Ruta 40 Cafayate to Angastaco Scenic Drive
Experience the raw, untamed beauty of Ruta 40, a dramatic scenic drive through Salta's Valles Calchaquíes, featuring unique rock formations and remote...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Safer driving conditions
Ruta 40 Cafayate to Angastaco Scenic Drive
Best Time
Safer driving conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the raw, untamed beauty of Ruta 40, a dramatic scenic drive through Salta's Valles Calchaquíes, featuring unique rock formations and remote villages.
"This is the most dangerous part of all of Route 40, is called the bean on the street."
🚗 Vehicle Choice is Key
A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended due to unpaved, rocky roads.
⛽ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are rare. Fill your tank in Cafayate or Angastaco.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Quebrada de las Flechas
Between Angastaco and San Carlos
Towering, arrow-like rock formations create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. A must-see natural wonder.
Angastaco Village
Along Ruta 40
A charming, remote village that feels like stepping back in time. Experience authentic rural Argentine life.
Scenic Vistas & Cliffside Roads
Various points along the route
Dramatic canyons, vast desert landscapes, and thrilling cliffside drives offer breathtaking panoramas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Unpaved Roads
Limited Services & Connectivity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Choice is Key
A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended due to unpaved, rocky roads.
⛽ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are rare. Fill your tank in Cafayate or Angastaco.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded for navigation.
💧 Be Prepared for Weather
Flash floods and hailstorms can occur. Check forecasts and road conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Choice is Key
A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended due to unpaved, rocky roads.
⛽ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are rare. Fill your tank in Cafayate or Angastaco.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded for navigation.
💧 Be Prepared for Weather
Flash floods and hailstorms can occur. Check forecasts and road conditions.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Pull over at designated spots to safely admire and photograph the stunning landscapes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes of Ruta 40 between Cafayate and Angastaco, particularly the Quebrada de las Flechas. The remote charm of Angastaco and the adventurous driving experience are also highly praised. However, the challenging road conditions and lack of services require significant preparation.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The scenic drive is a section of the famous Ruta 40 in Salta province, Argentina. You can start from Cafayate and head north towards Angastaco. The route is known for its dramatic landscapes and unpaved sections.
While some attempt it, a regular rental car is generally not recommended due to the unpaved, rocky, and potentially hazardous road conditions, especially after rain. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is strongly advised.
Expect a mix of gravel, stones, and dirt roads. There are narrow sections, cliffs, and potential for washouts.
Angastaco is the main village along this segment. You'll also pass through smaller hamlets and natural attractions like the Quebrada de las Flechas.
The drive can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions, stops for photos, and your vehicle's speed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there are no entrance fees for driving the Ruta 40 or accessing natural attractions like the Quebrada de las Flechas. These are public roads and natural areas.
As this is a scenic drive through natural landscapes and small villages, there are no set operating hours. You can drive and explore at your own pace, but it's best to do so during daylight hours for safety.
No advance booking is required for the scenic drive itself. However, if you plan to stay in accommodations like glamping sites in Angastaco, booking ahead is recommended.
Yes, but always pull over in designated safe areas. Be mindful of traffic, especially on narrow, unpaved sections.
Absolutely! Quebrada de las Flechas is a natural monument accessible directly from Ruta 40, allowing for independent exploration.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The best way is by car, preferably a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle, to fully appreciate the dramatic landscapes and navigate the unpaved roads. +1
Don't miss the Quebrada de las Flechas for its unique rock formations and the charming village of Angastaco. The entire drive offers stunning vistas.
Yes, many motorcyclists enjoy this route for its adventurous terrain and spectacular scenery, but caution is advised due to road conditions. +1
While not guaranteed, you might spot local birds of prey or other desert-adapted wildlife. The main attraction is the geological landscape.
A few hours is usually sufficient to explore the small village, interact with locals, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for dramatic landscape photography, with softer shadows and golden hues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
The Quebrada de las Flechas offers incredible photographic opportunities with its unique formations. Any pull-off with a panoramic view is worth stopping for.
Include a person or your vehicle in the frame to give a sense of scale against the towering rock formations.
Focus on the textures of the gravel and dust, and use the winding roads to create leading lines that draw the viewer into the image.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure you have plenty of snacks and entertainment, as services are limited. The dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations of Quebrada de las Flechas can spark a child's imagination. 🚗 Adventure Seekers & Road Trippers
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for the expansive vistas, while telephoto lenses can highlight the intricate details of the rock formations. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Unpaved Roads
Many recommend a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle for safety and comfort, as regular rental cars can struggle with the terrain and risk damage. Be prepared for slow travel. The beauty of this route is in its raw, untamed nature, so take your time to soak it in. Downloading offline maps is essential, as cell service is extremely limited.
The Charm of Angastaco
It's a place where life moves at a slower pace, characterized by silence, earth, and vast skies. The community is known for its welcoming nature, with locals often sharing stories and inviting visitors to experience their corner of the world. This village offers a glimpse into authentic rural Argentine life, far from the tourist crowds. You can find unique accommodations like eco-glamping sites that blend with the natural surroundings.
It's a perfect spot to disconnect, appreciate the tranquility, and experience the genuine hospitality of the Valles Calchaquíes region. Quebrada de las Flechas: A Geological Marvel
These towering geological structures create an almost alien, otherworldly environment that captivates visitors. The sheer scale and unique shapes make it a photographer's dream. This area is easily accessible from the road and offers opportunities for exploration on foot. Visitors often express awe at the surreal beauty and the feeling of being in a place unlike any other.
It's a powerful reminder of nature's artistry and a highlight for anyone traveling this section of Ruta 40. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit