Salta and Jujuy road trip: planning outline
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This guide suits UK drivers who want a regional road trip in northern Argentina, based around Salta and the Jujuy area. It suits people who want a shorter trip rather than a long drive across the country. Use it to plan, then check each point against the official sources linked below.
The route
Argentina's official tourism site describes a northern circuit through Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy, mainly along Route 40 and Route 9 (Argentina.travel). Its named stops include Purmamarca, Maimará, Tilcara and Humahuaca (same source). It suggests about 10 days to see the main sights, the wine route and the landscapes (same source).
When to go
Argentina.travel recommends autumn and spring, naming May, June, October and November, because the weather is less hot than in summer (Argentina.travel).
Check current conditions before you set off. GOV.UK warns that wildfires may lead to road closures and affect air quality in nearby areas (GOV.UK: Argentina travel advice).
Getting there and the car
Vehicle crime is a problem in Argentina. GOV.UK advises you to keep car windows closed and doors locked when driving in major cities, and says thefts from unattended vehicles, especially hire cars, are also common (GOV.UK: Argentina travel advice).
Driving there as a UK driver
GOV.UK says to keep your UK driving licence in the car and to get the 1949 version of the International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel. It says you cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you go (GOV.UK: Argentina travel advice). For a general guide to IDPs, see driving licence and IDP abroad. GOV.UK also says you need your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad, and that you should check the travel advice for all countries you will drive through (GOV.UK: driving abroad).
Road conditions and driving behaviour
GOV.UK says respect for speed limits and traffic signals varies, and that drivers can make unexpected turns or brake suddenly (GOV.UK: Argentina travel advice).
GOV.UK also warns that demonstrators sometimes block major roads during times of social unrest, that blockades can cause significant delays, and advises against trying to cross them (same source).
Before you book
- Check current road and weather conditions, and any blockade or wildfire notices, before each leg.
- Confirm you have the 1949 version of the IDP and your UK licence for the dates you travel.
- Check the official travel advice for Argentina again close to your departure.
- Ask your hire provider about insurance, the return procedure and the handover location.
- Decide whether you will drive yourself or use a local driver or organised excursion for the highland routes.
- Keep at least one day flexible in case conditions change.
- Check the travel-health advice for your own circumstances before you plan higher-altitude days.
For other regional guides, see the Worldwide road trips hub. The road trip research checklist lists the official sources to check for each open question.
FAQs
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Argentina?
GOV.UK says to carry your UK driving licence in the car and to get the 1949 version of the IDP. It also says you cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
What is the best time to visit?
Argentina.travel recommends autumn and spring, naming May, June, October and November, when the weather is less hot than in summer.
How long should the trip be?
Argentina.travel suggests about 10 days to see the main sights, the wine route and the landscapes.
More in Worldwide road trips
Sources
- northern circuit through Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy, Routes 40 and 9, named stops, autumn and spring months, about 10 days suggested (checked )
- UK licence in the car, 1949 version of the IDP, IDP cannot be bought outside the UK, speed limits and signals, road blockades, wildfire closures, vehicle crime (checked )
- carry GB or Northern Ireland licence, check travel advice for every country on the route (checked )