Ruta 40 Far North — Susques to La Quiaca via the Puna de Jujuy and Bolivian Border
Puna silence at 3,600 metres — earn every km.
This northern segment of the legendary Ruta 40 runs through the Puna de Jujuy, one of the most sparsely populated stretches of road in South America. From Susques — a small village sitting at 3,675 metres on a volcanic plateau — the route pushes north through the Salinas Grandes salt flat approach, climbs toward Tres Morros, and eventually reaches La Quiaca on the Bolivian border at 3,442 metres. The road is largely unpaved through this section, alternating between graded ripio, soft volcanic sand, and sections of broken asphalt. Altitude sickness is a real concern; acclimatise in Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy before attempting this run. The landscape is extraordinary — Andean flamingos in seasonal wetlands, vicuña on the plateau, and the silence of genuine high desert.
The route is manageable in a properly set-up high-clearance 4WD, though a locking differential helps in the soft sand sections near the salt flats. Fuel is available in Susques and La Quiaca but virtually nowhere in between — carry at minimum 300 km of range. Water is scarce; take everything you need. Best season is May through October during the dry Andean winter; the rainy season (December–March) can make sections impassable. No permits are required for the route itself but border area checkpoints require valid documents and vehicle paperwork. This is one of those drives where the emptiness is the whole point.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 193 mi / 310.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Susques, Jujuy, Argentina |
| Land manager | Dirección Nacional de Vialidad (Argentina) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Vialidad Nacional Argentina |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or 4Runner handle this stretch of Ruta 40?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but expect rough washboard, soft volcanic gravel, and sections where low range is necessary. Lifted suspension helps — ground clearance under 8 inches is asking for trouble at this remoteness level. Bring two full-size spares minimum.
When is this route actually passable?
May through October is the dry season and the only reliable window. The Puna gets violent afternoon thunderstorms from November through March that turn dirt sections into axle-deep mud and can flood low crossings without warning. Don't gamble on the wet season out here.
Do I need any permits or special documents to drive near the Bolivian border?
No off-road permit is required for the route itself, but carry your vehicle's title, passport, and tourist entry documents — Argentine Gendarmería checkpoints are active in this border zone and they will ask. If you're a foreigner in a foreign-plated vehicle, have your Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) issued at the border in order.
What's the hardest section and what makes it difficult?
The isolated plateau sections north of Susques toward Mina Pirquitas hit the worst corrugation and loose gravel, compounded by altitude above 4,300 metres (14,100 ft) where your engine loses serious power and you lose serious judgment if you're not acclimatized. It's not technical rock crawling — it's relentless attrition on vehicle and driver across a landscape with zero bailout options.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and where can I top up between Susques and La Quiaca?
Susques has fuel — fill completely before leaving. The next reliable station is La Quiaca, roughly 310 km north. There is a small YPF in Abra Pampa midway, but stock is inconsistent — treat it as a bonus, not a plan. Carry at least 40–50 litres of extra fuel in jerry cans to cover the full route safely.
Trail track
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