Paso Roballos Mining Circuit
Copper ghost towns at 4,200 meters
The ghost of copper mining haunts every kilometer of this high-altitude traverse near the Argentine border. Paso Roballos sits at 4,200 meters, where abandoned mining camps and rusted machinery tell the story of Chile’s northern mineral wealth. The route follows old mining roads through the Cordillera de los Andes, crossing multiple creek beds and navigating around massive tailings piles left by decades of copper extraction.
This is serious high-altitude 4WD territory requiring modified vehicles with low-range transfer cases and experienced drivers. Altitude sickness hits hard above 3,500 meters, and weather changes fast in these peaks. April through October offers the most stable conditions, though snow can close the pass year-round. Fuel up in San Pedro de Atacama—there’s nothing for 200 kilometers. The payoff is standing where miners once pulled fortunes from the earth, with views across both Chile and Argentina.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13780 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD low-range |
| Nearest town | San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta |
| Land manager | CONAF |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or 4Runner run this trail, or does it need to be built?
Stock is not enough here. You need a modified 4WD with low-range, reinforced sidewall tires, and genuine high-clearance — the fractured rock surface will destroy standard all-seasons and bottom out factory skid plates. A lift, bash plates, and a recovery kit are non-negotiable at this altitude and remoteness.
When is Paso Roballos accessible, and what closes it down?
April through October is the reliable window. Andean winter storms from November to March dump snow above 4,000 meters and can make the route impassable for weeks at a stretch with zero warning and no rescue infrastructure nearby.
Do you need a permit to run this circuit, and who issues it?
Yes, a permit is required through CONAF (Chile's national park and conservation agency). Sort this out in San Pedro de Atacama before you leave — attempting the route without paperwork near the Argentine border zone can result in military detainment, not just a fine.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what actually makes it technical?
The approach to the 4,200-meter mining plateau is the crux — loose fractured rock, steep off-camber ledges, and no margin for line error. Combine that with altitude-robbed engine performance (expect a 20-30% power loss) and you're managing a slow, precise crawl where a wrong tire placement means a rollover with no one around to help.
Is there any water along the route, and how far is the nearest fuel from the trailhead?
Water crossings exist on the circuit but treat everything — high-altitude mining runoff carries heavy metal contamination and should never be consumed unfiltered or untreated. Fuel up completely in San Pedro de Atacama before departure; there is no fuel on route and the 75+ km of technical terrain at altitude will burn more than you expect.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.