Ruta del Aconcagua Glacier Mining Circuit
Circling South America's highest peak
This brutal high-altitude circuit circles the base of Cerro Aconcagua through abandoned copper mining operations that date back to the 1920s. The route climbs through the Quebrada de Horcones accessing remote glacier viewpoints and forgotten mining camps where rusted machinery still marks humanity’s struggle against the mountain. Key waypoints include the derelict Camp Canada mine at 4,200 meters and the technical descent through Quebrada de los Relinchos where rockfall remains a constant threat.
Extreme difficulty requires expedition-grade 4WDs with low-range gearing and emergency gear for altitude sickness — this route tops out at 4,800 meters where oxygen is thin and weather changes in minutes. December through March offers the only viable window when snow doesn’t block high passes. Carry emergency food for a week, spare fuel, and satellite communication as rescue operations are measured in days not hours. The reward is standing beneath the roof of the Americas with views that stretch to the Pacific.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Extreme |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 156 mi / 251 km |
| Duration | 4-6 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15748 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Mendoza, Mendoza |
| Land manager | Aconcagua Provincial Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lightly modified 4Runner or Land Cruiser handle this trail, or do I need a full expedition build?
A stock or lightly lifted rig won't cut it here. You need serious high-clearance 4WD with a low-range crawl ratio, skid plates, and ideally a snorkel — altitude combined with loose rock, shelf roads, and water crossings will punish anything under-built. Bring recovery gear and a spare everything.
Is this trail actually passable December through March or are there hard closures within that window?
December to March is the only viable window — snow and ice lock the high sections the rest of the year. Even within that window, early December and late March can see sudden storms that make the passes impassable for days, and Aconcagua Provincial Park can close access after heavy snowfall.
What permits do I need and where do you get them?
You need an entry permit for Aconcagua Provincial Park, issued through the Mendoza provincial park authority. Get them in Mendoza city before you leave — there's no office at the trailhead. Fees vary by season and nationality, so check current rates with the park directly before your trip.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it technical?
The exposed shelf roads above 14,000 ft are the crux — loose rock, no guardrails, significant drop-offs, and altitude hitting your engine hard. Thin air reduces power output noticeably on naturally aspirated engines, so what feels like a manageable climb at sea level becomes a grinding, overheating crawl up here.
How far out do I need to fuel up, and is water from the crossings safe to drink?
Fuel up fully in Mendoza — there's nothing reliable once you leave the city for this circuit. Glacial meltwater crossings are generally clean at the source but filter or treat everything; mining history in the area means there's a non-zero risk of heavy metal contamination in some drainages.
Trail track
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