Ruta Nacional 7 – Paso Libertadores to Portillo Circuit
High Andes technical circuit above the ski valley
The gravel spur roads off Ruta Nacional 7 between Paso Los Libertadores and Portillo take you into some of the highest accessible terrain in the Central Andes. The main circuit follows old mining tracks above the treeline, passing the abandoned Disputada mine workings at over 4,000 meters. The route threads between massive peaks including Cerro Aconcagua’s southern flanks, with technical sections through loose scree and stream crossings that can turn nasty during snowmelt.
This is expert-level terrain requiring proper 4WD with low-range, recovery gear, and high-altitude experience. Summer months (December-March) offer the only reliable access, and weather can change fast above 3,500 meters. No services exist beyond Los Andes, so carry extra fuel, water, and emergency supplies. The payoff is access to some of Chile’s most remote high-altitude camping with views into Argentina’s wine country and the towering Andes backbone.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13120 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with low-range |
| Nearest town | Los Andes, Valparaiso |
| Land manager | CONAF |
| Permit required | No |
| 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 lightly lifted Tacoma or 4Runner handle this, or does it need serious mods?
Stock rigs will get hurt here. You need a modified 4WD with genuine low-range, solid skid plates, and at minimum 2-3 inches of lift with all-terrain tires. The rocky sections above 11,000 feet are sharp and unforgiving on factory undercarriage.
When is the trail actually open and driveable?
December through March only — this is a southern hemisphere summer route. Outside that window the high sections are buried under snow and the passes can close without warning. Don't gamble on shoulder months above 10,000 feet in the Andes.
Do I need a permit from CONAF or any fees to run this circuit?
CONAF manages the land and may require entry registration or fees depending on current regulations — check directly with the Los Andes CONAF office before you go, as enforcement and fee structures change seasonally. Border proximity also means you should have your vehicle documentation and passport accessible at all times.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it technical?
The upper circuit above 12,000 feet throws loose rock, off-camber shelf road, and steep exposed switchbacks at you with zero guardrails and big air on the downhill side. At that altitude your engine loses power and your brain works slower — both matter when you're picking lines on loose scree.
Is there any water on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There are water crossings on route but treat everything before drinking — glacial melt carries contaminants from old mining activity in this area. Fuel up in Los Andes before heading up; there's no gas on the circuit and you're looking at a solid fuel burn with the altitude and technical terrain eating into your range.
Trail track
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