The Cuesta del Lipan is a mountain pass at 4,170 meters altitude on Route 52 in Jujuy province, Argentina (lat -23.6, lng -65.85), connecting Purmamarca (2,324 m) with the Salinas Grandes salt flats (3,450 m). The ascent features dramatic switchbacks through a lunar landscape with vicunas grazing on the hillsides. It is the obligatory route from the Quebrada de Humahuaca to the Salinas Grandes, one of Argentina's most iconic destinations. The paved road is in good condition but demands respect due to altitude and weather.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1500 km | 2 h 20 | 20–22 h | 15–17 h |
| New York (JFK) | 9400 km | 12 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 11300 km | 14 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| São Paulo (GRU) | 2800 km | 4 h 30 | — | — |
| Córdoba | 890 km | 1 h 30 | 11–13 h | 9–10 h |
| Mendoza | 1200 km | 2 h | 17–19 h | 13–15 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16° / 28°C | 180 mm | Rainy summer | |
| Feb | 15° / 27°C | 155 mm | ||
| Mar | 14° / 26°C | 110 mm | ||
| Apr | 11° / 24°C | 30 mm | Dry season starts | |
| May | 8° / 22°C | 8 mm | ||
| Jun | 5° / 20°C | 3 mm | ||
| Jul | 4° / 20°C | 3 mm | Winter break | |
| Aug | 6° / 22°C | 5 mm | ||
| Sep | 9° / 25°C | 10 mm | Clear skies | |
| Oct | 12° / 27°C | 25 mm | ||
| Nov | 14° / 28°C | 60 mm | ||
| Dec | 16° / 28°C | 140 mm | Holidays |
Typical prices by category
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel/night | USD 15–25 | USD 50–90 | USD 150–350 |
| Food/day | USD 12–18 | USD 25–40 | USD 60–120 |
| Day tour | USD 40–55 | USD 60–90 | USD 120–200 |
| Car rental/day | USD 30–45 | USD 50–70 | USD 90–150 |
Approximate ranges in USD as of April 2026. May vary with Argentine peso exchange rate.
How to Get There
From Purmamarca, take Route 52 westward. The climb is 40 km with tight switchbacks to the 4,170-m summit, then descends to the salt flats. Fully paved. Total Purmamarca to Salinas Grandes: 65 km, 1.5 hours.
What to See and Do
Dramatic switchback views, vicuna spotting, lunar landscape photography, the pass summit with panoramic views, and descent to the vast white expanse of the Salinas Grandes.
When to Visit
- Best: April-November (dry, clear, best visibility).
- Caution: Summer rains can reduce visibility and make road slippery.
Practical Information
Altitude may cause soroche (altitude sickness). Ascend slowly, stay hydrated. No services between Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes. Bring water, warm clothing, sunscreen. Full tank before departure.
