Abra del Acay Pass
Death air and glory at 16,046 feet
At 16,046 feet above sea level, Abra del Acay Pass holds the record as the highest navigable pass in the Americas, and your vehicle will feel every foot of that climb. The 75-mile route from Cachi through Argentina’s Salta province starts in lush valleys but ends on oxygen-starved altiplano where the air is so thin your engine will gasp for breath and you might too. This isn’t a trail for weekend warriors or stock rigs—the gravel switchbacks, loose rock sections, and punishing altitude demand a high-clearance 4WD with good brakes and an engine that can handle severe derating at altitude.
The route climbs 8,200 vertical feet through some of the most remote terrain in northwestern Argentina, crossing landscapes that shift from green valleys to barren moonscapes of volcanic rock and salt flats. May through October offers the only reliable weather window, as winter storms and summer rains make the pass impassable. There’s no cell service, no fuel stops, and precious few places to turn around once you commit to the climb. Plan for one to two days depending on conditions and mechanical sympathy, and carry extra fuel, water, and warm gear—temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer at these elevations. The Administración de Parques Nacionales manages access, though permits aren’t required for the main route.
Dispersed camping is allowed along the route, but finding level ground above treeline becomes a challenge as you gain altitude. The thin air affects both humans and machines—expect significant power loss, overheating issues, and altitude sickness if you’re not acclimatized. Many rigs that handle technical rock crawling at sea level struggle here simply because there isn’t enough oxygen to burn fuel efficiently. The descent is just as punishing on brakes and nerves as the climb is on engines and lungs.
What you get for the punishment is a drive across the roof of South America through terrain that looks more like Mars than Earth, with views across the Puna plateau that stretch to horizons most people never see. It’s a bucket-list accomplishment for serious overlanders, but only if your rig and your preparation match the mountain’s demands. This isn’t about conquering obstacles—it’s about surviving altitude while crossing one of the most remote passes on the continent.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 75 mi / 120.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 16046 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Cachi, Salta |
| Land manager | Administración de Parques Nacionales |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 Hilux or Land Cruiser handle Abra del Acay, or does it need to be built?
A stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle can manage it mechanically, but altitude hammers naturally aspirated engines hard — expect significant power loss above 13,000 ft. Turbodiesel rigs handle it better than gasoline engines. Lift and lockers aren't mandatory, but they're not unwelcome on the loose gravel sections near the summit.
When is Abra del Acay actually passable and when does snow close it?
May through October is the dry season window and the safest bet. November through April brings altiplano storms that can dump snow on the pass with zero warning and turn gravel into a skating rink. Even in the dry season, summit temperatures can drop well below freezing overnight.
Do I need permits to drive Abra del Acay Pass?
No dedicated trail permit is required to drive the pass, but the route passes through land under Administración de Parques Nacionales jurisdiction so respect any posted restrictions. Argentine nationals and foreign travelers should carry standard vehicle documentation — title, insurance, and a valid driver's license are checked at provincial checkpoints in the Salta region.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it dangerous?
The final push to the 16,046 ft summit is the crux — loose gravel, narrow shelf road, steep drop-offs, and virtually no oxygen. Acute mountain sickness is a real threat; if anyone in your vehicle starts showing confusion or severe headache, descend immediately. The road itself won't necessarily stop you, but your body might.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and should I carry extra?
Cachi is the nearest town with fuel before the pass, and there is nothing between the start and the far side until you reach La Poma or further north toward San Antonio de los Cobres. Carry a minimum 20-liter jerry can — the remote stretch plus altitude-driven fuel inefficiency can burn through your tank faster than the odometer suggests.
Trail track
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