Recta del Tin Tin con Payogasta al fondo
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Recta del Tin Tin

4.8
·310 reviews·, Argentina

A 19km perfectly straight road, an ancient Inca path, cutting through a surreal landscape of giant cacti in Salta, Argentina.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Recta del Tin Tin con Payogasta al fondo

Recta del Tin Tin

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 19km perfectly straight road, an ancient Inca path, cutting through a surreal landscape of giant cacti in Salta, Argentina.

4.8
(310 reviews)

"Reminds me of some of the straightest roads in the USA with great views and total changes of landscape afterwards."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Stop at 'Sendero Los Caminos del Pasado' for clear views of the Recta del Tin Tin.

🚗 Drive with Care

The road is well-maintained, but share it respectfully with other travelers.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 310 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Straight Road

The Iconic Straight Road

Parque Nacional Los Cardones

A 19km perfectly straight road, an ancient Inca path, cutting through a landscape of towering cacti.

Towering Cardon Cacti

Towering Cardon Cacti

Parque Nacional Los Cardones

Marvel at giant cacti, some over 3 meters tall, creating a surreal and unique desert environment.

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Parque Nacional Los Cardones

Keep an eye out for guanacos, donkeys, and various bird species that inhabit this arid region.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Recta del Tin Tin

The Recta del Tin Tin is a stunningly straight 19km stretch within Parque Nacional Los Cardones. While beautiful year-round, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons offer dramatic lighting for photos. Instagram

Navigating the Recta del Tin Tin

This iconic road is part of the RP33, connecting El Carril to Payogasta, near Cachi. It's a well-maintained paved road, making it accessible for most vehicles. Be mindful of other travelers, especially motorcyclists, and take your time to soak in the unique landscape. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Recta del Tin Tin y Parque Nacional Los Cardones 🧡🌵🤎🌿 #parquenacionalloscardones #salta #saltalalinda#travel #trip #argentina #turismoargentina #DescubreSalta #norteargentino #naturaleza #LUGARES
descubresalta
53 likes • 738 views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Stop at 'Sendero Los Caminos del Pasado' for clear views of the Recta del Tin Tin. Reddit

🚗 Drive with Care

The road is well-maintained, but share it respectfully with other travelers. Reddit

Recta del Tin Tin.🛣️ Se ubica en la Ruta Provincial 33 de #Salta. Está rodeada por cactus de hasta 3 metros de altura que se encuentran dentro del Parque Nacional “Los Cardones”.🌵 Une la localidad de “El Carril” con el Pueblo de “Payogasta”, cercano a Cachi. Es un paisaje árido en donde se pueden divisar guanacos, burros y aves que pueden vivir a más de 3000 msnm. Bellísimo lugar de naturaleza...
carla.viajes
292 likes • 3.7K views
😮 La Recta del Tin Tin es uno de los caminos más sorprendentes porque, en simples palabras, es un tramo completamente recto de 19 kilómetros que fue diseñado hace más de 500 años. #Salta♥️ #salta #norteargentino #nortearg #travel #travelgram #travelarg #travelargentina #travelblogger #travelphotography #turismo #tourism #visitargentina #drone
viajandoporsalta
1.2K likes • 16.3K views

🌵 Embrace the Cacti

Walk among the giant cardon cacti for a truly immersive experience. Instagram

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush; savor the unique landscape and photo opportunities. Reddit

🇦🇷 Recta del tin tin y cuesta del obispo, Salta, Argentina 💙 Explorando el Norte de Argentina al volante, descubrí que nada se compara con la sensación de libertad que experimentas al recorrer sus rutas. Desde las vastas llanuras hasta las imponentes montañas de la región, cada curva ofrece una nueva vista impresionante. 🚗🏔️ #visitargentina #exploreargentina #visitsalta #norteargentino
julian.escobarglvz
353 likes • 10.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Stop at 'Sendero Los Caminos del Pasado' for clear views of the Recta del Tin Tin. Reddit

🚗 Drive with Care

The road is well-maintained, but share it respectfully with other travelers. Reddit

🌵 Embrace the Cacti

Walk among the giant cardon cacti for a truly immersive experience. Instagram

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush; savor the unique landscape and photo opportunities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(310 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Recta del Tin Tin's unique, straight expanse and the surreal landscape of towering cardon cacti. Many appreciate the well-maintained road and the feeling of driving through a scene reminiscent of the American Southwest. It's a highly photogenic spot and a memorable part of exploring Salta's natural beauty.

"Sept.25: on our way back from exploring National Park Los Cardones we stopped @famous road Recta del Tin Tin.

We just had to wait till 2 motorbikers got out of the way, we had than the road to ourselves.

Just a few meters back @Sendero Los Caminos del Pasado there's a sign of Recta del Tin Tin & if you look across/over it you have full views of Recta del Tin Tin."

Petra (Pitch)

"This entire section of road between Cachi and Salta is beautiful. You see so many different variations in terrain depending on where you are on the route."

Emilie

"Reminds me of some of the straightest roads in the USA with great views and total changes of landscape afterwards. Appreciated getting out of the car and absorbing in the grand scale!"

Sammm Next Door

What People Like

Incredibly straight road
Giant cardon cacti
Scenic desert landscape

What People Dislike

Can be very hot
Limited services nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Recta del Tin Tin is located on Ruta Provincial 33 (RP33) in Salta, Argentina, within Parque Nacional Los Cardones. It connects the towns of El Carril and Payogasta, near Cachi. You can drive there from Salta city or Cachi. Instagram+1

Yes, the Recta del Tin Tin is a paved road, making it accessible for most vehicles. Instagram

Driving along the 19km stretch is the primary way to experience it. Many visitors also stop to walk briefly among the cardon cacti. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a popular stop for day trips from Salta or Cachi, often combined with other attractions in Parque Nacional Los Cardones. Instagram

While the entire stretch is the highlight, the 'Sendero Los Caminos del Pasado' offers a good vantage point for photos. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Recta del Tin Tin itself is a public road. However, it is located within Parque Nacional Los Cardones, which may have entrance fees or specific regulations. It's advisable to check the park's official website for current information. Instagram

As a public road, the Recta del Tin Tin is generally accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to appreciate the scenery. Instagram

No, there isn't a separate ticket for the Recta del Tin Tin itself, as it's a road. Any fees would be associated with entering Parque Nacional Los Cardones. Instagram

Yes, you can stop at designated safe pull-offs to take photos. Be mindful of traffic and ensure you are safely off the main road. Reddit

Visitors should adhere to park regulations within Parque Nacional Los Cardones, such as not disturbing wildlife or vegetation. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow on the landscape and cacti. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the straight road and the surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Instagram+1

Drone usage is subject to park regulations. It's essential to check with Parque Nacional Los Cardones for current rules and permits before flying a drone. Instagram

The straight stretch itself is iconic. Also, look for unique cactus formations and the expansive views from pull-off points. Instagram

Experiment with different angles, including low shots to emphasize the cacti and wide shots to showcase the road's length. Instagram

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