The Puna of Salta · Route 51
Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres and the Puna
We drive from Salta up to San Antonio de los Cobres on Route 51 through the Quebrada del Toro, and on to the La Polvorilla viaduct. The road is paved, but it climbs almost 3,000 m (9,500 ft), so we take it slowly, with stops, in a minibus or a 4x4 pickup with a professional driver. We know the area from more than a decade of work in the Puna.
The route
Route 51 through the Quebrada del Toro
It is about 164 km (102 miles) from the city of Salta on National Route 51, paved all the way. Without stops the drive takes about three hours. The road passes the airport and Campo Quijano, climbs through the Quebrada del Toro, continues past Santa Rosa de Tastil and crosses the Abra Blanca pass at about 4,080 m (13,400 ft) before dropping to San Antonio de los Cobres at about 3,775 m (12,400 ft).
Altogether the road climbs almost 2,900 m (9,500 ft). That is why we drive it with stops: the body copes better with a gradual climb.
| Point | Distance from Salta and altitude |
|---|---|
| Campo Quijano | About 29 km. Entrance to the Quebrada del Toro. |
| Santa Rosa de Tastil | About 102 km. |
| Abra Blanca | The highest point of Route 51, at about 4,080 m (13,400 ft). |
| San Antonio de los Cobres | About 164 km, at about 3,775 m (12,400 ft). Roughly 3 h of driving without stops. |
| La Polvorilla viaduct | About 16 to 18 km further on Ruta 40, a narrow road, above 4,200 m (13,800 ft). |
Approximate distances and times from Ruta0; altitudes from provincial tourism sources and the train operator (checked October 10, 2026).
La Polvorilla
The viaduct, by road
The La Polvorilla viaduct is about 16 to 18 km beyond San Antonio de los Cobres on Ruta 40. It is 224 m long and 63 m high, above 4,200 m (13,800 ft). You reach it by minibus or pickup and see it from below and from the viewpoints.
On October 9, 2026, the national road agency listed Ruta 40 between La Poma and San Antonio de los Cobres as open, with machines working throughout the area. We check the road before every departure.
Altitude
How we handle the climb
- We climb slowly, with stops
- If someone is not doing well, we stop, and if needed we turn back
- Satellite phone on board on high-altitude trips
- 19-seat minibuses or 4x4 pickups, chosen for the group and the road
- More than a decade of work in the Puna
- CNRT license No. 60284 and a licensed travel agency
Tren a las Nubes
If your trip includes the train
The Tren a las Nubes reaches the La Polvorilla viaduct and runs all year. Lausof is an independent transport company: we do not operate the train or sell its tickets. Schedules, fares and tickets are on the official Tren a las Nubes website. The operator notes that it is a high-mountain excursion that can be cancelled for weather.
If your itinerary combines the train with a leg by road, we arrange the road transfer around the times the operator confirms to you. The details are on the Tren a las Nubes transfer page.
Frequently asked questions
What travelers ask before booking
Is the road to San Antonio de los Cobres paved?
Yes. Route 51 is paved from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres. The stretch on to the La Polvorilla viaduct, on Ruta 40, is a narrower road.
How long does it take?
About three hours of driving without stops, for roughly 164 km. Because we climb with stops, the trip up takes longer. That is an estimate.
Can we go and come back in one day?
Yes. It is a full day out of Salta, with the viaduct included if you want. It can also be the first leg of a longer trip into the Puna.
How bad is the altitude?
San Antonio de los Cobres is at about 3,775 m (12,400 ft) and the road goes above 4,000 m (13,000 ft). Most people feel it on the first day. We climb slowly, we stop, and if someone is not doing well we turn back.
Do you take people to the Tren a las Nubes?
We do not operate or sell the train. If your itinerary includes it, we arrange the road leg around the times the train operator confirms to you. If you already hold a train-only ticket, see the transfer to the Tren a las Nubes from Salta.
Can we continue to Chile?
San Antonio de los Cobres is on the road to the international crossing toward San Pedro de Atacama, in Chile, and we run international trips. Ask us with your dates. For work in the mining areas, see mining logistics.
Heading up to the Puna?
Tell us the date, how many are traveling, whether it is one way, a day trip or part of a longer trip, and where we pick you up. You get a price the same business day.
English inquiries: write to contacto@lausof.com or send a WhatsApp message to +54 9 387 526-9009. We reply in English, normally the same business day (Argentina time, UTC−3). Phone calls are answered in Spanish.
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