Iglesia San José
Plaza 9 de Julio, Cachi, Argentina
The yellow-painted façade of Iglesia San José, with its simple cross and trio of church bells, stands at the heart of Cachi on Plaza 9 de Julio. The adobe church dates back to the late 18th century and is a national monument renowned for its cardon wood ceiling and richly decorated altar, the work of local artisans.
The basics
The small town of Cachi is easy to explore on a walking tour that visits attractions, such as the Iglesia San José, Cachi Archeological Museum, and traditional adobe buildings. Most day tours from Salta combine a visit to Cachi with the nearby Los Cardones National Park, known for its gigantic cacti. Alternatively, multi-day trips from Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy often include regional sights such as the market town of Purmamarca, the UNESCO-listed Humahuaca gorge, and the Hill of Seven Colors.
Things to know before you go
You’ll find several accommodation options and restaurants in Cachi.
It is free to visit the church.
The church is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Note that Cachi is 8,304 feet (2,531 meters) above sea level. If you’ve flown straight into Salta, you may need a few days to acclimatize.
How to get there
Iglesia San José is located at the north end of Plaza 9 de Julio in central Cachi. The church is easy to reach on foot within the small town center, but you can also hop in a taxi. Most travelers visit Cachi on a day tour or road trip; the town sits along Highway 40, about a 3-hour drive from Salta.
When to get there
The church’s opening hours vary, but it’s typically open every day except Monday. Midday closures between one and two hours are common to honor the siesta. The most popular times to visit Cachi are from May through November, when the weather is cooler and drier; summer can be hot, humid, and wet.
A road trip around Salta and Jujuy provinces
Several road trip routes leave from Salta, and many travelers do a self-drive tour. Head north to San Salvador de Jujuy, Purmamarca, and the Hill of Seven Colors, then loop south through the Salinas Grandes salt flats to San Antonio de los Cobres, where the Train to the Clouds begins. Alternatively, head west to Cachi through Los Cardones National Park, then south to Cafayate to visit the red cliffs and vineyards of Calchaquí Valley.
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