Buses from Salta to San Pedro de Atacama: Companies, the Trip and the Jama Border Crossing

Salta and San Pedro de Atacama are connected by Paso de Jama: a bus trip of about 9 to 10 hours across the Puna, at more than 4,000 meters (13,100 ft) above sea level. It is the most common way to travel on from northern Argentina to northern Chile, and the other way around.

Which companies run the route

• Andesmar sells the Salta – San Pedro de Atacama route on its website, with semi-sleeper (semicama) and sleeper (cama) seats. In September 2026, ticket agencies listed a departure from Salta at 1 a.m., arriving in San Pedro at 10:30 a.m. Frequency changes with the season: check it on andesmar.com.

Schedules and days change with the season. Always confirm on the company's website or at Salta's bus terminal before finalizing your itinerary.

What the trip is like

The bus leaves Salta for San Salvador de Jujuy, climbs the Quebrada de Humahuaca to Purmamarca and goes up the Cuesta de Lipán. It passes right by Salinas Grandes, goes through Susques and reaches Paso de Jama, at about 4,200 meters (13,800 ft). From there it descends to San Pedro de Atacama, at about 2,400 meters (7,900 ft).

• You will feel the altitude. Drink plenty of water, eat light and avoid alcohol the day before. If you have heart or breathing problems, see your doctor before the trip.
• Keep warm clothes at hand. Temperatures drop sharply in the Puna, especially at night and early in the morning.

Crossing the border

• Documents: a passport, or a national ID card for citizens of Mercosur countries. If you travel with minors, bring the documents required by the immigration authorities of Argentina and Chile.
• Chile's agricultural control (SAG): you cannot bring fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, seeds or honey into Chile without declaring them. You fill out a sworn declaration during the trip; failing to declare a product can result in a fine.
• Where the checks take place: immigration and customs for both countries are handled at the integrated Jama border complex, on the Argentine side.
• Time difference: from April to early September, mainland Chile is one hour behind Argentina. The rest of the year, the time is the same.

If you are crossing, it is worth seeing the Argentine Puna first: the Salinas Grandes day tour visits the same salt flat this bus skirts, with time to get off and take photos.

Information reviewed on September 29, 2026.