Ruta Nacional 40 – Jujuy to Salta High Puna

The stretch of Ruta 40 between Susques and San Antonio de los Cobres cuts across some of Argentina’s most desolate high-altitude terrain, where the road climbs above 13,000 feet through the Puna de Atacama. This section passes the massive Salinas Grandes salt flats and threads between volcanic peaks where vicuñas graze in terrain that hasn’t changed since the Inca walked these routes. The pavement gives way to gravel and washboard sections, especially around Abra del Acay at 13,780 feet—one of the highest driveable passes in the Americas.

This is moderate terrain that demands respect for altitude and weather. Any 4WD with good ground clearance handles the route, but carry extra fuel, water, and warm gear—temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer. May through September offers the most stable conditions, though afternoon storms can roll in fast. No permits needed, but cell service is nonexistent for long stretches. What you get is raw Andean wilderness, flamingo-filled high-altitude lakes, and the kind of emptiness that makes you understand why this country shaped the toughest gauchos on earth.