cafayate is around $8 (AR$9541) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $15. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cafayate are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $2
- Lunch: $1 to $3
- Dinner: $2 to $6
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
There are a handful of decent restaurants throughout the town, many of which cater specifically to tourists. You can easily find empanadas, tamales and humitas, all of which are quite good and cheap. One unique and interesting option which you should definitely try at least once is the local ice cream made specifically from local wine. There are some great ice cream shops on Ruta Nac 40 between C.Q de Nino and Cordoba.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cafayate
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cafayate typically cost an average of $50 (AR$59,303) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$50
AR$59,303
While Cafayate is a small town with few traditional "sights", it's definitely a wonderful place to visit. It'll give you a feel for what small town life in Argentina is like and let you see some spectacularly unique and beautiful rock formations in the area. Definitely allow yourself plenty of time to explore the town's vineyards, known as bodegas, which are quite beautiful in the area. Make sure you know what time the vineyards open and close prior to starting your day as many vineyards have irregular hours.
The Museum of Wine is in the area. It highlights the influence of the wine industry on the region, and although the exhibit is well done, it is not a "must see" in the area.
If you've visited your share of vineyards, then a unique alternative is the Cabras da Cafayate. This is a goat cheese farm that is about a kilometer away from the town's main square. It is well worth a visit.
Many of the most impressive natural sights in the area are along the 183 kilometer National Route 68 that goes between Salta and Cafayate. Along the 165 kilometers between Cafayate and Cachi is National Route 40, which also has many points of interest.
The main activity in the area is, of course, touring vineyards. It's possible to rent a bicycle and travel to many of the area's best vineyards.
It is also interesting to visit Shell Gorge and the sand dunes. There are some excellent views and photo opportunities in the areas. You can ride up to the ravine and then hike into a cloud forest as well. You must take one of the guides at the entrance, as this is local Indian land. You can also drive about 45 minutes outside of town to see the Quilmes Ruins in the Tucuman province. This was a pre-colombian city that was conquered by the Inca and Spanish conquistadores.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cafayate. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Unveiling Premium Wine Road Adventure for $127 details
- From Salta: Local Landscape, Winery, and Culture Tour for $130 details
- From Salta: Cafayate, Salinas Grandes, & Hornocal Tour for $128 details
Cafayate, Argentina
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.