The road from Salta, Argentina to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile is one of South America's most spectacular crossings. It covers ~500 km via Route 52 across the Andes through Paso de Jama at 4,230m (13,878ft), passing through Purmamarca, the Salinas Grandes salt flats, and the stark altiplano of the Puna before descending into the Atacama Desert. You can do it by direct bus (12-14 hours, ~$40-60 USD) or by car (7-8 hours driving time). The pass is open year-round and the road is fully paved. This guide covers everything: transport options, documents, what to see en route, Chilean customs rules, and how to combine it with Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats. No other English-language resource covers this route in this detail.
The Route: Salta → San Pedro de Atacama via Paso de Jama
Stage by stage breakdown
- Salta → Purmamarca (190 km, 2.5h): Route 9, fully paved, excellent condition. Gradual climb. Mandatory stop in Purmamarca for the Hill of Seven Colors and breakfast.
- Purmamarca → Salinas Grandes (65 km, 1h): Route 52, dramatic ascent via Cuesta del Lipán switchbacks to 4,170m. Salinas Grandes salt flats at 3,450m — 30-60 minute photo stop.
- Salinas Grandes → Susques (85 km, 1h): Altiplano, arid lunar landscape. Susques is the last Argentine town with fuel — fill up here. There's a small empanada stand on the town square.
- Susques → Paso de Jama (110 km, 1.5h): Straight road across the Puna at 4,000m+. Volcanoes and vicuñas. Argentine immigration check before the pass. Paso de Jama at 4,230m — highest point of the route.
- Paso de Jama → San Pedro de Atacama (160 km, 2h): Chilean immigration and customs (strict phytosanitary inspection). Gradual descent to the Atacama at 2,400m.
By bus
Direct buses from Salta to San Pedro de Atacama are operated by Andesmar, Pullman Bus and Geminis. Departures typically at 7:00 AM from Salta's bus terminal. Duration: 12-14 hours (including 1-2 hours at border controls). Price: $40-60 USD depending on company and season. Semi-cama (semi-reclining) seats standard. Bring food and water. Buses make a 20-minute stop in Susques.
Tip: book in advance during peak season (July-August). Left-side seats (heading to Chile) have the best views of the Puna.
By car
The road is 100% paved. A standard car works perfectly — no 4WD needed. Net driving time: 7-8 hours, but add 1-2 hours for stops (Purmamarca, Salinas, photos) and 1 hour for border formalities. Realistic total: 10-11 hours. Leave Salta early (6-7 AM) to arrive before sunset.
Fuel: fill up in Salta and again in Susques (last fuel before Chile). There are no gas stations for 270 km between Susques and San Pedro de Atacama.
Documents required
- US/Canadian/EU/UK citizens: valid passport. No visa required (90 days tourist entry).
- Argentine citizens: DNI or passport.
- Brazilian citizens: passport or RG (Mercosur ID).
- Rental car: verify with your rental company that cross-border travel is permitted. Not all allow it. Those that do charge a surcharge (~$50-100 USD).
- Own vehicle: vehicle title, green card (registration), insurance with Chile coverage (can be purchased at the border), and if the car isn't yours, a notarized authorization from the owner.
Chilean customs — CRITICAL
Chile has the strictest phytosanitary border control in South America. You CANNOT bring:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Meat, cured meats, cheese
- Coca leaves or coca tea bags
- Honey, dulce de leche
- Seeds of any kind
Eat or discard everything before reaching the checkpoint. Fines are steep and they use dogs and scanners. If you carry yerba mate, the sealed package is technically allowed but may generate questions.
Salta → Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)
Option 1: Via San Pedro de Atacama (most popular)
Salta → Atacama (bus/car) → 3-day tour to Uyuni from Atacama. Tours include: Altiplanic lagoons, Red Rocks, Tatio Geysers, Dalí Desert, Green Lagoon, Red Lagoon, and Uyuni Salt Flats. End in Uyuni (Bolivia). Price: $200-350 USD all-inclusive (transport, accommodation, meals). Book with agencies on Calle Caracoles in San Pedro.
Option 2: Via La Quiaca/Villazón (direct through Argentina-Bolivia)
Salta → La Quiaca (Bolivia border, 310 km, 5-6h via Route 9 through the entire Quebrada de Humahuaca) → cross to Villazón → bus/train to Tupiza → bus to Uyuni. Cheaper but longer with less tourist infrastructure.
Multi-Country Itinerary Ideas
NOA + Atacama (10-14 days)
5-7 days in NOA → cross to Atacama → 3-5 days in San Pedro. Fly into Salta, fly out of Calama/Atacama, or vice versa.
NOA + Atacama + Uyuni (14-21 days)
The ultimate South American altiplano trip. Complete NOA → Atacama → 3-day Uyuni tour → fly from La Paz or return overland.
