Ruta Nacional 9 – Quebrada del Diablo
Devil's own mountain pass through the high Andes
The Devil’s Gorge earned its name from the bone-jarring switchbacks that climb from Jujuy’s valley floor to the high puna at 4,200 meters. This section of RN9 between Volcán and Susques punishes both machine and driver with loose shale, blind corners, and washouts that appear after every rainstorm. The road clings to canyon walls where one mistake sends you tumbling into the Río Grande de San Juan below.
This is serious high-altitude driving that demands a properly sorted 4WD with low-range and decent tires — the loose surface and steep grades will expose any mechanical weakness. Weather changes fast up here, so pack warm gear and extra fuel. Best tackled April through October when snow isn’t blocking the highest passes. You’ll earn every meter of elevation with stunning views across the Puna de Atacama and a real sense of what driving the backbone of the Andes actually feels like.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13780 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with low-range |
| Nearest town | Volcán, Jujuy |
| 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
What's the minimum rig to run Quebrada del Diablo without getting into serious trouble?
You need a true 4WD with low-range — no exceptions. Lifted clearance helps on the rocky switchbacks, and a locking differential is strongly advised given the loose scree and off-camber turns above 4,000 meters. A stock SUV with 4WD-only and no low-range is a recovery waiting to happen.
Can you run this trail in November or during the Southern Hemisphere summer?
November through March is wet season in Jujuy — the dirt sections turn to mud, river crossings swell, and the upper elevation gains can see snow or ice. Stick to April through October; the trail is driest and most stable from May through September.
Do you need any permits or fees to drive Ruta Nacional 9 through Quebrada del Diablo?
No permit is currently required for the route itself — it's a national road managed by Vialidad Nacional Argentina. If you're crossing into or near protected zones in Jujuy, carry your vehicle documentation and passport; Argentine checkpoint stops on RN9 are real and routine.
What's the hardest section, and what specifically makes it dangerous?
The 180-degree switchbacks in the upper gorge are the crux — narrow shelf road, loose rock surface, and significant exposure with no guardrails. One wrong line on an off-camber turn at 4,000+ meters puts your downhill wheels over nothing. Take it slow, don't cut apexes, and if you meet oncoming traffic, someone is backing up a long way.
How far is the nearest fuel stop, and is there any water available on trail?
Fill up in Volcán or Tilcara before you start — there's no fuel on the 75km route. There are water crossings on trail, but treat any water you collect; dispersed camping is possible in the gorge but you're completely off-grid with zero cell service for the entire run.
Trail track
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