Paso Abra del Acay — Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres via South America’s Highest National Road
Highest national road in South America. Earn it.
Ruta Nacional 40 sounds civilized until you hit the turnoff north of San Antonio de los Cobres and start climbing toward the Acay volcano. The Abra del Acay pass at 4,895 metres is no joke — the road surface is a mix of loose gravel, embedded rock, and washboard that’ll rattle fillings loose, and the altitude comes on fast enough that first-timers frequently underestimate it. The scenery compensates: the Puna de Atacama unfolds in every shade of ochre and violet, vicuñas ghost across the altiplano, and the approach to the pass involves a series of switchbacks cut into a crumbling volcanic hillside with zero guardrails and long exposure drops. Snow and ice can close this any month of the year.
This is a serious high-altitude desert crossing, not a weekend trail. Turbocharged diesels handle the altitude better than naturally aspirated petrol engines — expect noticeable power loss regardless. Acclimatize in Salta or San Antonio before attempting. Carry all water, extra fuel, a full toolkit, and a satellite communicator. No services, no cell coverage, no assistance if you break down. The Argentine Gendarmería occasionally mans a checkpoint at the base. Best window is November through March when snow risk drops, but afternoon storms are a daily reality. The silence at the summit, looking out over the Puna, makes the punishment worthwhile.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 99 mi / 160 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 16060 ft |
| Best season | November-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance 4WD, turbodiesel preferred |
| Nearest town | San Antonio de los Cobres, Salta |
| Land manager | Dirección Nacional de Vialidad (Argentina) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Argentina Vialidad Nacional – road authority |
| 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 stock Hilux or Land Cruiser handle this without a lift or lockers?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but a turbodiesel is strongly preferred — naturally aspirated gasoline engines lose serious power at 4,895m and can struggle badly on the climbs. Lockers aren't required, but good all-terrain tires and a healthy engine are non-negotiable. Don't attempt this in a 2WD or low-clearance vehicle.
What months is the road actually passable?
November through March is the reliable window. Outside those months, snow and ice at the summit make the crossing genuinely dangerous and occasionally impassable. Even in summer, afternoon storms can roll in fast — start early.
Do you need any permits or fees to drive the Paso Abra del Acay?
No permit or entrance fee is required to drive the route — it's a public national road administered by Dirección Nacional de Vialidad. Foreign-registered vehicles should carry standard documentation (title, insurance, and passport) as Argentina's Gendarmería Nacional operates checkpoints in this region.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it brutal?
The final push to the 4,895m summit is the crux — the gravel track narrows, the surface gets loose and rocky, and there are no guardrails on exposed switchbacks. Altitude is the real enemy: AMS hits fast here and engines run rough. Take it slow, don't stop on steep grades, and make sure your brakes are solid for the descent into San Antonio de los Cobres.
Is there any fuel, water, or cell service on the route between Salta and San Antonio de los Cobres?
There is zero cell service, zero fuel stops, and no reliable water sources on this 160km stretch — fill up completely in Salta before you leave and carry enough water for at least two days. San Antonio de los Cobres has a gas station, but supply can be inconsistent, so treat it as a bonus not a plan.
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.