Estancia Colomé
FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW
An ideal stopover between Salta capital and Cafayate on the picturesque Ruta 40, this stunning lodge is located on the Colomé wine estate 20 km (13 miles) from Molinos.
We've compiled the best of the best in The Northwest - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
An ideal stopover between Salta capital and Cafayate on the picturesque Ruta 40, this stunning lodge is located on the Colomé wine estate 20 km (13 miles) from Molinos.
This former state-owned hotel, a short ride out of town, has comfortable rooms and recreational facilities that invite you to linger; the view from the swimming pool takes in most of the city and the mountains beyond. Altos de la Viña's 12-acre property also includes a spa and tennis court, plus reasonably priced restaurant Olaroz.
At this tranquil retreat, weeping willows, red rocks, and gardens filled with birdsong are hemmed in by the craggy Quebrada and its utter calm; inside the colonial-style stucco mansion, local artifacts and earth tones make things warm and harmonious throughout. The view from the Jacuzzi is unbeatable. The restaurant offers sophisticated takes on local fare.
A contemporary offering in the area, Grace Cafayate isn't just a step away from the local style—it's a whole world away. Located within the well-heeled La Estancia de Cafayate residential and recreational complex, its lodging options include suites overlooking vineyards in the main building, as well as stand-alone villas and apartments across the way. Relax by the infinity pool or head to the spa for a grape-based treatment, then watch dinner being prepared in the open kitchen at the gourmet restaurant. Golfers can book a round on the Estancia's 18-hole course.
This lovely 18th-century hacienda belonged to the last Spanish governor, its fantastic open courtyard, white adobe walls, and racing green doorways denoting the colonial era. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with king-size beds and large bathtubs. Kick back with afternoon tea under the pink pepper tree or laze about next to the swimming pool. Its location opposite the church ensures you can soak up Molinos’ atmosphere easily; the in-house restaurant is ideal for lunch stop-offs (the beef empanadas are widely touted as the best in the region) if you can't stay.
This hotel, on the main road in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, is a stunning colonial-style property, complete with a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and spacious, well-appointed guest rooms. Design and simplicity combine for a comfortable stay.
This elegant 10-room abode represents Salta, right down to the cardon cactus door panels and hand-stitched headboards depicting Andean landscapes. Comfortable en suite guest rooms, each named after a national park, have terraces and some boast a poolside view. You can lounge in the living room with a glass of Torrontés after a long day of sightseeing.
Although this stately white-adobe building looks like it's been here forever, it was in fact built in 2006. Inside, rooms are huge and comfortable with tasteful wood and iron furniture. Communal areas include an enormous reading room, a well-stocked bar, a wine cellar, and a lovely restaurant. In a separate building there's a fully equipped spa with outdoor Jacuzzi, and hotel staff can arrange trekking, horseback riding, and visits to archaeological sites. The hotel sits between two streams, with the Nevada de Cachi on one side, the Parque Los Cardones on the other, and the town spread out below.
Sister to the Buenos Aires hotel of the same name, the family-run Legado Mítico attends to every detail—from the gorgeous guest rooms named after notable figures from the city's past and individually decorated to suit the titular person right down to the welcome glass of wine. Shared areas, hung with artworks by the owners' mother, Norma Adamo, are extremely inviting.
Creature comforts, a fine restaurant, and rustic-chic rooms overlooking the vineyards make this luxury property a top choice. In the Wine Spa (which is open only to hotel guests), local blends are used for grape baths and other treatments. If you are more interested in drinking wine than soaking in it, the on-site Bodega El Esteco produces several well-received lines, including Old Vines and Fincas Notables. Comprehensive tours and tastings are available. Be sure to dine at La Rosa restaurant, which has an imaginative menu comprised of local dishes given contemporary twists by chef Virginia Marín; many ingredients are sourced from the organic garden.
An ambitious glamping project tucked away in a salt mine south of the Salinas Grandes, this debut lodging from Pristine Camps comprises four luxurious domes, two including Jacuzzis, and a restaurant located 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level. Members of the local indigenous community Aguas Blancas, who also manage the salt mining co-operative, form the staff’s core. The arrival in 4x4 from the designated pickup point is mind-blowing in itself, especially when it has recently rained, and the sight is so off the beaten track, you can only expect peace, quiet, and stunning 360º and unique vertical-horizontal views. Those on modest budgets should book in for lunch.
Tucked away in one of the more elevated parts of Tilcara, thereby offering priceless panoramas, cozy rooms and cabins sporting traditional style, and plenty of comfort for up to four guests await at Villa del Cielo. Given that the hotel’s owner is also behind Huichaira Vineyards in Huichaira near Tilcara, there’s also a small vineyard. Shared spaces include a relaxing zone and a solid eponymous restaurant that opens to the public (mains around 12,000 pesos) and stocks local wines.
Once the only decent place to stay in Cachi, the Argentine Automobile Club hosteria is gaining some stiff competition, but is still a practical option thanks to its swimming pool, children's facilities, attractive garden, and reliable restaurant.
