Sandy - so glad you're staying at the Estancia - we loved it!

To answer your question it depends on which drive you want to do. You can drive on the main road to/from Cafayate which is beautiful and paved the whole way. If we choose to stop in Cachi or Molinos for one night it's a tougher drive (in one direction) - unpaved roads/lots of switchbacks etc - but is stunningly beautiful. Have you looked at a Google map? It will give you an idea of the complexity of the road.

Hi Elizabeth

So good to hear from you

I think that I would like to do the loop from Salta to Cachi and then on to Cafayate and then up again on the paved road back toward Salta
In anticipation of that route, I booked at Finca La Paya in Cachi for one night
I know that the road is challenging-and we have driven some very rough roads in South Africa-however I always felt safe
However having driven for about 2 weeks in the Andes in Peru in May, I know how remote these roads can be. There we had a driver and guide
Of course, my husband says..."don't worry"
I know how amazing the scenery is and certainly would hate to miss it
I rented a small car, and whill check the tire treads

Sandy

Here is a link to our blog covering, more or less the same route in 2008. The salta loop starts at entry 75.
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog/candcthai/1/tpod.html

It certainly ranks as one of the best road trips I have ever made and I am sure you will love it! I don't think it matters too much which rout you take as the scenery is spectacular every where. Do make sure that you top up your tak whenever you have the opportunity as petrol stations are few and far between. Also, if your car struggles a bit on some of the longer climbs up the hills, particularly around salineras grande, dont worry too much as it is just the altitude.

Finca La Paya is an excellent choice as is the food there.

We did the drive from Cachi to Cafayate and enjoyed it. Click on my name and u can read our TR which describes the drive. Have a great trip!

I love ACA in Cachi... it is nice, comfortable and rasonably priced- The restaurant is great if you want to relax and stay home at night instead of going out....
I love the empanads there! but also the quinoa soup is delicious!
If you nees further info about the area, pls let me know. I was distracted these days, but I promise I will check...
Warm regards,
Angie/FLitnstones.

Thanks Angie

I decided to not overnight in Cachi=perhaps stop for lunch, and stay in Molinos at the Hacienda and then on to Cafayate for 2 nights

Do you think that we will run into any problems with the altitude?

Sandy

sb1020 - I would recommend stopping in Cachi as you drive through - we didn't stop as we passed through on the way to Molinos as we were going to go to Cachi as a daytrip from Molinos but the road was in bad shape so we didn't. We really enjoyed the Hacienda. Where are you staying Cafayate?

Re altitude - we didn't have any problems even on the drive to the Salt Flats - although I hopped out of the car at the peak (4100 metres as I recall?) I was reminded I was at altitude! Are you planning to go to Salinas Grande? It's a really nice drive from Purmamarca - lots of switchbacks but a newly paved roads and the truck drivers are really polite about pulling over.

Hi Elizabeth

In Cafayate we will be staying at the Vinas de Cafayate Wine Resort (2) and in Purmamarca at the Manatial del Silencio (3) and then on to the Estancia

Which route did you take when you got to Salta and went up to Purmamarca

Definitely, I plan on visiting Salinas Grande!! We will have at least 2 full days in that area

Sandy

We took the really wiggly road north of Salta to Purmamarca - actually I wouldn't recommend it as it was just mainly unnerving without spectacular scenery to make it worthwhile (you're in trees for the really windy, millions of blind corner bits). I'd take the main road (#9?) that goes east of Salta then North to Jujuy and then to Purmamarca. That's the same route you'll do in reverse to go to the Estancia.