Abra del Acay

Abra del Acay is a high-altitude mountain pass in Argentina's Salta Province, sitting at roughly 4,895 metres — making it one of the highest road passes in the world. It is flanked by Cerro Saladillo (5,378 m) to the southwest and the dormant volcano Nevado de Acay (5,716 m) to the northeast. The crossing once formed part of historic trade routes connecting the high puna plateau to the lower valleys of Salta. Drivers on Ruta Provincial 40 encounter a stark lunar landscape of ash soils, volcanic rubble, and vast Andean sky, with no trees, no settlements, and near-total silence at altitude. Adequate vehicle power, acclimatisation, and awareness of sudden snowfall — even in summer — are essential for the crossing.