Camino del Inca Altiplano
Drive the actual roads of a dead empire
The Camino del Inca follows 500-year-old stone pathways through Chile’s northern altiplano, connecting sacred sites the Incas used to move gold and silver from highland mines to coastal ports. This isn’t some tourist interpretation—you’ll drive actual sections of pre-Columbian road where massive stone blocks still hold the grade above 4,000 meters elevation. The route threads between Volcán Parinacota and Lago Chungará, passing through Putre and the abandoned village of Socoroma, where llama caravans once rested.
Moderate to difficult depending on weather, requiring high-clearance 4WD with spare fuel for the 240-kilometer loop through roadless sections. Best driven April through November when summer rains don’t turn clay sections into impassable bogs. Permits needed for Lauca National Park, and you’ll want emergency gear for sudden weather changes at altitude. This is living archaeology—driving the actual infrastructure of a collapsed empire through landscapes that haven’t changed since Pizarro arrived.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 149 mi / 240 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14764 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Putre, Arica y Parinacota |
| Land manager | CONAF |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner will manage the route, but rock surface and rutted sections demand low-range capability. Lifted rigs with all-terrain tires will have an easier time, but full lockers or a lift aren't mandatory. Don't attempt this in a 2WD or crossover — period.
When is the trail closed or dangerous due to weather?
December through March is the Bolivian Winter (altiplano rainy season), which brings flash flooding, washed-out crossings, and soft ground that can trap even capable 4WDs. Stick to April through November for stable conditions. Snow can occur at elevation even in shoulder months, so check local forecasts before you leave Putre.
Do I need a permit to drive this route, and who issues it?
Yes, a permit is required — CONAF (Chile's National Forestry Corporation) manages access through this area, which overlaps with protected altiplano zones. Get your paperwork sorted in Arica or Putre before heading out; rangers do check, and showing up without a permit at this altitude with no cell service is not a situation you want to negotiate your way out of.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The most demanding stretches are the rocky high-altitude segments above 13,000 ft where ancient Incan road surface is still partially intact but badly broken in places — loose rock, steep grades, and zero margin for error on exposed ledges. The altitude itself is a compounding factor: mechanical problems, tire changes, and recovery work hit harder when you're gasping at 14,700 ft. Take it slow, don't rush the 3-4 day itinerary.
How far do I need to carry fuel, and is there any resupply along the route?
There is no fuel available on the route — Putre is your last reliable fill-up before departure, and the nearest town at the end is also Putre since this is a loop. For 149 miles of rock driving in low-range, calculate your consumption conservatively and carry jerry cans. A minimum 40-liter reserve on top of a full tank is not excessive for this terrain.
Trail track
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