Paso de San Glorio Sierra de Famatina La Rioja
Argentina's second-highest drivable pass at 14,100 feet
The San Glorio pass climbs from Chilecito through the Sierra de Famatina on a mining road that dead-ends at 14,100 feet — higher than most Colorado peaks. Built to service La Mexicana gold mine in the early 1900s, the track switchbacks past rusted cable car towers and stone mine buildings before reaching the windswept puna where vicuñas graze between snow patches. The final approach to the pass crosses loose talus fields where vehicles have slid backward down 30-degree grades.
This is expert-level terrain requiring low-range 4WD, good tires, and altitude experience. Weather changes fast above 12,000 feet — snow can hit any month. Carry extra fuel, water, and warm gear. Cell service disappears at 8,000 feet. The reward is standing at one of Argentina’s most remote high passes, surrounded by peaks that scrape 21,000 feet and views stretching to the Chilean Andes. Only attempt this between November and March when roads are mostly clear.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14100 ft |
| Best season | November-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with low-range |
| Nearest town | Chilecito, La Rioja |
| Land manager | Gobierno de La Rioja |
| Permit required | No |
| 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 lightly lifted Hilux or Patrol handle this trail, or do I need serious modifications?
A stock Hilux or Patrol won't cut it here. You need a modified 4WD with low-range, a solid skid plate setup, and ideally a lift — the rocky surface at altitude is unforgiving and there's no recovery help coming. Underbody protection and a reliable high-lift jack are not optional.
When is Paso de San Glorio actually passable, and what kills access outside the window?
November through March is your window. Outside that, snowfall and ice at 14,100 feet close the route hard — this isn't a 'maybe passable with chains' situation, it's genuinely impassable in winter months.
Do I need any permits or special permissions to drive through the Sierra de Famatina?
The road falls under Gobierno de La Rioja jurisdiction — no formal permit is currently required for transit, but check locally in Chilecito before you go since mining activity and provincial regulations in this range can shift without much notice.
What's the hardest section and what am I actually dealing with at the technical crux?
The upper approach to the pass is the worst of it — loose fractured rock, narrow shelf road with exposure on one side, and grades that will cook a slipping clutch fast. At 14,100 feet your engine is also running significantly down on power, so whatever your rig struggled with at sea level, plan for it to be worse here.
Is there any water or fuel along the 28 miles, or do I need to carry everything from Chilecito?
Carry all fuel and drinking water from Chilecito — there are no services on route and the trail is genuinely remote. High-altitude stream water exists but treat it; dispersed camping is possible but you're committing to a self-sufficient overnight if anything goes sideways.
Trail track
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