Ruta Nacional 150 Paso Internacional de San Francisco

National Route 150 follows the ancient Inca road and colonial mule train path through the Cordillera de San Francisco, culminating at the 4,726-meter Paso de San Francisco border crossing with Chile. The route climbs from Fiambalá through increasingly barren puna landscape, passing the historic Tambo de Real de San Francisco ruins and crossing multiple high-altitude quebradas. Above 4,000 meters, the road becomes a rough track with washboard surfaces and loose volcanic gravel.

While technically accessible to stock high-clearance vehicles during good weather, the altitude and remoteness require careful preparation. The final 60 kilometers to the pass see rapid elevation gain that can trigger altitude sickness. Best accessed November through April when snow doesn’t block the upper elevations. Carry extra fuel, water, warm clothing, and emergency supplies for potential weather changes. The route offers stunning views of 6,000-meter peaks and access to some of Argentina’s most remote high-altitude terrain.