Camino de las Altas Cumbres

The Camino de las Altas Cumbres carries the RP34 from the Punilla valley over the roof of the Córdoba sierras to Traslasierra, climbing to around 2,000 metres across the Pampa de Achala, a granite plateau of coarse grass, scattered boulders and almost no trees that feels far more remote than its distance from the city suggests. Weather changes fast up here: the plateau makes its own cloud, and drivers can leave sunshine in the valley and meet fog or hail at the top. The road passes the entrance to the Quebrada del Condorito national park, from which trails run out to the canyon rim where condors nest, and there are viewpoints, roadside crosses and old estancias along the way before the long descent into Traslasierra.

The main sights

• The Pampa de Achala - the bare granite plateau at around 2,000 metres.
• The Condorito access - the park entrance and trailhead for the canyon rim.
• The viewpoints - long views over both valleys from the high sections.
• The descent - the winding drop toward Mina Clavero in the west.

When to go

Year-round, but check the forecast: fog, hail and even snow occur at the top, and visibility can drop to nothing within minutes. Mornings are usually clearest. Cyclists use the road, and it is a demanding climb from both sides.

Good to know

The plateau is austere rather than pretty, and in bad weather the drive is unpleasant with no view at all. There are few services along the road. Wind is constant, and stopping at viewpoints in winter is genuinely cold.

Nearby

Quebrada del Condorito lies on the route; Mina Clavero and Villa Carlos Paz anchor each end.