Ruta 40 Puna Salteña — Abra del Acay Southern Approach Dispersed Camp

South of Abra del Acay on the Cachi-to-San Antonio de los Cobres run, the puna opens into broad quebrada flats where the road straightens and the wind never quits. Overlanders pull off on hardpan and gravel benches flanking the road at roughly 4,000–4,500 m elevation. No facilities, no signs, no other rigs most nights. The sky out here is absurd — clear, dark, and enormous. You’re in the altiplano proper, cardón cacti sparse, vicuñas probable at first light. Cold drops hard after sunset even in summer; freezing temps are possible any month.

Access is via Ruta 40 / Ruta Provincial 33 — nominally paved but sections are rough and subject to wash damage. High-clearance is smart; 4WD recommended given altitude, weather, and road state. No water nearby — carry everything you need. Altitude sickness is a real factor above 4,000 m; acclimatize in Cachi before pushing north. AMS symptoms at this elevation can escalate fast.

Puna hardpan camping at 4,400 m.