If the route to Cachi over the twisting mountain roads of the Cuesta del Obispo is dramatic, so is the setting of this beautiful and tranquil village. Located at 2280 meters above sea level, Cachi’s colonial-era architecture has a fabulous mountainous backdrop, including the 6380m Nevado del Cachi.
Arriving in the lovely Plaza Mayor under a bright blue sky and a blisteringly hot sun, we found an open restaurant took a seat under a shady palm tree and sat down to enjoy a cold drink and the peace-and-quiet of the village. Apart from the occasional tour group from Salta, Cachi doesn’t seem to see much tourism and the streets are mercifully devoid of cars and buses.
A stroll around the empty streets brought us to the delightful Iglesia San Jose on the plaza, which not only has pews made from cardone wood but the alta is constructed from cardone as well – and that is why these incredibly slow growing plants are now protected.
Once you’ve wandered around for a bit, had a bite to eat and checked out the couple of artisanal shops in town, there isn’t a great deal to do in Cachi. However, there is a picturesque and dramatically located cemetery not too far from the centre of town that is well worth visiting. The colourful graves, adorned with plastic flowers, offer a stark contrast to the surrounding browns.
Notes from Camelid Country 
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