Ruta Nacional 9 Quebrada de las Conchas
Sandstone amphitheaters and devil's acoustics
The Devil’s Throat – Garganta del Diablo – announces itself with a thunderous echo as you navigate the serpentine curves of RN-9 through Quebrada de las Conchas. This stunning gorge between Alemania and Cafayate carves through million-year-old red sandstone, creating natural amphitheaters where sound bounces off towering walls. The road threads between formations like Los Castillos (The Castles) and El Anfiteatro, where even whispers carry across the canyon floor.
Moderate difficulty with paved sections giving way to challenging gravel detours around seasonal washouts. Any vehicle can handle the main route, but high clearance helps on alternative tracks exploring side canyons. Best visited April through October when flash flood risk drops and temperatures moderate. No permits required, but fuel up in Salta – it’s 180km to Cafayate with no services. The payoff: world-class wine country arrival and geological formations that make the Painted Desert look tame.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5900 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Salta, Salta |
| Land manager | Dirección Nacional de Vialidad |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| 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
Do I need a 4x4 or high clearance to drive Ruta 9 through Quebrada de las Conchas?
No. This is a paved national highway and any stock vehicle — sedan included — can handle it. The 'moderate' rating reflects length and altitude, not technical terrain.
When is Quebrada de las Conchas best to drive, and are there months to avoid?
April through October is the dry season and the sweet spot — clear skies, vivid rock colors, manageable temps. Summer (December–February) brings heavy rains that can cause flash flooding and washouts along the quebrada, so avoid it if you can.
Are there any permits, fees, or checkpoints on Ruta 9 through this section?
No permits or entry fees for driving the route. Argentina does have police and gendarmería checkpoints on RN9 — have your passport or DNI and vehicle documents accessible. Foreign-plated vehicles get checked routinely.
What's the hardest or most committing section of this drive?
The stretch near the Garganta del Diablo pulloff involves a short unpaved access track that gets slick after rain — nothing technical, but worth checking if you've had recent weather. The bigger challenge is altitude-related if you're coming straight from low elevation; 5,900 ft max isn't extreme but take it easy if you're not acclimated.
Is there reliable fuel and water along the 112-mile route?
Fuel up in Salta before you leave — stations along RN9 through the quebrada are scarce and inconsistent. Carry your own drinking water; the quebrada itself has no guaranteed potable sources, and cell service is spotty so you can't count on Google Maps saving you mid-route.
Trail track
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