This gorgeous boutique hotel in the village of Tolombón, 14 km (9 miles) south of Cafayate, occupies an 1892 colonial mansion; there's a wine bar and cellar, an excellent restaurant, a reading room complete with fireplace, and a peaceful spa overlooking endless vines. Rooms are spacious and nicely decorated, with views of the garden and large swimming pool. At the back of the hotel you can find the Tolombón Ruins.
A contemporary option than Salta's often more traditional hotels, Amalinas' design features poured cement and soothing natural hues adorned with splashes of primary colors, plus airy rooms offering views across leafy San Lorenzo. Great thread count sheets ensure a good night's sleep. Service from both reception and restaurant staff is attentive.
Conveniently located between the main plaza and Balcarce Street, Ayres de Salta has a small pool and fitness center on the roof and a good little restaurant on the ground floor; rooms are large and well-equipped. The staff can arrange excursions to the rest of the province and parts of Jujuy.
Three km (2 miles) from the plaza on a straight dusty road lined with vineyards and in the shadow of San Isidro is a large white adobe building with 22 rooms built around a wide courtyard. Highlights include walk-in closets, a well-stocked cellar with tastings and talks, an excellent gourmet restaurant, and an elevated swimming pool with views of vineyards and mountains.
Oenophiles will appreciate the decor at Delvino—a remodeled, Spanish-style villa where the airy guest rooms are painted in grape tones (Malbec red among them) and decorated with wine-themed artworks. All are named after one of Argentina’s sacred grapes; try the Torrontés suite for size (it comes with a Jacuzzi). You can relax with a bottle of vino from the on-site wine store in the cozy living room or, in warmer months, sip it on the veranda by the swimming pool.
Despite appearances, this striking Georgian-style mansion only dates from the 1980s, when it was built as a private home. It still feels like one, with bright and airy rooms in the main house and in a guesthouse with huge windows, hardwood floors, and period furniture. The dark-wood-paneled penthouse suite has a vaulted ceiling; two of the double rooms in the guesthouse share a sitting room, making them ideal for a family or group.
After renovating a colonial-style mansion into a boutique hotel, El Bodeguero—named in tribute to its former owners, the renowned Etchart winemaking family—refreshes the accommodation options in downtown Salta. The property opened in 2024, and aesthetics are contemporary blended, stylish rooms using natural tones as well as natural materials such as leather and wool, and retaining original features such as the elevator and stairways. Details include upcycling wooden blinds as headboards. The in-house restaurant is excellent, includes an underground cellar room for private meals, and is an equally refreshing addition to Salta’s often traditional dining scene.
It's small and no-frills, but if you're just looking for a place to sleep in between excursions, this friendly lodging a short walk from the main square is a good bet. Its seven rooms are arranged around a small courtyard, and are decorated sparingly.
Converted from a vintage villa, this boutique hotel stands out for its chic and traditional style and friendly service; the 12 guest rooms are tastefully decorated with traditional antiques and art. Common areas include a charming courtyard, a wine cellar, and a gorgeous stone-walled restaurant (Catalino) serving Andean cuisine.
This century-old building used to be a youth hostel until the owner got tired of the noise and chaos; rooms are basic, but they're set around a pleasant courtyard or around the inviting swimming pool.
For a taste at playing vineyard owner, book an elevated loft housed on El Porvenir de Cafayate's wine estate. Five contemporary suites opened in 2024 and the well-appointed rooms with queen-size beds and great linen include a wine cava, a coffeemaker, and a communal swimming pool. Vineyard and mountain views abound from the property, offering peace despite proximity to Cafayate's center.
The building that houses this hotel was formerly used by the painter Medardo Pantoja from Jujuy, hence the name (Refuge of the Painter) and the artwork adorning the walls. The sweeping views are timeless, but everything else has been redone with style and imagination; rooms are small yet efficient, with wooden beams, striped fabrics, and big windows. Common spaces are light and welcoming. There's a fogón (open fireplace) for cooking in the courtyard or for warming chilly feet. Look carefully for the hotel sign or you'll miss it.
An adorable one-room B&B located on the vineyard slopes that form part of the Bodega Yacochuya wine estate, Fancy Rancho makes for a very private stay. Enjoy breakfast accompanied by a fantastic view of the valley before heading out to nearby wineries Domingo Molino and Piattelli. There’s also a grill, so you can try your hand at making asado, Argentina style.
This downtown boutique hotel has sober rooms with parquet floors and all the modern conveniences. Large comfy armchairs draped with woven textiles dress the public areas; the decor, with its clean and simple lines, is well executed.
The swimming pool is terrific, the garden is ample, and this property—the biggest and oldest hotel in town—is quite comfortable. Half the rooms are standard, the other half superior, with better views and decoration; all feature big bathrooms and lots of storage space.
This charming property in a former convent is run by a cheerful, attentive young staff; rooms are clean, bright, and well-priced. You can opt for a more private, apartment-style suite in the back with its own parrilla (barbecue). The hotel is on a lively street just a few blocks from many downtown attractions.
Designated as a National Historic Monument, the Salta occupies a handsome neocolonial building in the heart of the city; antique furniture and views of either the plaza or the surrounding mountains make every room attractive. You'll also find wooden balconies, blue-and-white tiling, sitting rooms on every floor, and a poolside bar-restaurant with an area for barbecues. Local master Ernesto Scotti painted the frescoes in the dining room.