Ruta Nacional 52 Salinas Grandes to Purmamarca
Salt flats to seven-colored hills classic route
RN52 delivers one of Argentina’s most dramatic altitude drops, plunging from the blindingly white Salinas Grandes salt flat at 3,450 meters down through the Cuesta de Lipán to the multicolored village of Purmamarca at 2,192 meters. The route begins on the hard-packed salt surface where you can drive directly onto the flats, then winds through a landscape of ancient lake terraces and wind-carved badlands before reaching the famous Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) that towers above Purmamarca’s adobe buildings.
This is an easy to moderate drive suitable for stock vehicles with decent ground clearance, though the Cuesta de Lipán descent requires attention due to steep grades and loose gravel sections. The salt flat section can become impassable during rare flooding events, typically January through March. Carry extra water and sun protection—the high-altitude sun and salt reflection are brutal. The reward is experiencing one of Argentina’s most iconic landscapes while connecting two of the country’s geological wonders in a single unforgettable drive.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 93 mi / 150 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11320 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Purmamarca, Jujuy |
| Land manager | Vialidad Nacional Argentina |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock sedan handle RN52, or do I actually need high-clearance?
The route is paved and graded for most of its length, but rougher mixed-surface sections make a stock high-clearance vehicle the minimum you want. A standard sedan risks bottoming out on deteriorated patches, especially away from the main highway.
When is RN52 closed or most dangerous to drive?
December through March is the Andean wet season — flash flooding and mudslides can temporarily close the route without warning. April through November is the reliable window, with July and August being cold but clear and stable.
Do I need any permits to drive this route or visit Salinas Grandes?
No permits are required to drive RN52. There's a small informal fee collected by local communities at Salinas Grandes for access to the salt flat itself — cash in Argentine pesos, typically a few hundred pesos per vehicle.
What's the hardest part of this drive and what should I actually expect?
This is an easy scenic drive — the most demanding section is the Cuesta de Lipán, a series of tight switchbacks descending from the altiplano toward Purmamarca. It's paved but steep and narrow; take it slow, especially if towing or in a larger rig.
Is there anywhere to fuel up along the 93 miles between Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca?
There are no fuel stations on the route itself — fill up before leaving Purmamarca heading west, or in Susques if approaching from that direction. The full stretch is well within range for most vehicles but don't roll up on empty.
Trail track
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