Ruta Nacional 9 Quebrada de las Conchas

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.