Ruta 40 Paso de Jama International Crossing
Mars-like border crossing at 14,000 feet
At 4,200 meters above sea level, Paso de Jama marks one of South America’s highest international border crossings, where the Argentine Puna meets Chile’s Atacama Desert in a landscape so barren it resembles Mars. This section of legendary Ruta 40 stretches 180 kilometers from Susques to the Chilean border, passing through the Salinas Grandes salt flats and climbing steadily through vicuña country where the air grows thin and the horizon seems infinite. The final approach to Jama Pass involves switchbacks through volcanic scree fields, with the road surface deteriorating to loose gravel and washboard sections that test both vehicle and driver endurance.
This is expert-level high-altitude driving demanding a reliable 4WD with excellent cooling systems, spare fuel for 300+ kilometers, and serious cold-weather gear since temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer. Best attempted April through October when storms are less frequent, though altitude sickness affects many travelers regardless of season. Customs formalities at both borders can take hours, and there’s zero infrastructure between Susques and San Pedro de Atacama. The reward is witnessing some of the planet’s most pristine high-desert wilderness and earning bragging rights for crossing one of the world’s most challenging international borders.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13780 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Susques, Jujuy |
| Land manager | Vialidad Nacional Argentina |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| 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 stock 4WD handle this crossing, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can make it, but turbo lag and power loss at 13,780 feet are real — naturally aspirated engines will feel it hard. Skid plates are strongly advised on the washboard gravel sections, and a diesel engine handles the altitude better than most gas motors.
When is this route closed or impassable?
November through March brings the Bolivian winter (rainy season), which floods sections of the Puna and turns parts of the route into a muddy mess. April through October is your window — July and August are cold but stable and the most reliable months for the crossing.
Do I need permits or special paperwork to cross into Chile at Paso de Jama?
Yes — you need a valid Título de propiedad (vehicle title), your passport, and a temporary vehicle import permit (TVIP) issued at the border. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy are prohibited entry into Chile; customs at Jama enforces this strictly and will confiscate them.
What's the hardest section and what makes it dangerous?
The high plateau stretch between Susques and the border post is the crux — sustained altitude above 12,000 feet, zero services, and frequent whiteout dust storms with zero visibility. Altitude sickness is the biggest real threat; acclimatize in Purmamarca or Tilcara for at least one night before attempting the crossing.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and should I carry extra?
Susques has the last reliable fuel before the border — after that, it's 112 miles to San Pedro de Atacama on the Chilean side. Carry a minimum 20-liter jerry can; fuel consumption spikes at altitude, and there is absolutely no roadside help on this stretch.
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.