Ruta Provincial 51 – Paso Sico Circuit

The Paso Sico route cuts through the heart of the Puna de Atacama, where oxygen gets thin and landscapes turn Martian. Starting from San Antonio de los Cobres, this remote border crossing climbs relentlessly through moonscape terrain dotted with vicuñas and flamingo-filled salares. The highlight is Paso Sico itself at 4,079 meters—one of Argentina’s highest vehicle-accessible passes—where you’ll find the actual border marker amid a field of volcanic peaks.

This is serious high-altitude overlanding that demands respect. Your 4WD needs to handle loose volcanic gravel, sudden weather changes, and altitude that’ll make both you and your engine work harder. Best tackled April through November when snow doesn’t block the pass. Carry extra fuel, water, and warm gear—temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer. The reward is absolute solitude in one of South America’s most alien landscapes, plus bragging rights for crossing into Chile through the back door of the Andes.