Located in the province of Salta, this magnificent mountain pass holds the title of one of the highest drivable roads in the world, reaching a breathtaking altitude of 4,895 meters (16,060 feet) above sea level.
How to reach Abra del Acay
Abra del Acay is situated in the northern region of Argentina, in the province of Salta, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) from the city of Salta. The pass connects the village of San Antonio de los Cobres with La Poma via the National Route 40, a route famed for its picturesque landscapes and dramatic elevation changes. San Antonio de los Cobres is in the Puna (High Plateau, Altiplano) and is one of the hubs to connect also with Salinas Grandes, Susques, Tolar Grande, and the viaduct of the Train to the Clouds. La Poma is on the way to Cachi, in the Calchaqui Valleys.
One of the icons of Ruta 40
Driving through Abra del Acay is challenging, not only because of its high altitude, but also because of the road conditions. It’s gravel, and some times it has huge wholes. It’s also important to prevent altitude sickness. On the other hand, the sense of accomplishment upon traversing this high-altitude pass is truly rewarding, because is one of the highest mountain passes in the world, and also an icon of National Route 40 !
When is the best time to visit Abra del Acay?
Probably, best time is Spring and Autumn. During winter the road freezes frequently and the temperatures drop down significantly. In summer, the road can be interrupted by the increase of some river flows. In any case, it’s important to have advice from local experts.
Road trips and Custom Tours in Argentina
We are a local travel agency based in Argentina that offers personalized tours in Argentina and Chile. We offer self-drive tours, road trips with private drivers, itineraries with shared or private excursions, and other kinds of touristic services adapted to the preferences of our travelers. If you’re keen on visiting Abra El Acay, please let us know, and we’ll try to help you find the most convenient way to do it. Please notice that some times the pass can’t be transited, in that scenario, a suitable alternative is usually offered.
Get inspired by our tours, such as the following ones:
Tours in Salta and Northern Argentina
Northwest of Argentina Holidays
Tolar Grande and the Altilpano
Apart from those, we offer other kinds of tours in Argentina and Chile, and we invite you to explore them here:
Get in touch, and let’s start your next adventure!
Picture by Maxiprez
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