Leaving Humahuaca, the road is at first paved, but soon becomes dirt and gravel. The condition of the road depends on the weather, usually very dry, with gullies dry like this one, but summer rainstorms can wash oout the road. The best times to make this trip are in June, July, August, September and October.
The route climbs 13,500 feet and then descends to 9,300 feet to Iruya, just over the provincial border into Salta. Orient yourself with this interactive map from Expedia.
After passing the village of Iturbe, the road climbs toward Abra Condor (Condor Pass - 4000m) and the pre-puna, high Andean plateau).
