Northern Argentina by car: how to make it to Jujuy

A road trip through northern Argentina: don't miss Jujuy#

Jujuy and Salta provinces are my favorite part of the country: otherworldly mountains, fluffy llamas, and roads you want to photograph at every turn.

How to prepare for a trip through the mountains#

The essentials are gas, lodging, and dealing with altitude — nature handles the rest. Only drive a 4x4, and budget extra time for the route, because the views won't let you just drive past.

Low-altitude routes for a gradual adjustment#

Tucumán — Cafayate: wineries and cactus forests.

Cafayate — Salta: red, Mars-like canyons.

Salta — Cachi: a national park and lagoons.

Cachi — Cafayate: the James Turrell museum and the Quebrada de las Flechas gorge.

High-altitude routes and acclimatization tips#

Spend the night in Purmamarca or Tilcara, fill up the tank, and set off toward the highlights:

The Hill of Fourteen Colors, with a trail up to the viewpoint;

Salinas Grandes — white salt flats and azure ojos (pools);

Route 40 through the Abra de Acay pass — the highest point;

For the adventurous — the Cusi Cusi valley, wild and otherworldly.