Altos Andes Riojanos (RN 76)

From Vinchina, 70 km from Villa Unión, begins a high altitude journey along National Route 76 in the province of La Rioja. The road ascends the Quebrada de Troya and climbs the Andes until it reaches the small town of Jagüé. Between reddish mountains, vicuñas, guanacos and a landscape similar to Mars, you will feel that you are reaching the limits of the planet.

Just when you thought you had seen everything, at an altitude of 4,280 meters some reflections appear. You get closer and those reflections turn into an immense lagoon with pink flamingos and aquatic birds: it is the Laguna Brava Provincial Reserve, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Argentina. Continuing west, the Cordillera becomes wilder and wilder until reaching the Paso Pircas Negras at 4,160 meters above sea level on the border with Chile.

Route Sheet

• Kilometers: 167
• Route: National Route 76
• Type of route: 100% paved. Check the status of the route before traveling.
• When: from October to March.

Find more information about this scenic route in the must-see Laguna Brava Provincial Reserve.