Ruta Nacional 7 – Aconcagua High Route
High Andes access to the roof of the Americas
Route 7’s high-altitude detours branch off the main trans-Andean highway into the heart of Aconcagua Provincial Park, where the Western Hemisphere’s highest peak dominates the horizon at 22,837 feet. The circuit includes access roads to Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas base camps, plus remote tracks through Quebrada de Vacas and the Horcones Valley. These aren’t Sunday drives—expect washboard surfaces, river crossings, and altitude that’ll test both you and your rig above 13,000 feet.
Moderate to difficult depending on route choices, requiring high-clearance 4WD for the technical sections and low-range for river crossings during snowmelt season. Summer (December-March) offers the most reliable access, though weather can change fast in the high country. Fuel up in Mendoza and carry extra water—services are nonexistent once you leave the pavement. The payoff is unmatched access to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the continent, with opportunities for serious backcountry camping under Andean stars.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 85 mi / 136.8 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13200 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Mendoza, Mendoza |
| Land manager | Aconcagua Provincial Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| 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 route, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get you through most of it, but the rocky sections and river crossings punish low-hanging skids and stock all-terrains. Underbody protection and a capable all-terrain or mud-terrain tire are strongly advised — a lifted or skid-plated build has a much easier time here.
When is this route actually drivable, and what closes it?
December through March is your window — the high Andes snowpack makes this route impassable the rest of the year. Even within that window, sudden snowfall at 13,000+ feet can strand you, so watch weather closely and don't push late-season.
Do I need a permit to drive through Aconcagua Provincial Park, and what does it cost?
Yes, a permit is required to enter Aconcagua Provincial Park. Fees vary by nationality and season — foreign visitors typically pay significantly more than Argentine nationals. Sort this out before you leave Mendoza; there's no cell service on route to handle it remotely.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it serious?
The river crossings are the crux — glacial melt makes water levels highest in the afternoon, and the current can be deceptively strong at speed. Combine that with loose scree approaches near max elevation and thin air affecting both your judgment and your engine's performance, and this is not a trail to wing without recovery gear and a co-driver.
Where do I fuel up, and is there any resupply once I leave Mendoza?
Fuel up completely in Mendoza before you go — there is nothing reliable on this 85-mile route. Carry a minimum 20-30L of extra fuel given altitude-related consumption increases, and bring all food and water filtration for the full 3-4 days since resupply is zero once you're in the Andes.
Trail track
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