Ruta Nacional 40 Cachi to Molinos Colonial Valle Calchaquí
Colonial valley through Argentina's highest vineyards
The 40-mile stretch of Ruta 40 between Cachi and Molinos cuts through the heart of Valle Calchaquí, where pre-Columbian irrigation channels still feed vineyards at 8,200 feet. You’ll pass the crumbling adobe walls of Quilmes — South America’s largest pre-Columbian settlement — before descending into Molinos, where a 17th-century Jesuit church anchors streets that haven’t changed since colonial times. The route follows the Calchaquí River through narrow canyon sections where rock walls close in on both sides.
This is an easy gravel run suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though flash flood damage can create washouts near river crossings. April through October offers the best weather, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. Fill up on fuel in Cachi — there’s nothing reliable between towns. The payoff is driving through Argentina’s most untouched colonial valley, where locals still speak Quechua and ancient stone terraces climb impossibly steep canyon walls.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 40 mi / 64.4 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Cachi, Salta |
| Land manager | Vialidad Nacional Argentina |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 2WD truck or SUV handle this stretch of RN40?
Yes — high-clearance 2WD is the minimum and genuinely sufficient here. The gravel surface is well-graded between Cachi and Molinos, though washboard sections and loose rock mean low-clearance sedans will have a bad time.
Is this section of RN40 passable in summer (December–February)?
Summer is the rainy season in the Calchaquí Valley and flash flooding can wash out creek crossings and turn sections of gravel into mud. April through October is the reliable window — dry, stable, and with the best light for photography.
Are there permits or fees required to drive this route?
No permits or road fees for the drive itself. If you stop at archaeological or provincial sites along the way, some charge a small entry fee payable in cash — bring Argentine pesos, cards are rarely accepted in the valley.
What's the hardest part of the drive and what should I actually expect?
Nothing on this segment is technically difficult — the challenge is the water crossings after rain, which can be deeper than they look. At normal conditions they're straightforward, but after a storm, scout on foot before committing.
Is there any fuel or water available between Cachi and Molinos?
There is no fuel between the two towns — fill up completely in Cachi before departing. Water sources exist along the route but are untreated; carry your own drinking water for the full 40 miles and don't count on resupply until Molinos.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.