Cachi

Introducing Cachi

The biggest place by some distance here­abouts, enchanting Cachi is nevertheless little more than a village, albeit one surrounded by stunning scenery. Overlooked by noble mountains, it boasts fresh highland air, sunny days and crisp nights. The cobblestones, adobe houses, tranquil plaza and opportunities to explore the surrounds mean that it’s the sort of place that eats extra days out of your carefully planned itinerary.

On the west side of the plaza, the Mercado Artesanal (491053; cachi@salnet.com.ar; Güemes s/n; 8am-8pm) is both a handicraft shop and the tourist office.

Opposite, the simple but attractive Iglesia San José (1796) has graceful arches and a barrel-vaulted ceiling of cardón wood. The confessional and other features are also made of cardón, while the holy water lives in a large tinaja (a big clay vessel for storing oil).

Next door, Cachi’s Museo Arqueológico (491080; admission by donation; 8:30am-6:30pm Mon-Sat, 10am-1pm Sun) is a well-presented and professionally arranged account of the surrounding area’s cultural evolution, with good background information on archaeological methods, all in Spanish. Don’t miss the wall in the secondary patio, composed of stones with petroglyphs.

Two kilometers southwest of the center, on the edge of town, Parque Temático Todo lo Nuestro (03868-15-455711; www.parquetematicocachi.com.ar; admission AR$3; 9am-6pm) is a labor of love that has constructed replica buildings from several phases of the valley’s history. It’s a fascinating project; in some of the buildings it really feels as if the occupants have just stepped out for a minute. There’s a rustically styled restaurant here too, and possibly cabin accommodations by the time you read this.

Last updated: Oct 3, 2008