Ruta de los Seismiles — San Pedro de Atacama to Paso de San Francisco via the Puna de Atacama Volcanoes
Volcanoes, flamingos, and zero margin for error.
The Ruta de los Seismiles earns its name — this is the land of the six-thousanders, a string of volcanoes along the Chilean-Argentine altiplano that top 6,000 metres and dominate every horizon. The route runs northeast from San Pedro de Atacama, climbing past Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques (stunning high-altitude flamingo lakes at 4,140 m) before pushing into the real high-desert wilderness around Salar de Aguas Calientes, Llullaillaco volcano, and ultimately crossing Paso de San Francisco at 4,726 metres into Argentina. The track surface alternates between compacted salt flat, loose volcanic rock, and wind-scoured dirt — all above 4,000 metres where every mechanical decision has bigger consequences.
Altitude sickness is the first threat and altitude sickness is the last threat. Acclimatise properly in San Pedro before you leave. You need a capable high-clearance 4WD — a Land Cruiser or equivalent — with extra fuel for at least 400 km of isolation, warm gear for sub-zero nights even in summer, and two spares minimum. The Chilean border police checkpoint at San Pedro requires vehicle documentation and passport; the Argentine side at Paso San Francisco has its own crossing formalities. Best months are October through April when roads are dry and passable; winter snowfall can close the paso entirely. Cell service: zero.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 220 mi / 354 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15505 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD, 400km fuel range |
| Nearest town | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile |
| Land manager | Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF), Chile / Gendarmería Nacional Argentina |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | CONAF — Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum rig to run this route — can a lifted Tacoma or 4Runner handle it?
You need a high-clearance 4WD with a minimum 400km fuel range — a well-built Tacoma or 4Runner can handle the terrain, but fuel capacity is the real gatekeeper. Most stock tanks won't cut it without auxiliary fuel. Add recovery gear and a cold-weather sleeping setup; breakdowns at 4,500m+ with no cell service are life-threatening, not just inconvenient.
When is this route actually driveable — does snow close it in winter?
October through April is the viable window. Winter months (May–September) bring brutal cold, snow, and ice that make the high passes impassable and dangerous. Even in the best season, afternoon storms can roll in fast at altitude, so early morning departures are standard.
Do you need permits on both the Chilean and Argentine sides?
Yes. On the Chilean side, you're passing through Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, managed by CONAF — check in with them in San Pedro de Atacama before departing. Crossing into Argentina requires standard border formalities at Paso de San Francisco, managed by Gendarmería Nacional; your vehicle paperwork and passport need to be in order before you roll.
What's the hardest section of the route and what does it actually throw at you?
The high-altitude volcanic corridors above 4,500m are where this route earns its expert rating — loose volcanic scree, undefined tracks, and sections where the 'road' is whatever line you pick across a salt flat or lava field. Altitude sickness is a genuine hazard at sustained elevations near 15,500 ft; factor in acclimatization time in San Pedro before you attempt this.
What's the fuel situation — where's the last reliable gas before the route goes fully remote?
San Pedro de Atacama is your last confirmed fuel stop before the route goes deep. There is no resupply on the Chilean side of the traverse, and options on the Argentine end near Paso de San Francisco are extremely limited. Carry enough fuel for at least 400km plus a buffer — this is a hard requirement, not a suggestion.
Trail track
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