Camino de los Altos Hornos – Catamarca Mining Circuit
Forgotten mining roads through Catamarca's high country
This forgotten mining route cuts through Catamarca’s high country at elevations exceeding 4,200 meters, connecting abandoned copper mines and ghost settlements from Argentina’s early 20th-century mining boom. The track winds through the Cordillera de San Buenaventura, passing the ruins of Alto de la Blenda mine and crossing the notorious Quebrada del Minero, where flash floods carved house-sized boulders into the streambed that demand precise line choice.
Rated difficult due to altitude, loose scree sections, and multiple technical water crossings. High-clearance 4WD with low-range transfer case essential, plus recovery gear for the inevitable stuck-in-sand moments. Best tackled April through October when streams are manageable. No fuel or water available on route – carry 3 days minimum. Dispersed camping available near abandoned mine structures. The payoff: complete solitude and some of the most dramatic high-desert scenery in northwest Argentina.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13780 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with low-range |
| Nearest town | Tinogasta, Catamarca |
| Land manager | Catamarca Provincial Government |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lightly modified Hilux or Land Cruiser handle this trail stock?
A stock 4WD high-clearance with low-range is the hard minimum — think Hilux, Land Cruiser 70, or Patrol. The rock sections and stream crossings demand proper approach angles and low-range gearing; a lifted rig is better. All-terrain tires are non-negotiable at this altitude on wet rock.
When does snow close the trail and when does it reopen?
The trail sits above 13,700 ft at its peak — snow and ice can appear any month but November through March carries the highest risk of closures. April through October is the reliable window, with June–August being dry and cold but generally passable. Check conditions in Tinogasta before you leave; locals will know.
Do you need a permit to run this trail?
No formal permit is required for the trail itself, but some sections pass through or near active and historic mining concessions managed by the Catamarca Provincial Government — carry your vehicle documentation and passport. There are no fees currently reported by travelers running this circuit.
What's the hardest section and what makes it gnarly?
The technical stream crossings mid-circuit are the crux — at altitude, water levels shift with daily snowmelt cycles, so morning crossings are shallower than afternoon ones. Rocky ledge climbs immediately after the crossings are wet and loose, requiring precise wheel placement in low-range. A misjudged line here means a long wait for help that isn't coming fast.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead and is there water on route?
Tinogasta is your last fuel stop — tank up there and carry a reserve because the circuit is 47 miles with zero services. Water crossings exist on trail but treat or filter everything; cattle and mining runoff are both present. Plan to be fully self-sufficient for 2-3 days; cell service is zero throughout.
Trail track
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