Ruta Nacional 7 – Paso Libertadores to Portillo Circuit

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.