The Cuesta del Obispo is a spectacular mountain pass on Provincial Route 33, in Salta province, Argentina (lat -25.18, lng -66.05), connecting the Lerma Valley with the Calchaqui Valleys and serving as the obligatory approach to Cachi from Salta city. The highest point is the Piedra del Molino pass at 3,348 meters above sea level, where a stone marker stands at the summit offering 360-degree views over the mountain ranges. The 20-km gravel ascent features tight switchbacks climbing from 2,000 m through an extraordinary climate transition: beginning in the subtropical forest of the Quebrada de Escoipe and ending in the highland grassland and puna. Viewpoints along the road offer panoramas of deep valleys and snow-capped peaks. After cresting the pass, you enter Los Cardones National Park and the Recta del Tin Tin toward Cachi. It is one of the most beautiful mountain roads in all of Argentina and South America.
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
The Cuesta del Obispo is part of RP 33 connecting Salta city with Cachi. It runs one-way: eastbound going up, westbound going down.
From Salta
Take RP 33 west. The first 30 km are paved through the Lerma Valley. Then enter the Quebrada de Escoipe (30 km of paved road through a forested canyon). The Cuesta del Obispo proper begins at km 60 approx., where pavement ends and gravel begins. From there it is 20 km of climbing with tight switchbacks to Piedra del Molino (3,348 m). Total from Salta to the pass: 80 km, 2 hours.
Road Conditions
The pass section is consolidated gravel. In normal conditions (dry season, April-November) any vehicle with good ground clearance can handle it. 4WD is not required but low sedans are not recommended. Recommended maximum speed: 30-40 km/h. In the rainy season (December-March) landslides and difficult sections are possible; check with Provincial Roads before departing.
Organized Tours
Most Salta-to-Cachi tours include the Cuesta del Obispo as part of the route. Guides stop at the best viewpoints. This is the most comfortable option if you prefer not to drive mountain gravel.
What to See and Do
Piedra del Molino (3,348 m)
The highest point of the pass, marked by a stone monument and remnants of an old flour mill. The views are extraordinary: east to the Quebrada de Escoipe and Lerma Valley; west to the plateau with cardones cacti and the Nevado de Cachi on the horizon. Parking available. At this altitude it can be very cold and windy even in summer. Bring warm layers.
Viewpoints Along the Climb
During the 20-km ascent there are multiple natural viewpoints at the road's switchbacks. Each one offers a different perspective of the valley you are leaving behind and the mountains being revealed. The most spectacular are in the final third of the climb, where vegetation disappears and bare rock dominates. Stop at least 2-3 viewpoints.
Ecological Transition
In 20 km you traverse three ecological zones: cloud forest (ferns, lianas), alder forest, and highland grassland/puna. This transition is visible to the naked eye and is one of the most compressed ecological phenomena in the Andes. Fascinating for botanists and nature lovers.
Photography
The Cuesta del Obispo is a photographer's paradise. Best light is early morning (ascending from Salta) or afternoon (descending from Cachi). Low clouds filling the Quebrada de Escoipe creating a sea of clouds are a frequent phenomenon at dawn. The viewpoints on the final stretch offer spectacular compositions with switchbacks, cliffs and mountains.
When to Visit
- Fall (March-May): Ideal. Dry roads, clear skies, moderate temperatures. Best months for the crossing.
- Winter (June-August): Roads in good shape but there may be ice on high curves at dawn. Occasional snow at Piedra del Molino. Spectacular views with snow-capped peaks.
- Spring (September-November): Good conditions, rising temperatures. Little traffic.
- Summer (December-March): Risk of heavy rain, landslides and deteriorated gravel. The road can close. Always check before departing. If open, drive with caution.
Practical Information
Vehicle Preparation
Full tank (no gas stations between Chicoana and Cachi, 130 km). Good tire condition. Spare tire. Water for passengers. Warm clothing (at the summit it can be 10-15 degrees cooler than in the valley). Sunscreen.
Altitude
The 3,348-m pass may cause mild altitude sickness in sensitive individuals. Ascend slowly, stay hydrated, avoid sudden exertion at the summit. Time at the top is brief (15-30 minute stop) followed by descent, so it is generally not a problem.
Timing
No time restrictions. Driving in daylight (6:00-18:00) is recommended for safety and to enjoy the views. The road has no lighting and gravel at night is dangerous. Leave Salta before 9:00 for good light on the pass.
Budget
No tolls or access fees. Organized tour Salta-Cachi (includes the pass): USD 40-60. Car rental in Salta: USD 30-50/day. Fuel Salta-Cachi: USD 15-20.
