Cordillera de los Andes Paso San Francisco
Extreme altitude volcanic moonscape crossing
The Paso San Francisco cuts through some of the highest driveable terrain in South America, connecting Argentina’s Catamarca province with Chile’s Atacama Desert across a moonscape of volcanic peaks and ancient salt flats. This historic route follows old mule trains that carried silver from Potosí, climbing relentlessly through the Cordillera de San Buenaventura to the 4,726-meter pass where Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano, dominates the western horizon.
This is an extreme high-altitude route requiring properly acclimatized drivers and vehicles prepared for sub-freezing temperatures even in summer. 4WD with low range is essential for loose volcanic scree and washouts from rare but violent storms. Carry winter gear, emergency food, and extra fuel — the nearest help is 200+ kilometers away. Weather windows are brief (November-March) and altitude sickness is a serious risk above 3,500 meters. Rewards include some of the most alien landscapes on Earth and camping under crystalline Andean skies.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Extreme |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 142 mi / 228.5 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15505 ft |
| Best season | November-March |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with low range |
| Nearest town | Fiambalá, Catamarca |
| Land manager | Administración de Parques Nacionales |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| 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 lifted Tacoma or stock Hilux handle Paso San Francisco, or does this need a serious expedition build?
A stock Hilux or Tacoma with factory low range can physically drive it, but you need all-terrain tires, a reliable cold-start system, and fuel capacity for 300+ km with no services. At 4,700m your engine loses roughly 40% power — a heavily loaded, underpowered rig will struggle on the steep volcanic rubble sections.
When is Paso San Francisco actually open and passable?
November through March is the reliable window. Outside of that, snowfall and ice at altitude can close the pass without warning, and it can be impassable for days. Even in summer, afternoon storms roll in fast — plan your highest sections for morning.
Do I need permits or visas to cross into Chile at Paso San Francisco?
Yes — this is an active international border crossing between Argentina and Chile, so you need a valid passport, vehicle documentation (title or notarized permission if it's not your vehicle), and a completed DDJJ form for Chile. The border post has limited hours; confirm current hours with Gendarmería Nacional before you go because they change seasonally.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it dangerous?
The approach to the summit near 4,700m is the crux — loose volcanic rock, no guardrails, steep exposure, and altitude hitting your body and your engine simultaneously. The real danger isn't technical rock crawling, it's acute altitude sickness; if someone in your group is showing AMS symptoms, you descend immediately, no debate.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and is there any water on the route?
Carry a minimum of 150 liters of fuel — Fiambalá is your last reliable fuel stop before the crossing, and the nearest Chilean town with fuel on the other side is Copiapo, roughly 200+ km out. Water sources on route are scarce and unreliable; carry all drinking water for the full 2-3 days.
Trail track
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