Ruta Nacional 52 – Salinas Grandes Salt Flats
Salt flat crossing at 12,000 feet
At 12,000 feet above sea level, Ruta Nacional 52 cuts straight across the blindingly white Salinas Grandes salt flats, where the horizon dissolves into shimmering mirages that’ll mess with your depth perception for hours. The route connects Purmamarca in Jujuy Province with the Chilean border at Paso de Jama, crossing through some of the most alien terrain in South America. The Cuesta de Lipán switchbacks climb relentlessly before depositing you onto the vast salt plain where geometric patterns of dried salt stretch endlessly in all directions.
This is a moderate to difficult route demanding respect for altitude and weather—sudden storms can turn the salt surface treacherous. A stock 4WD with good ground clearance handles the main route fine, but carry extra water, food, and fuel as services are sparse beyond Purmamarca. June through September offers the clearest conditions. The payoff is driving across one of Argentina’s most photographed landscapes, with flamingo-dotted lagoons and the massive backdrop of snow-capped Andean peaks.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Salt|Gravel|Dirt |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 12467 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Purmamarca, Jujuy |
| Land manager | Dirección Nacional de Vialidad |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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 4WD handle RN-52 to Salinas Grandes, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — think Hilux, Land Cruiser 70, or similar. The salt flat itself is flat and firm, but gravel washboards and dirt sections can get rough. A lift isn't required, but solid all-terrain tires and a reliable suspension make a real difference at this altitude.
Is RN-52 passable in the rainy season (December–March)?
Avoid it during the rainy season. Flooding, soft salt, and washed-out sections can make the route impassable or downright dangerous. June through September is the window — dry, cold, and stable.
Do I need a permit to drive across Salinas Grandes?
No permit is required to drive RN-52 or cross the salt flat — it's a national route managed by Dirección Nacional de Vialidad. If you're crossing into Chile afterward, make sure your vehicle documentation and passport are in order for the border crossing at Paso de Jama.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I expect?
The climb up the Cuesta de Lipán is the most demanding stretch — a long, steep series of switchbacks gaining serious elevation before the flat opens up. Altitude sickness is a real concern at 12,467 feet; go slow, hydrate hard, and don't push it if you or your passengers feel it.
Where do I fuel up, and is there water or camping along the route?
Fill up completely in Purmamarca or Tilcara before you leave — there are no reliable fuel stops on the route itself. Dispersed camping is possible on the salt flat and surrounding altiplano, but carry all your own water; there's no potable water source on route and zero cell service the entire way.
Trail track
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