Cordillera de Chichas Mining Circuit
Ghost mining camps of the southern Andes
This forgotten corner of Bolivia hides a network of mining roads connecting ghost towns from the colonial silver boom. The circuit winds through the Cordillera de Chichas, linking abandoned camps like Atocha and Quechisla with active mining operations that still scratch silver from these hills. You’ll cross multiple passes above 4,500 meters, navigate through ruins of colonial-era smelters, and follow pack trails that haven’t seen regular traffic since the mines played out decades ago.
This is expert-level terrain requiring serious 4WD capability, recovery gear, and self-sufficiency for 3-4 days. The roads are often just mining tracks with washouts, rockfall, and sections that disappear entirely. Winter (May-August) is best for passability, but expect freezing temperatures and possible snow. Fuel up in Tupiza or Villazón — there’s nothing reliable once you’re in the mountains. The payoff is complete solitude, mining history frozen in time, and views across the Bolivian altiplano that few people ever see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 145 mi / 233 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14764 ft |
| Best season | May-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Tupiza, Potosí |
| Land manager | Private mining concessions |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or 4Runner run this trail, or does it need mods?
A stock rig won't cut it here. You need a modified 4WD with skid plates at minimum — rock surfaces and high-clearance ledges will destroy unprotected undercarriage. Lift, all-terrain tires, and a lockers-ready drivetrain are strongly advised.
When is the Cordillera de Chichas Mining Circuit actually passable?
May through August is the dry season window — run it then. Outside those months, Andean wet season turns high-altitude dirt into impassable mud and raises flash flood risk on the lower canyon sections significantly.
Do you need permits to drive through the mining concessions?
The trail crosses private mining concession land, not a managed national park, so there's no formal permit system or fee booth. That said, active mining operations are present — be respectful, don't block access roads, and expect to be questioned by workers or caretakers at some sites.
What's the hardest section and what makes it genuinely dangerous?
The high-altitude passes above 14,000 ft combine loose rock shelves, off-camber exposure, and no bailout options for long stretches. At this elevation, mechanical problems or a stuck vehicle in deteriorating weather can turn a bad situation into an emergency fast — there's no cell service and rescue response in this area is effectively nonexistent.
Where do you fuel up, and is 145 miles enough range to worry about?
Tupiza is your last reliable fuel stop before the circuit — fill absolutely everything you have. There are no fuel sources on trail, and 145 miles of technical low-gear driving burns significantly more than highway miles; budget for at least double your normal consumption and carry extra in cans.
Trail track
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