★ Cachi and La Paya ★
11/04/2024
The large Cactus National Park near the Argentinean city of Salta is unique. At an altitude of almost 3,000 metres, the cacti stand like larger-than-life sculptures in the landscape.
If you want to visit the national park, it is best to drive from Salta via Route 33 towards Payogasta and Cachi. A few kilometers in front of the two places and also around it, the cacti are everywhere. In addition, the bizzar desert landscape with its gray, brown and red shades inspires. Here and there, Alpacas graze by the side of the road.
The cacti are up to six meters high and have a diameter of a loose half a meter. The spines are long and hard as carpenter's nails. Caution is needed. It is not uncommon for dead accidents.
I drove through the national park at the end of 2024 and initially spent two nights in the village of Cachi. The place is quite well developed touristically. There are a number of restaurants, cafes, shops and overnight stays. Everyone is making a lot of effort to have it nice in the somewhat inhospitable area.
However, a real highlight was waiting for me a few kilometers outside of town. With my car I followed Route 40, which leads all the way to Cafayate. The road is extremely dusty and in many places, others told me, only to drive with a 4x4.
I was traveling with a small car. Cafayte was not my goal. I just wanted to find some pretty cacti that are good for the photo. So after a short time came to a road junction, which was signposted with La Paya in the direction of the mountains.
La Paya is a tiny village that has right at its entrance one of the most beautiful fincas where I have stayed so far. It consists of the Casa de Campo La Paya and a small bodega with a garden and vineyard around it. The property has several rooms, a communal living and dining area and a large garden. Next to it is a small church with a sweet park and the bodega, where you can eat wonderfully. The entire area around La Paya invites you to go hiking and walking.
When I was there, two sisters took care of the property and the guests. The wine served there is self-grown and produced, as well as all other dishes, including cheese, sausage, bread or vegetables.
In short: a great place for an overnight stay or just a day trip from Cachi.