Ruta Provincial 76 Abra del Acay
Argentina's highest driveable pass at 4,895m
The Abra del Acay holds the distinction of being Argentina’s highest driveable pass, where RP76 claws its way to 4,895 meters through moonscape terrain that feels more like Tibet than South America. This remote crossing connects the mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres with the village of Tolar Grande, passing abandoned mining camps and salt flats that stretch to distant volcanic peaks. The road deteriorates significantly above 4,500 meters, becoming a rocky track marked only by tire ruts and the occasional apacheta cairn.
This is expert-level high-altitude driving requiring 4WD with low range, full recovery gear, and serious altitude preparation. Weather can turn deadly without warning—snow and wind are possible year-round above 4,500 meters. Best attempted May through September with multiple days’ supplies, as mechanical failure here means a long walk to nowhere. Only experienced mountain drivers should attempt this route, but those who make it earn bragging rights for conquering Argentina’s roof.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 16060 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with low range |
| Nearest town | San Antonio de los Cobres, Salta |
| Land manager | Vialidad Provincial Salta |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to drive Abra del Acay?
You need a proper 4WD with low range, good ground clearance (minimum 8 inches), and a well-tuned engine that can handle sustained operation above 4,000 meters. Altitude kills power — turbodiesels handle it better than naturally aspirated gas engines, and a stock SUV with a tired motor has no business on this pass.
When is Abra del Acay passable, and what closes it?
May through September is the dry season window and your best shot. Outside that, snowfall and ice at the summit plus flash flooding on the lower sections can make it impassable or deadly — the road has no drainage infrastructure to speak of. Check local conditions in San Antonio de los Cobres before committing.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to drive Ruta Provincial 76?
No formal permit or entry fee is required for private vehicles. Vialidad Provincial Salta manages the route, but there's no checkpoint or paid access — just make sure your vehicle documentation is in order as you would anywhere in Argentina.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The summit approach to the 4,895m pass is the crux — loose rock, steep shelf road, and exposure on both sides with no guardrails. The surface breaks down significantly near the top and altitude-induced engine lag makes crawling through technical sections more demanding than the terrain alone would suggest at sea level.
How far is the nearest fuel from the trail, and is there any water along the route?
San Antonio de los Cobres is the last reliable fuel stop before you commit — top off there, as 87 miles of remote Puna with no services means you need enough range plus a buffer. There are small streams and quebradas along the route but treat or filter anything you use; at this altitude and in this region, water sources are scarce and inconsistent.
Trail track
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