Distance
150 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,600 m
Abra del Acay — Ruta 40's Highest Pass.
The wildest section of Argentina's mythical Ruta 40: an unpaved climb from the altiplano mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres over the Abra del Acay at 4,972m — the highest point on Ruta 40 and one of the highest drivable passes on Earth — before dropping into the Calchaquí Valleys at Cachi. Thin air, no services and snow-prone switchbacks make this a serious high-altitude ride best done on adventure machinery.
Quick facts
SurfaceMixed
Distance150 km
Days1
Total climb1,600 m
DifficultyChallenging
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The route.
San Antonio de los CobresStart · Start at 3,775m in this altiplano mining town. Top off fuel and water — there is nothing until Cachi. Acclimatise before attempting the pass.
Abra del AcayMountain Pass · The highest point on Ruta 40 at 4,972m and one of the highest drivable passes on Earth. Thin air saps engine power — ride steady. Snow is possible even in summer.
La PomaScenic Point · First village on the descent (3,015m). Simple comedor for lunch and the last fuel before Cachi. The ruined old town nearby was destroyed by a 1930 earthquake.
CachiEnd · Finish in whitewashed Cachi (2,531m) beneath the Nevado de Cachi. Cobbled colonial streets and a fine plaza reward the high crossing.
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