Ruta Nacional 40 Tinogasta to Fiambalá Desert Traverse
Salt desert crossing on Argentina's backbone highway
The stretch of Ruta Nacional 40 between Tinogasta and Fiambalá cuts straight through the Bolsón de Pipanaco, a massive salt desert that stretches endlessly toward the Andes. This isn’t the tourist-friendly RN40 of wine country — it’s 180 kilometers of absolutely nothing but shimmering salt flats, distant mountains, and the occasional roadside shrine. The old bridge at Río Salado marks the halfway point, where flash floods can strand travelers for days during summer storms.
This is moderate desert driving requiring high clearance for occasional washouts and soft shoulders. Stock 4WD handles it fine, but carry 20+ liters of water per person and extra fuel — Fiambalá is your last chance for supplies before the Paso San Francisco border crossing 200km north. Best tackled April through October when temps drop below furnace levels. You’ll experience Argentina’s raw vastness in its purest form — no Instagram moments, just you and the endless desert horizon.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Tinogasta, Catamarca |
| Land manager | Vialidad Nacional Argentina |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or high-clearance 2WD handle this stretch of RN40?
Yes. The Tinogasta to Fiambalá segment is graded dirt and compacted salt flat for most of its 180km — a high-clearance 2WD like a stock Hilux or Ranger handles it fine in dry conditions. 4WD becomes relevant only if you hit unexpected soft sections near the salinas or after rain.
When is this stretch of RN40 impassable or sketchy?
November through March is the rainy season in Catamarca — flash floods can wash out sections and turn the salt flats into a trap. April through October is the reliable window, with June–August being the driest but coldest at night (temps can drop hard at 4,200ft).
Are there permits, checkpoints, or fees on this route?
No permits or fees required. There are occasional Gendarmería Nacional checkpoints on RN40 in this region — have your passport and vehicle documentation current and accessible. Foreigners driving foreign-plated vehicles should carry their título (title) and a notarized letter if the vehicle isn't in your name.
What's the hardest part of this traverse and what should I actually expect?
The challenge isn't technical — it's exposure. This is one of the most isolated 180km stretches in Argentina with no services, no cell signal, and crossing a salt desert where soft spots can swallow a tire unexpectedly. The hardest section is reading the surface near the Bolsón de Pipanaco where the salt crust looks solid but isn't always; slow down and probe if anything looks questionable.
How much fuel do I need and where's the last reliable fill-up before launching from Tinogasta?
Fill up completely in Tinogasta — it's the last guaranteed fuel before Fiambalá, 180km north. Carry at least 20–30L extra in a jerry can; YPF stations in small Catamarca towns frequently run dry or keep limited hours. Don't assume Fiambalá's station will be open when you arrive.
Trail track
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