Ruta Nacional 7 – Los Andes Pass Circuit

The RN-7 backcountry spurs split off from Chile’s main trans-Andean highway, threading through mining roads and forgotten passes above 3,000 meters. The Portillo ski area marks your jump-off point into serious altitude, where century-old mining tracks climb toward Cerro Aconcagua’s shadow. Technical sections include the abandoned Cristo Redentor railway grade and switchbacks through loose scree fields that’ll test your diff locks.

This is moderate to difficult terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD with low range and recovery gear. Best tackled April through November when snow clears but before summer washouts. No permits needed for the main route, but fuel up in Los Andes—next reliable station is Mendoza. The payoff is legitimate solitude in the roof of South America, with condor sightings and views across both countries from passes most overlanders never see.