Off-roading Around Iruya in Northwest Argentina
Iruya's Rough Mountains Offer Marvellous Four-wheel-drive Trails
Dec 9, 2008
While Iruya can be reached in a regular vehicle, a four-wheel-drive is essential for the discovery of its surrounding mountain areas and villages. Off-road trails ford rivers, traverse river beds and include steep climbs. Each curve and bend bring more magnificent views and the remoteness and beauty of the area offers not just excellent off-roading, but also plenty locations to bush camp.
Off-roading Around Quebrada de Humahuaca
At the northern end of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, on Ruta 9 of Jujuy province, is the turn-off to Ruta 13; an unpaved road to Iruya [2750 metres]. The fifty-three kilometres long off-road trail crosses a pass at four thousand metres, marking the provincial border between Jujuy and Salta. The attractive and lively town of Iruya is being discovered by tourists and has a decent number of hostels, restaurants, internet possibilities and small shops to stock up.
The police station may be a good point to get information about the road conditions in Iruya's department and the weather forecasts. Off-road trails change or disappear after a storm or the rainy season [December - March], so allow yourself to be surprised by the journey. Outside Iruya, don't expect any facilities; bring a tent and stove. Below are some suggestions for off-roading routes.
Off-roading From Iruya to Las Higueras
Two kilometres north of Iruya take a turn-off to the right, and follow the off-road track that meanders through the river bed in a narrow gorge. It is a two hours’ drive to Las Higueras [1908 metres], the last stretch traversing a spectacular flat table-rock. There are no facilities in Las Higueras except a tiny store and apparently one local renting out one room. Ask the locals for directions. If there is not too much wind, the "playa" – as the locals call the flat terrain – is perfect for bush camping.
Off-roading From Las Higueras to Ruta 50 in Salta Province
From Las Higueras return to the river bed and continue west. The off-road trail stays in the river bed and slowly loses altitude; via Chañar the 119 kilometres long unpaved road ends on the other side of the mountains on Ruta 50 – at San Ramon de la nueva Oran.
Off-roading From Las Higueras to Ruta 9
At the time of writing the off-road trail was blocked, but ask around in Las Higueras about the possibility to drive a loop via Chañar to Campo Carrero and back to Iruya. It should be quite interesting journey for off-roading, when possible.
Off-roading South of Iruya
Seven kilometres south of Iruya take the turn-off to the left to Campo Carrero. From here an unpaved road meanders further south and rejoins the Ruta 13 just below the pass marking the border between the Jujuy and Salta provinces.
Water and Petrol in Jujuy Province
- Petrol stations are located in Humahuaca and Abra Pampa, in the Quebrada de Humahuaca on Ruta 9.
- Tap water can be replenished in Iruya and villages, or stock up on bottles of mineral water before going to Iruya. Remember that the region is at high altitude – drink plenty, thus minimizing the risk of dehydration or altitude sickness.
GPS and Roadmaps of Argentina
- The Firestone Roadmap is popular – for sale in big bookstores [e.g. in Salta] and at some of the [bigger] petrol stations. Price: A$ 35 [US $10].
- In Iruya ask if somebody [e.g. the police] can draw a map of the department with the passable roads.
- If in possession of a GPS, consider bringing it and check the website of the Argentinean Proyecto Mape AR. It is a good way to get very accurate and free maps for the gps. Among other things, this map shows detailed off-road trails around Iruya.
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