Cafayate is a town located at the central zone of the Valles Calchaquíes in the province of Salta, Argentina. It sits 1,683 metres (5,522 ft) above mean sea level, at a distance of 1,329 kilometres (826 mi) from Buenos Aires, 227 kilometres (141 mi) from Tucumán, 311 kilometres (193 mi) from Jujuy and 365 kilometres (227 mi) from Catamarca. It has about 12,000 inhabitants (2001 census [INDEC]).

The town is an important tourist centre for exploring the Calchaquíes valleys, and because of the quality and originality of the wines produced in the area. The largest golf course in South America, at 240 acres (0.97 km²), is currently being developed just outside of the city center at La Estancia de Cafayate. The town was founded in 1840 by Manuel Fernando de Aramburu, at the site of a mission. In 1863 the Cafayate Department was created, of which Cafayate is the capital.