Camping Municipal de Cachi — Valle Calchaquí Desert Basecamp

Cachi’s municipal campground sits on the edge of town at roughly 2,280 meters, shaded by some poplars and backed by the stark ochre walls of the pre-Cordillera. It’s a simple, functional site — flat pitches, basic toilets, cold showers on a good day, and fire rings. This is ground zero for overlanders staging the Acay run north toward San Antonio de los Cobres. Busy during Semana Santa and summer holidays (January–February), otherwise you’ll likely have it mostly to yourself. The town has fuel, a small market, and an ATM, so sort your supplies here before heading into the puna.

Access is paved all the way into Cachi via RN40/RP33. The campground is signposted off the main plaza area. Confirm fees and availability with the municipal office on arrival — rates are minimal and it’s generally walk-up, no reservation needed. Best season is April through October; summer rains can turn the approach roads to slop.

Cachi basecamp before the high puna push.