What Is the Cabras de Cafayate Cheese Farm?

The Cabras de Cafayate cheese farm is a professional dairy operation and tourist attraction. It sits just a short distance from the main square of Cafayate. The farm focuses on high-quality dairy products made from local herds.

Visitors can explore the grounds and see the milking facilities. The farm maintains a very high standard of cleanliness and animal care. This makes it a pleasant environment for a casual walk. You will see rows of pens where goats of different ages are kept.

Beyond the animals, the farm is a hub for regional culinary culture. While Cafayate is famous for its Torrontés wine, cheese is the perfect companion. This farm bridges the gap between traditional agriculture and modern tourism.

The facility includes a shop, a tasting area, and the production plant itself. It has grown significantly over the years to accommodate more tourists. However, it still feels like an authentic farm experience rather than a theme park.

Pros and Cons of Visiting the Farm

Before you commit a morning to the farm, consider these quick advantages and drawbacks. Every traveler has different priorities when visiting Cafayate. Here is a breakdown of what to expect.

• Pros: Very affordable entry and tasting fees. Excellent for families with children who enjoy animals. High-quality artisanal products you cannot find elsewhere.
• Cons: Can feel repetitive if you have visited many dairies. The shop gets very crowded during peak tour bus hours. The tour is often only available in Spanish.

Best for: Families, cheese enthusiasts, and budget-conscious travelers. It serves as a great educational stop for children. It also suits anyone looking for a break from drinking wine.

Skip if: You have a severe dairy allergy or do not enjoy farm environments. If you are on a very tight schedule, you might prefer focusing on the Quebrada de las Conchas stops instead.

Alternative: If you want local flavor without the farm smell, visit the Museo de la Vid y el Vino in the town center. It offers a cleaner, more indoor cultural experience.

Exploring the Cabras de Cafayate Cheese Farm Experience

When you arrive, you typically join a guided tour. These tours run frequently throughout the day. A guide will walk you through the various stages of the goats' lives. You will see the nursery where the youngest kids are kept.

The interaction at the Cabras de Cafayate cheese farm is quite high. You can often pet the goats, which is a highlight for many. The guides explain the diet of the animals and how it affects the milk flavor. This educational aspect is surprisingly interesting.

You will also view the milking station and the manufacturing plant. The farm uses a mix of traditional methods and modern machinery. Seeing the giant wheels of cheese aging in the cellar is quite impressive. The smell of fresh dairy and hay fills the air.

Most tours last about 30 to 45 minutes. They are designed to be informative but fast-paced. If you are lucky, you might even see the goats being moved between pastures. It is a very photogenic location with the Andes mountains in the background.

The Cheese Tasting and Shopping Experience

The main event for most adults is the cheese tasting. After the tour, you head to a shaded patio or the indoor cafe. Here, you can order a variety of platters. You should check the current cheese tasting prices before you go.

The farm offers diverse options, from fresh goat cheese to aged hard cheeses. Some are infused with local spices like oregano or pepper. The "Provoleta" style goat cheese is a local favorite. You can also try cow milk cheeses if goat cheese is too strong for you.

Don't miss the chance to try the Dulce de Leche made from goat milk. It has a slightly tangier and richer profile than the standard cow version. It is one of the most popular items in the gift shop. You can buy jars to take home as souvenirs.

The shop also sells local wines, olives, and crackers. This allows you to create your own picnic. Many visitors buy supplies here and then head out for the drive from Salta to Cafayate for scenic stops. The value for money in the shop is generally very good.

Practical Logistics for Your 2026 Visit

Planning your visit is simple, but timing matters. The farm is open daily, but mornings are usually quieter. By the afternoon, large tour groups from Salta often arrive. We recommend arriving around 10:00 AM for the best experience.

The Cabras de Cafayate cheese farm is located about 2 kilometers from the main plaza. You can easily walk there if the weather is mild. However, many people prefer renting bicycles in Cafayate to get around. It is a flat and easy ride from the center.

In 2026, expect to pay a small fee for the guided tour. The tasting is usually priced separately depending on which board you choose. Most people spend between 1 and 2 hours here total. There is plenty of parking if you have a rental car.

Bring a hat and sunscreen, as parts of the tour are outdoors. The sun in the Calchaquí Valleys is very strong, even in winter. If you don't speak Spanish, consider bringing a translation app. Many of the staff only speak the local language.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time?

Verdict: The Cabras de Cafayate cheese farm is a great addition to any northern Argentina itinerary. It provides a tactile and tasty experience that contrasts well with wine tasting. The cost is low enough that it feels like a bargain for the quality of cheese you receive.

It is especially recommended if you are traveling with children. They will love the proximity to the animals. Foodies will appreciate the chance to taste artisanal products right at the source. It is an authentic look at the local agricultural economy.

If you only have one day in town, you might prioritize a visit to San Carlos or a winery. However, for a two or three-day stay, this farm should definitely be on your list. It is a charming, delicious, and educational way to spend your time.

Combine this visit with other local gems for a full day. You could visit the farm in the morning and then head to The Amphitheater in Cafayate in the afternoon. This gives you a balanced mix of nature, animals, and food.