Paso Jama — San Pedro de Atacama to Jujuy via the Altiplano Volcanic Border Crossing
4,200 m of flamingos, salt, and Andean silence.
Paso Jama sits at 4,230 metres on the Chile–Argentina border, punching through the Puna de Atacama between San Pedro de Atacama and the Argentine province of Jujuy. Route 27 on the Chilean side climbs out of the altiplano town of San Pedro past Laguna Tara — a high-altitude wetland ringed with flamingos and stuffed with volcanic peaks — before hitting the border post at Jama. Drop into Argentina on RN-52 and you fall through the Quebrada de Humahuaca: a UNESCO World Heritage gorge of layered red, purple, and ochre sediment that makes the drive east feel like driving through a geologic textbook. Purmamarca’s Cerro de Siete Colores is your first camp or waypoint on the Argentine side.
The crossing is paved on both sides but altitude is the real obstacle — acclimatise in San Pedro first, carry extra fuel (stations are scarce above 3,500 m), and understand that customs can add 1-2 hours to your crossing time. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast November through March; the crossing is open year-round but can close in severe weather. A stock 4WD handles the paved route but deteriorating conditions or detours onto the altiplano tracks demand more. Water above San Pedro is scarce. What you gain: one of the most cinematically complete high-altitude drives on the continent, border formalities aside.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 155 mi / 250 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13878 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock AWD or 4WD |
| Nearest town | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile |
| Land manager | Dirección de Vialidad Chile / Vialidad Nacional Argentina |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Chilean Customs Paso Jama Info |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock AWD crossover handle Paso Jama, or do I need a lifted 4WD?
A stock AWD or 4WD vehicle in good mechanical condition can complete this route — the gravel road is graded and doesn't demand lockers or high clearance. The bigger concern is mechanical reliability at 4,200+ metres with no services for 250 km, so a well-maintained rig with a full spare and recovery basics matters more than lift height.
What months is Paso Jama actually passable, and when does it close?
April through October is the reliable window — dry season means stable road conditions and the crossing stays open. November through March is the Andean wet season (locally called 'Bolivian winter'), when flash flooding and snow can close the pass without warning for days at a time.
What paperwork do I need for the Chile-Argentina border crossing at Paso Jama?
You need a valid passport, your vehicle's title or registration, and a TVIP (Temporary Vehicle Import Permit) for whichever country you're entering — Chile issues these at the border, Argentina requires the Formulario Único through AFIP. Declare all food honestly; Chilean and Argentine customs are strict about fresh produce, meat, and dairy at this crossing.
What's the hardest part of this route and what should I actually be ready for?
The road itself isn't technical — the real challenge is altitude. Much of the route sits above 3,800 metres and peaks near 4,500 m, so altitude sickness, engine power loss, and freezing overnight temps (even in summer) are the genuine hazards. Have acclimatization days in San Pedro before you drive, carry oxygen if anyone in your group is susceptible, and don't underestimate how cold it gets after dark at elevation.
How much fuel do I need, and is there any gas between San Pedro de Atacama and Jujuy?
Fill up completely in San Pedro de Atacama before departure — there are no fuel stations along the 250 km route until you reach the Jujuy side in Argentina. Carry at minimum a full tank plus a jerry can; high-altitude driving burns fuel faster than you expect, and the Argentine side can also have sporadic supply issues, so don't count on the first station you see being stocked.
Trail track
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