Camino del Cóndor – Sierra de los Comechingones
Granite peaks and condor country beyond the tourist maps
This network of mining roads and cattle tracks winds through the southern Comechingones range where massive granite domes rise from oak forests and condors still nest in cliff-face aeries. The route connects abandoned tungsten mines near Merlo with the high country around Cerro Champaquí, Argentina’s highest peak outside the Andes. Expect deep river crossings during spring melt and technical rock sections that’ll test your line choice and tire compound.
You’ll need serious ground clearance and rock sliders for the granite shelves and creek beds that define this route. Moderate to difficult depending on recent weather, but always demanding respect for loose rock and steep drop-offs. Best attempted March through November when snow doesn’t block the highest ridgelines. Pack recovery gear and extra water — cell service disappears quickly once you leave the valleys, and the nearest help might be a day’s walk away.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 89 mi / 143.2 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7546 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Merlo, San Luis |
| Land manager | Provincial Parks Córdoba |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Patrol run this without modifications?
A stock 4WD with decent clearance and skid plates can handle it, but you'll want all-terrain tires — the rocky sections will shred highway rubber. Lifted rigs have an easier time on the steeper granite approaches.
Is the trail accessible in winter or after heavy rain?
The best window is March through November. Winter (June–August) brings snow and ice at elevation that can close the higher sections entirely. After rain, the dirt stretches turn to deep mud and the water crossings rise fast — don't push it.
Do I need permits to run this trail or camp along it?
Provincial Parks Córdoba manages the area — check in with them before departure as regulations and access points can change seasonally. No fee was in place at time of writing, but that can shift, and rangers do patrol the backcountry.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The technical crux hits on the upper granite track approaches where loose rock shelves and off-camber ledges demand careful tire placement and low-range crawling. At 7,546 ft max elevation, the exposure is real — a spotter helps on the tightest lines.
Is there any place to refuel or resupply along the 89-mile route?
No — there are zero services on trail. Top up fuel in Merlo before you leave and carry enough for the full 89 miles plus a buffer; the mountain terrain kills fuel economy fast. Bring all your water too, and treat anything you pull from the crossings.
Trail track
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