Ruta Nacional 9 Quebrada del Toro
Railway-parallel high-altitude quebrada traverse
The Quebrada del Toro cuts a spectacular gash through the Puna highlands, where RN9 shadows the legendary Tren a las Nubes railway line through switchbacks that climb from 1,200 to 3,700 meters. You’ll cross the Polvorilla Viaduct at 4,220 meters—the same bridge made famous by the tourist train—while navigating hairpin turns carved into sheer rock walls. The route passes through Ingeniero Maury and Santa Rosa de Tastil, where pre-Columbian ruins dot the mountainsides.
This is a high-clearance route demanding respect for altitude and weather. The road surface varies from good asphalt to rough gravel, with rockfall potential in the upper reaches. Best tackled April through October when snow doesn’t block the highest passes. Carry extra water, warm gear, and altitude sickness medication. The payoff is driving one of Argentina’s most dramatic mountain roads while experiencing landscapes that transition from subtropical valleys to high-altitude desert in a single day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 124 mi / 200 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13845 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Salta, Salta |
| 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 Hilux or high-clearance 2WD handle Ruta 9 through the Quebrada del Toro?
Yes. High-clearance 2WD is the minimum and is genuinely sufficient for this route under normal dry conditions. 4WD helps if you hit unexpected mud or soft sections, but most stock overlanding rigs with decent clearance will have no issues.
Is the Quebrada del Toro passable in summer (November–March)?
Summer is the wet season in northwestern Argentina and flash flooding, mudslides, and washed-out sections are real risks on this route. April through October is the reliable window — outside that, check Vialidad Nacional Argentina for current road closures before committing.
Do I need any permits or pay fees to drive Ruta 9 through the Quebrada del Toro?
No permit is required to drive this national route. It's a public highway managed by Vialidad Nacional Argentina. If you plan to camp near the Tren a las Nubes railway infrastructure, stay clear of restricted zones around the tracks and stations.
What's the hardest section of the drive and what should I actually expect?
The climb above 11,000 ft toward San Antonio de los Cobres is the most demanding stretch — not technically brutal, but the combination of altitude, narrow exposed sections, and potential loose surface keeps you honest. Altitude sickness is a bigger threat than the road itself at nearly 14,000 ft max elevation, especially if you've come straight up from Salta.
Where can I fuel up along the route, and is there reliable gas in San Antonio de los Cobres?
Fill up completely in Salta before departure — there are no guaranteed fuel stops along the 124-mile route. San Antonio de los Cobres has a small fuel station but supply is inconsistent; treat anything you find there as a bonus, not a plan.
Trail track
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