Ruta 150 — Río Turbio Valley Floor Dispersed Camp

On the Argentine flank of Paso Agua Negra, Ruta Nacional 150 follows the Río Turbio through a narrow, wind-scoured valley before the pavement gives way to switchbacks heading for the pass. Overlanders running the Vicuña–Rivadavia crossing routinely pull off onto the broad gravel benches beside the river to camp — flat ground, good drainage, and a mountain backdrop that’s hard to argue with. No facilities, no signage, no fee. Bring everything you need and pack out everything you brought. Desert-high altitude means cold nights even in summer.

Access is straightforward from Ruta 150 — look for the wider gravel pullouts roughly between the Valle Hermoso area and the Chilean border zone, where the valley floor broadens before the pass climb. 4WD preferred once you leave pavement; high-clearance 2WD can usually reach the best flats. Cell signal is essentially zero. Best window is November through April — the pass closes with snow in winter and the Argentine gendarmería checkpoint will turn you back.

Valley floor bivouac before the big climb.