Argentina
[Moderator: situation doesn't justify entry in iOverlander]
In Antofagasta de la Sierra please check the road conditions with police/municipalidad when following RP43/RP17 to the northern direction to Salar de Pocitos/Punta Cauchan (RN51).
We had fresh snow in Antofagasta the night before we started. It was a good drive to Incahuasi at Salar de Hombre Muerto (about 90km). Then the road got so muddy because of the melting snow that we decided to return.
Furthermore it was not clear which way to take around or over the Salar de Hombre Muerto. Our paper map showed a way along the west shore. But in Open Street Maps there are also tracks crossing the salar (see screenshot). There are no road signs that indicate the correct direction and there was nobody to ask. So better be prepared.
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If coming from the south, check conditions here before going north.
We came from the north (august), and could not cross from Cono de Arita (near Tolar Grande) to Antofalla because there was a lot of snow (on both roads!).
Even the road from Antofagasta to Antofalla may have snow.
We also could not go from Antofagasta to Antofalla via Quebrada de Calalaste because there was literally a frozen river on the road. We could only cross via the Quebrada del Diablo, which seems to be a worse and bumpier road, but is more used by locals and tourists.
No problem to going north. I think you can do it without 4x4. You can drive over the Salar hombre de muerto. When you coming from south, you get right, befor Incahuasi. In MapsMe you can see this way.
Report Check-Inin antofogasta de la sierra we asked at the tourist information for the road conditiones and filled up our watertank. the first 100km to the salar de hombre muerto is a bad gravel road with lots of bumps. But absolutely doable and worth about the scenery. at the salar de hombre muerto we took the left road to the mina incahausi. may be its a better drive over the salar, we didn`t do it. after the salar the road is getting better and better. They prepare the road for the trucks from the companys in the mountain.
Report Check-InThere is a man before old fuel station who sell gasoil. Better be prepared befor heading to the mountain to Antofalia. 25pesos for a liter, better than be short of it....
Report Check-InThe road to Salar del Hombre Muerto is still closed cause off snow, while the alternative roads to Antofalla and Tolar Grande are open as usual. Good info is provided by Casa de Piedra Cabins and Alma Gaucho Expeditions in the center of Antofagasta: Avenida Belgrano.
Report Check-InIn Antofagasta de la Sierra please check the road conditions with police/municipalidad when following RP43/RP17 to the northern direction to Salar de Pocitos/Punta Cauchan (RN51).
We had fresh snow in Antofagasta the night before we started. It was a good drive to Incahuasi at Salar de Hombre Muerto (about 90km). Then the road got so muddy because of the melting snow that we decided to return.
Furthermore it was not clear which way to take around or over the Salar de Hombre Muerto. Our paper map showed a way along the west shore. But in Open Street Maps there are also tracks crossing the salar (see screenshot). There are no road signs that indicate the correct direction and there was nobody to ask. So better be prepared.