A lovely hill town set within a green stretch of the Calchaqui Valley in northwest Argentina, Tafi del Valle is a relaxed, atmospheric place that is particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts. A welcome oasis between the arid mountains to the north and the vast grasslands (pampas) to the south, Tafi del Valle offers a cooler climate and rolling green hills that can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback. Hiking trails up Cerro de la Cruz offer fantastic views of the town and its surrounding valley, while there are more strenuous trails available at the large lake of El Mollar. There are also local wineries to explore, and travellers should note that Tafi de Valle is an ideal place to enjoy affordable estancia (ranch house) stays.